🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

The Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.