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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.