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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions 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 Impressions

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