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This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.