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

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience 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 artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their set included interpretations 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 Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.