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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of the song 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 rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

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

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.