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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.