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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout 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 Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run 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 hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.