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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

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 appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong 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 had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.