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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

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

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.