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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.