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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.