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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.