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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage 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. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted 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 on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.