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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.