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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

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

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.