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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared 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 not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For 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, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching 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 tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances 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.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.