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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams 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, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits 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 points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.