My experience at the R&B Only event in Austin, Texas
As part of my birthday trip, I decided to attend the R&B Only event in Austin, Texas, produced by COLORS Worldwide. This DJ-driven event is for all the R&B lovers, playing classic and contemporary R&B tracks that keep the energy flowing all night. Having already attended the R&B Only events in Dallas, I was excited to see how Austin’s vibe would measure up, especially with a group of my closest family and friends traveling from Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to join me.
The R&B Only Experience
R&B Only is more than just a party; it's a national tour designed to bring people together through the love of R&B music. True to its promise, the Austin event delivered on atmosphere and music for the most part. We danced, sang along to our favorite songs, and enjoyed the energy of being surrounded by fellow R&B fans.
However, the night came with some unexpected twists. For the first time in my R&B Only experience, the DJ introduced a hip-hop section in the night. While I can appreciate a good hip-hop set, my group and I felt this was a departure from the "grown and sexy" R&B atmosphere we had come to expect. Thankfully, it was a brief interlude and didn't overshadow the rest of the night. Interestingly, a friend who attended the R&B Only event in Memphis mentioned a similar shift in the playlist, and she too felt it disrupted the mood. While I understand the producers’ desire to mix things up, I hope future events stick more closely to the R&B focus that sets them apart.
A Different Vibe in Austin
Another surprising moment was an unfortunate fight that broke out during the event. This was a first for me at an R&B Only gathering, and while it was quickly handled, it did shift the energy in the room. Compared to my experiences at the Dallas events, Austin felt a bit different. While the music and production were on point, the overall vibe didn’t quite match the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere I’ve come to associate with R&B Only.
Lessons for Future Events
Despite these events, I wouldn’t hesitate to attend R&B Only again, though next time, I’ll likely stick to when they come to the city I live in. Traveling for this event was a fun experience for my birthday, but the Austin trip reminded me that every city brings its own unique vibe to the tour. In the future, I’ll probably attend the Houston stop and avoid the extra travel.
Final Thoughts
R&B Only remains a standout for fans of R&B music who want a space to celebrate the genre. While Austin’s event came with some unexpected twists, the core of the experience—great music and good company—was still there. If you’re considering attending, it’s worth checking out, especially if there’s a stop in your city. Just be prepared for the possibility of a hip-hop interlude, and as always, bring a group of friends who share your love for R&B.
