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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

“The Foo Birds are an independent five-piece band whose unique musical partnership has been evolving for over a decade. Their sound blends the warmth and groove of nu-soul / R&B with the improvisational elements of jazz and catchy hooks of modern pop. It is characterised by the powerful voice of Kate Lister, with lyrics exploring the joys and vulnerabilities of being human in an ever-changing world.”
From: The Foo Birds

“Amber Mark is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. Her multifaceted style implements sounds from hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul, and bossa nova. She released her first album, 3:33am, in May 2017, followed by her EP Conexão in 2018. Her second album, Three Dimensions Deep, was released in January 2022.”
From: Amber Mark

“Meet papaya noon, the Cardiff-based band that can count Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot, Queen Latifa and Fatman Scoop as fans. papaya noon seamlessly blends jazz-infused soul with intimate female vocals to create vibrations that are nostalgic of the 90s. Their adoration for jazz, R&B, hiphop and soul has created a sound that has resonated with celebrities and music lovers alike, garnering well as over 80,000 followers online as well as a slew of fantastic live performances.”
From: Papaya noon

“Amri fuses her roots in Indian Carnatic music into her much-loved Soul and R&B to create a fresh, new, colourful sound. Her lyrics touch on her exposure in the world as a young woman of colour; translating this into both lyric and sound. Born and primarily brought up in London alongside Guernsey, amri draws from these experiences in her writing.”
From: Lokkhi Terra meets Dele Sosimi

“Crawfish are a 5-piece blues band from Bristol, known for their authentic take on R&B from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. Fronted by seasoned vocalist Mike Crawford and featuring some of Bristol’s finest musicians, Crawfish specialise in jump blues and early rock and roll, delivering infectious grooves and a vibrant, swinging rhythm. Their performances capture the timeless sound of classic American music while adding a fresh, modern energy that’s uniquely their own.”
From: Crawfish + Joss James