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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

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

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For 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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began 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 featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances 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 Impressions

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.