As ever, Trevor brought a certain soulfulness to Birmingham on Sunday night when the Rhythm Nation came live from the Sanctuary club. A certain Miss Alicia Keys gave an amazing performance with her live band. We got amongst the crowd and found out where to find the best R&B in Birmingham plus what they all made of falling in love (awww!)...

Alicia Keys
Is it hard performing for radio?
Uh uh - no it's pretty much the same, I like it when it's live because it's really just like a show, you know, right there, intimate - let's do it, let's go!! It was fun.

What's it like when you play live?
A lot of fun, very much just interaction between myself and the crowd. Ninety nine percent of the time I'm behind the keyboard, but there's another percentage where I get up and we do our thing, and we have some fun. So it's really intimate, but it's a lot of fun.

In recent live performances, you did a couple of classical pieces - what can people expect of you in that direction?
I studied classical for 13 years and it's definitely a love of mine so... I like like to kind of 'mess 'em up' in the show, so to speak - I do them a little untraditionally.

Are you trying to convert the kids on the street to classical music?
I don't know about all that, but you never know!

Have you been to Europe before?
I've been to Spain, I've just left Paris - that was wonderful, it was my first time. I've been to Italy very very briefly, and of course London. So I've got some more to do.

Do you speak any other languages?
I used to speak French... so when I was in Paris everything looked familiar - I could really do it if I stayed for at least a week, that would've been good. But right now I'm a little rusty.

What have you been told about Birmingham?
Well, I've been told that they have great chocolate, I've been told that it's one of the biggest cities, I've been told something about a 'Spaghetti Conjunction', and a soccer team - which is 'football' over here but soccer to me.

What have you been told about Trevor Nelson?
I have not met him but I did do kind of a live thing for him - a Smokin' Room session. I do know that he's supported me from day 1, so I appreciate that.

What's the best thing about falling in love?
That it feels good, in lots of ways! I fall in love every day with the same person, and then I fall in love all over again with my music. With music, period.

The Crowd
Beth from Doncaster, Sarah from Manchester, Sarah from Derby, Tessa from Bath (and their friend!)
Why are you here?
We're at university in Birmingham, and we really wanted to see Alicia Keys.
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
There aren't many nights which is probably why this one is so popular, a lot of people have travelled to come to this night so it shows the demand for it.
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Aaliyah
What's the best thing about falling in love?
Feeling excited about life, the butterflies you get in your stomach.
What are the three things you love the most?
Chocolate, Friends and Alcohol!

Vanessa from Birmingham
Why are you here?
All my friends are here and I love Alicia Keys and Trevor Nelson. I knew the night was going to be absolutely wicked and that everyone was gonna be here, it's the best party!
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
Bonds on a Saturday night and Bar 260 on a Sunday night - they're absolutely brilliant, I love going to both of them! Plus the Belfry on a Monday night, that's off the hook.
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Destiny's Child, Usher & Aaliyah.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
I've never been in love so I couldn't say!
What are the three things you love the most?
My mother, living in general and raving with my friends

Rachel from Cardiff Uni, Fiona & Donna from Birmingham Uni
Why are you here?
We came to see Alicia Keys (and Rachel reckons that no-one in Cardiff likes R&B).
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Dr Dre.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
The soppy feeling you get when someone loves you back.
What are the three things you love the most?
Shoes, Music and Dancing!

Andrew from Birmingham
Why are you here?
I've just come to check Alicia Keys because I've missed her twice before!
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
Check out a place called Bonds, there's Soul City on Saturdays with regular DJs and guests - it's the bomb! It's the only credible R&B night in Birmingham.
What's the worst thing about falling in love?
The worst thing is when the girl leaves ya and you've lent her some CDs and you can't get 'em back!!
What are the three things you love the most?
Music, Football and Playstation!

Solomon from Gloucester, Kevin and Lance from Birmingham.
Why are you here?
Everybody's here, we love the R&B and Hip Hop on Radio 1.
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
We have to represent our man Dennis who does Soul City at Bonds on a Saturday.
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Usher, Ja Rule.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
It makes you do some silly stuff that you wouldn't do normally - it makes you lose your head!
What are the three things you love the most?
Money, women and cars - simple!!

Dennis from Birmingham, and China from Manchester
Why are you here?
We wanted to check out what else was going on - Alicia Keys was great.
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
Mcluskys on a Tuesday and Bonds on a Saturday (Dennis is on a crusade to spread R&B into the heart of Birmingham).
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Mis-Teeq, Craig David, Mary J Blige and Aaliyah.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
China: You forget about all the troubles in the world and know that someone's there to catch you - it's when it breaks that you start 'falling'. Dennis: To be content and have peace of mind.
What are the three things you love the most?
Music, Dancing and Physical Fitness.

Simone & Lydia from Birmingham.
Why are you here?
Everyone was talking about it, so we had to come and see Trevor and Alicia Keys.
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
Bar 260 which is on tonight and Bonds on a Saturday, Seduction @ Sanctuary on a Friday.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
Just being with someone who loves you as much as you love them.
What are the three things you love the most?
Music, dancing and eating!

Jessica and Groopish from North London.
Where do you go for good R&B in Birmingham?
Que Club, Mcluskys, DNA, Bonds is good on a Saturday night.
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Michael Jackson.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
Jessica: The presents!
Groupish: No, no - it's the happiness.
What are the three things you love the most?
Food, Tennis and Cars

What's your name and where are you from?
Michael from Texas.
Why are you here?
I'm in London for a year on a basketball internship, I heard about this night and I had to come up here.
Which other R&B artists do you rate?
Jay Z, the Rawkus crew.
What's the best thing about falling in love?
In my hood they say you should NEVER get involved with the L-O-V-E word - it's more trouble than it's worth!
What are the three things you love the most?
My platinums, my basketball and my game.