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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.