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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.