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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing 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 declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.