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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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 grip over the audience's emotions. She finished 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 coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale 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 times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.