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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.