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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

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 show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest 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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.