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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.