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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never 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.

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 slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.