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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

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

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “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 emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run 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 had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.