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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful 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 live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.