Concert Review : Q Parker @ Bethesda Theater
As Halloween approached just a couple of days later, Washington, D.C.’s Bethesda Theater hosted Q Parker, a founding member of the legendary R&B quartet 112, for his Romance Dealer Tour. He was supported by Scooby Da God Son and his musical director on Thursday, October 29.
As a longtime fan of Q, both as a member of 112 and as a solo artist, I was determined not to miss this opportunity to see him live. In the past, I missed his shows in the D.C. area and nearby Baltimore because of other commitments.
The evening began with a set from Q’s musical director, who performed original songs alongside covers of Usher’s “Nice & Slow” and Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.” His concise, engaging performance impressed me, and I would welcome the chance to interview him for my platform.
Up next was D.C.-based artist Scooby Da God Son, who received a warm reception from his hometown crowd. He showcased original material, a Maxwell cover, and his hit “Rhythm Like This.” This was my first time seeing him perform live, and I was struck by his impressive vocals, stage presence, and chemistry with his backing band.
When Q Parker took the stage, he was met with adoring cheers from his female fans. One of the first things that caught my attention was his backing band. In an era where many singers rely on pre-recorded tracks, it was clear that Q is dedicated to his craft as an independent artist. The musicians were in sync with him throughout the performance, demonstrating a genuine musical connection.
In interviews, Q has never claimed to be a top-tier vocalist; instead, he describes his voice as an instrument that requires care. This philosophy was evident during his performance. There were no unnecessary vocal runs, and I didn’t hear any missed notes. Instead, Q relied on his control, familiarity with the material, and an understanding of what works best for his voice. Sometimes, knowing what not to do vocally is just as important as knowing what you can do.
Q kicked off his set with upbeat numbers before transitioning into “Show You How,” the debut single from his underappreciated solo album, *The Manual*. He then performed a nostalgic medley of 112 classics, including “Only You,” “Anywhere,” and “Come See Me.” These selections reminded audiences of the group’s remarkable catalog while allowing Q to acknowledge the musical foundation that helped launch his career.
Once the crowd was warmed up, Q turned the focus to his solo material, performing his lush new ballad “Stare” and a medley of selections from his second solo album. One highlight of this portion was watching couples he invited onstage dance together. His interpolation of Freddie Jackson’s classic “Rock Me Tonight” added an extra layer of old-school romance to the performance.
As the night wound down, Q entertained the audience with a humorous song about the three F’s of keeping a man happy before performing “Beg,” the lead single from his newest album. The evening concluded with a performance of the beloved 112 classic “Cupid,” an apt closing selection for a show centered on romance.
While I would have loved for Q to explore his 112 catalog further with a dedicated ballad medley, that minor disappointment did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the evening.
More importantly, Q Parker showcased that his musical identity extends well beyond his contributions to 112. Through his commitment to live musicianship, confidence in his solo material, and ability to connect with the audience, Q made a compelling case for himself as an artist still capable of offering meaningful contributions to R&B fans.
If his goal with the Romance Dealer Tour was to continue building his individual brand while prioritizing romance in his music, he undoubtedly succeeded.
Final Grade: A
