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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.