🔗 Share this article

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke 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 deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.