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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics 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 included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems 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 paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.