🔗 Share this article

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

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

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

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.