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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

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

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal 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 harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.