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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

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

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For 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, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.