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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

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

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong 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 had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.