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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles 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 heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced 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.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.