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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

“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

“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

“Quinton Barnes is a relentlessly ambitious Montreal-based artist exploring the edges of Canada’s music scene. Since 2018, he’s built a unique sound, writing, rapping, singing, producing, mixing, and mastering his own work across a prolific discography, pushing the boundaries of hip hop, R&B, hyperpop, footwork and experimental music.”
From: Quinton Barnes with The Black Noise Ensemble

“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