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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era 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 solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “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 crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.