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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, 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 accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions 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.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.