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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated 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 harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to 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 Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.