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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage 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 earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.