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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition 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 began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.