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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.