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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

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

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions 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 Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.