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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.