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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, 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 Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.