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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.