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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era 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 single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic 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 moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.