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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version 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 opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece 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 holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.