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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For 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 command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.