"Nice to meet you," he said. "My name is Soul."

We met in Downtown Oakland on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I was waiting for my friend; Soul was waiting for someone like me. As we shook hands, his eyes told the truth of his name: this man definitely embodied a whole lot of soul.

We spoke passionately about House music and the scenes in the Bay Area and in New York. He lived in New York for many years, frequenting the same Shelter parties as my friends and I had attended. He had, in my judgment, the cool of a New Yorker, infused with the mellow of a Northern Californian. A great mix - one that I hope reminds you of me. nyuk nyuk nyuk.

Soul and I swapped quick anecdotes about memorable moments in our club-going, music-addicted, dance-crazed lives before he shared with me a postcard. Subtle, simple, black and white - this 4" by 6" card served as invitation to the kind of journey that made my heart spasm joy. It read:

"The Must Be The Place" is an underground culture powered by music, art & radical thinking. We are here to allow you the freedom to truly let go and be amongst individuals that not only release passion but encourage it....Deep house & classics relentlessly pursued by Soul Luciani."

This Must Be The Place gathers this Sunday, in Oakland, from 3pm til 9pm at 2022 Telegraph Ave (around the corner from 19th St BART). Deep House and Classics. $5 cover. And BBQ.

Yes, please.

Sunday, March 21
This Must Be The Place
Deep House and Classics by Rahiem Jihad and Soul Luciani
BBQ by FoxyRoxy
Hosted by Smart Energy
2022 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
3pm - 9 pm
$5

See you there!