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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

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 backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered 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 crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, 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 tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances 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

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.