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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.