This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing 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 stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
Astrophysicist and space technology consultant with 15 years of experience in lunar mission planning and research.
