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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

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

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.