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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

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