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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-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 harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.