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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

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

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.