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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.