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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply 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 audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations 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 Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage 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 snow.