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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.