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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.