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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

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

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.