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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.