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Bristol's R&b Scene

Headfirst brings you the best R&B events in Bristol. Whatever kind of R&B you're into - from cheesy classics to contemporary tearjerkers - Bristol has everything you need. Many of the biggest R&B acts regularly tour the city, if you're looking for a live gig. Key venues like Colston Hall, Trinity Centre and the O2 Academy host concerts from larger international acts.

Or if you're a less discerning R&B head, clubs like Popworld and Bunker and nights like Bump N Grind at Thekla cater to locals and students who just want to hear the hits (think Destiny's Child, Blu Cantrell, Sisqo and all the classics). These places are heaving all week round so you need never go without your R&B fix (or listen alone in your room).

Bristol is a great city for all music so it's no surprise your R&B tasts will be well catered for.

Buy tickets for r&b events in Bristol

What our editors say

“Blending post-punk, R&B, new wave, and electro-funk with raw emotional intensity. Marcus has quickly become one of music’s most exciting new voices. His critically acclaimed debut Erotic Probiotic 2 and follow-up EP Catching Chickens have earned him praise from Pitchfork, The Guardian, and CRACK Magazine.”
From: Nourished by Time

“Growing up in South London within a British-Bengali household, Tara Lily developed a singular perspective on music and global culture. Immersed in the vibrant sounds of her multicultural surroundings, she absorbed everything from jazz and electronica to alternative R&B and classical Indian soundscapes.”
From: Tara Lily + Support

“A project of highly acclaimed pianist & producer Moses Yoofee - the Moses Yoofee Trio draws influence from the fields of jazz, hip-hop, R&B and soul. Oozing talented musicianship & vibrant energy, with the band lighting up the European continent with their obscenely tight shows.”
From: Moses Yoofee Trio in Bristol

“The Phoenix River Band play all original music merging Rock, R&B, Blues, Country Rock and Americana. Composing and playing songs with driving beats and soulful melodies, in a style associated with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, The Allman Brothers, The Eagles and Chris Rea, the band successfully mixes roots and rock from both sides of the 'Pond'. Phoenix River Band's roots stretch back over 15 years comprising a large back catalogue of original and varied songs stretching over five albums. The band has performed with many classic artists including Wishbone Ash, Love Revisited, 10cc, The Blockheads, The Yardbirds, Focus and Walter Trout.”
From: Phoenix River Band

“Based in Bristol, Omi is a singer-songwriter weaving the soulful elegance of classic jazz with the slick rhythms of pop and R&B. Her music is a diary of heartbreak, girlhood, and emotional grit - turning life’s messier moments into smooth, groovy confessionals. With a voice that’s both sweet and smokey, Omi brings fierce vulnerability to every track, making sadness swing and giving defiance a melody. Her songs are an outlet, a rebellion, and a celebration.”
From: Layla Luv + Omi + Ilaina