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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated 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 reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.