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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.