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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing 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 catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece 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 concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.