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The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals 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 inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances 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 Impressions

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.