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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

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

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.