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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.