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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience 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 musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly 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-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong 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 sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.