🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.