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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, 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 headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.