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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience 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 musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature 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 performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.