There is such a thing as a once-in-a-lifetime concert, packed with show-stopping artists. If ever one of these shows has hit the Puget Sound area - Soul Fest is it. Hailing from the early- and mid-1990s (what I would argue was the last era of soul music), several R&B crooners and an MC come to Tacoma and the Temple Theatre this Friday. Known for songs that inspire love, lust and panty-droppin', Atlanta's famed quintet, Silk (of "Freak Me" fame) headlines. They are joined by H-Town (Houston's own "Knockin' Da Boots" boys); the infamous and brilliant R&B writer/singer Chico Debarge; and another boot-knocker from the early-1990s, Candyman. 

For those fellas who've been begging her for a date, this could be the one she finally says yes to.

To say this is a powerful lineup is an understatement. Sure, some consider Candyman a one-hit wonder, but he is hugely respected by the West Coast/L.A. hip-hop community as more than just the guy who said, "We'll still end up knockin' ‘da boots." 

Chico Debarge is another story. Chico is the youngest sibling of the lauded ‘80s sensation that was his family's group, Debarge. His family was touted as being the next coming of the Jackson 5 after dropping gems like "Rhythm of The Night," "I Like It," "All This Love" and "Love Me In A Special Way."  However, the family group fizzled and Chico eventually became a solo artist. Most of Chico's success came after his imprisonment on a drug-trafficking conviction in the mid-1990s. Chico tells his story through his music. The level of love, pain and storytelling on his Long Time No See (1998) album is eerily reminiscent of the immortal Marvin Gaye's magical voice and vision.

I didn't get to talk with Silk, the legendary crooners out of Atlanta discovered by Keith Sweat, but I did have a chance to chop it up with H-Town a while back. Shazaam and G.I. are the remaining members of the group after Shazaam's twin brother, Dino, was killed in a 2003 car accident. H-Town continues to move the crowd by doing what they love. 

"Dino will always be a part of H-Town, and he's still with us in spirit. So we keep doing what we love, and we love our fans and the affection they give us," said Shazaam. "We can't do it without our fans, so we come ready to give them our best every time we touch the stage." 

This Soul Fest is exactly what Tacoma needs more of: a grown, sexy, mature and soulful lineup catering to a terribly underserved niche in the Puget Sound area. Hosted by Ralph Porter and DJ Uncle Guy, the lineup itself will take care of most of your entertainment needs. The only question is where to go after you and your date's temperatures have risen.  Check, check it out.

Soul Fest

with Silk, H-Town, Chico Debarge, Candyman
Friday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m., $40-$60
Temple Theatre, 47 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma
253.272.2042