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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.