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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood 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 Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.