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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.