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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly 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 hearts. 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 dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.