The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run 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 feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
Elena Vance is a digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK business consulting, specializing in technology-driven growth solutions.