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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining 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 heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, 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 profoundly emotional moment. “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 command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics 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 included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.