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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For 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, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.