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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing 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 stated earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.