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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing 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 show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest 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 single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition 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 began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme 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

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.