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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

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

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing 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 matching white suits, 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 accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.