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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

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

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme 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 production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.