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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.