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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.