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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.