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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

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 delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.