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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.