This Evening Is Richie-Rich

In the course of his 30-plus year career, Lionel Richie has made the rare journey from pop-superstardom to soft-rock punch line and back to something approaching critical relevance. Starting with his days in the Commodores, Richie came to define the soulful, sensitive male with songs that mixed light funk with deep feelings. His ascendance in the early ´80s came on the trail of such heat-seeking comets like “Hello” and “Dancing on the Ceiling,” but his lesser-played gems (“My Love” in particular) are reminders of the man’s ability to hit that soft, sweet spot in listener’s hearts. Local soul man Arvell Keithley pays tribute to Lionel’s oeuvre tonight at Finale Music and Dining (8025 Bonhomme Avenue, Clayton). Arvell performs two Richie-centric shows (at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.), and tickets are $16 per show. For more information, call 314-863-8631 or visit www.finale-stl.com.