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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd 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 Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.