Quite literally, James Coates is one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet. The centerpiece of local roots rock outfit James Coates and the Lost Souls, Coates seems to literally bleed emotion through his music (and even eyes). Saturday at Metronome Coffee on Sixth Avenue Coates will go solo - armed with only an acoustic guitar and a whole lot of heart. Later in the month, March 15 to be exact, Coates will do the same at the Mandolin Café.

[Metronome Coffee, 11 p.m., no cover, 3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma]