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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.