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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.