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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.