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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

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 delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, 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 Christmas Spirit

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

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.