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This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining 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 legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up 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 deeply emotional 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 hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful 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 production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.