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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced 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 renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.