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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.