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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage 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 artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, 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 reactive 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances 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.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.