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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist 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 heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed 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 memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced 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.

Overall Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.