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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits 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 included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to 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 evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.