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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong 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 experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.