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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.