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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, 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 audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.