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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

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

However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

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

Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.