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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.