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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.