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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout 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 embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.