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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.