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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up 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 deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.