🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

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

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.