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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up 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 emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.