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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “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, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout 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 turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.