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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.