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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing 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 sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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 featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.