🔗 Share this article

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.