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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

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

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, 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

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong 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 glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.