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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply 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 command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful 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 production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.