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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to 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.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.