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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main 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 heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions 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.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.