🔗 Share this article

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.