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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke 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 deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.