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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For 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 command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.