The Soul Spectacular Tour, in which Karl Denson's Tiny Universe presents a Ray Charles Boogaloo Dance Party with special guest Zach Deputy and The Cosmic Horns, erupts at the Arcata Theatre Lounge. Quick history: Denson first came to prominence as a member of Lenny Kravitz's band, then, in 1993, joined DJ Greyboy in creating Greyboy Records and released the legendary acid jazz staple, Freestylin. Out of that collaboration, Denson formed The Greyboy Allstars, which spread "West Coast Boogaloo" worldwide. Denson's been emphasizing vocals and adding funk, R&B and hip-hop elements all the way to his latest release, Brother's Keeper, which continues his artistic evolution fusing sounds from rock to funk to Afrobeat. For his part, Deputy serves up soulful rhythm and blues, with flavors of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder.

Doors opens at 8 p.m., cost is $25 with advanced tickets available at Wildberries Marketplace, Peoples Records, The Works and the ATL. $20 limited advanced tickets available at the ATL's website. 21 and over. An 8 on the date night meter — a 9+ if you get dinner at Tomo or Renata's first.


Singer/songwriter Christine Lavin cracks people up with her smart, funny original songs and giddy stories at the Arcata Playhouse. Fans of witty, insightful, silly folk artists, rejoice! Claudia Russell opens with Bruce Kaplan on mandolin. Russell has shared stages with Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, Loudon Wainwright III, Kris Kristoffersen, Willie Nelson and then some.

The show is presented in association with Humboldt Folklife Society. Tickets are $15 general and $13 HFS or Playhouse members and are available at Wildwood Music, Wildberries Marketplace or by reservation at 822-1575. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show time at 8 p.m. A 7.5 on the place-where-singles-can-meet-smart-mature-women-under-low-pressure-circumstances or long-established-couples-not-into-loud-music-date-night meters, respectively.

Full Hum here.