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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing 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 stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.