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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing 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 stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.