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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from 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 musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.