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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

“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

“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

“Lily Mackay & Friends return to the Gallimaufry for the 5th instalment of their much loved reworks series - this time celebrating the radiant and soulful sounds of Olivia Dean. As one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary artists, Olivia Dean has created a sound that feels both timeless and fresh, blending elements of R&B, neo-soul and jazzy pop into her unmistakably honest and heart-felt songwriting.”
From: A Night of Olivia Dean

“Rahsaan Patterson’s career is proof that an artist can be progressive while firmly based in gospel and R&B traditions. After a 13-year period entailing a co-starring role on Kids Incorporated, songwriting triumphs with Brandy’s “Baby” and Tevin Campbell’s “Back to the World,” and other activity behind the scenes, Patterson finally made his solo major-label debut with a self-titled album (1997) that started an unbroken streak of moderately successful, stylistically adventurous studio recordings.”
From: Rahsaan Patterson CANCELLED