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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.