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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set 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 Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale 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 feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.