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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

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

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

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout 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 embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.