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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the 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 breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured covers of influences, such as 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

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood 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.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.