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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

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 performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.