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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.