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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.