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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.