🔗 Share this article

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall 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 effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.