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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep 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 delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.