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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live 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 stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.