🔗 Share this article

This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.