🔗 Share this article

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.