This sounds almost like something our Boom Bap friends would bring you over at The 5 Spot on a Monday night. We’ve been talking a lot about party bands lately, and there may not be a more fun, rump shaking, good time than Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. But, this soul spectacular featuring the songs of Ray Charles strikes us an equivalent to one of those Bonnaroo superjams that people talk about for years to come. You can check below for an idea of what tonight might be like, and you can head over to the Exit/In website to grab your tickets for booty jiggling fun right here.
KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE
Steeped in the funk, saxophonist Karl Denson is no stranger to the party. Denson was a founding member of the boogaloo revivalist group Greyboy Allstars, has spent considerable time touring his sax in Lenny Kravitz’s entourage, and currently parties on the road with Slightly Stoopid. However, he is a funk force is in his own right with his party crew, Tiny Universe. Known for their ass-moving good times, they are constantly in rotation for New Years Eve parties at some of the highest profile venues in the country (I wish I had a blog to link back to from NYE’s past at The Fillmore in San Francisco).
So, where did this tribute to Ray Charles come into play? It started at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this past spring, when Denson’s Tiny Universe joined forces with Zach Deputy (who’s opening things up tonight) and John Cleary for an obviously well received tribute to Charles, and then the show had to hit the road. You have your chance to watch this epic, likely once in a lifetime, tribute show from the comforts of your own area code tonight when Karl Denson and crew are rolling through Exit/In to perform this magic. No word yet on what kind of cameo appearances you can expect, but, in the tradition of most boogaloo, we would be shocked if there wasn’t a cool stand in or two to add a little additional spice to an already mouthwatering night.
Check out the video below of the band’s seminal Jazz Fest performance of “Unchain My Heart” and “Busted” below to get a feel of what the evening will entail. And, if you haven’t already, grab those tickets right here.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe bring you the Ray Charles Boogaloo Dance Party tonight (11/12) at Exit/ In. The show is 18+, begins at 9pm (doors at 8pm), and tickets are available for $18.
