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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued 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 peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.