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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage 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 artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing 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 earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.