I'm treading on shaky ground here, because I know there is nothing more pretentious than a Westerner talking about Eastern mysticism. And I'm as skeptical about such things as Rush Limbaugh would be at a Bruce Springsteen concert.

But I have felt something visceral at Hussain's shows. I've felt a power in this music -- call it magic, mysticism, ecstasy -- that goes beyond anything I've experienced in thousands of other concerts.

I've come out healthy, after going in sick; I've gone in tired and come out energized; I've gone in feeling routine, humdrum and average and come out with a glimpse of nirvana.

If you want to see a Beatle: You still can -- there are $38.75 lawn seats available for Sunday's Bridge School Benefit concert at Shoreline at 2 p.m. Sunday. Paul McCartney headlines. For tickets: (408) 998-8497.

Mark Weiss, former concert promoter at the Cubberley Theater, is bringing three shows to ART21 gallery, 539 Alma St., Palo Alto. Malcolm "Papa Mali" Welbourne, in a tribute to Jerry Garcia, on Thursday, and Alexis Harte of Berkeley opens for baritone saxophonist Claire Daly on Friday. Both shows are at 8 p.m., $10 at the door ($8 advance). And finally, Ethan Iverson of the Bad Plus will be at ART21 at 2 p.m. Sunday performing solo piano. Tickets are $12 at the door ($10 advance). Call (650) 566-1381 or go online to www.art21.us/events.htm.

On Friday, nationally known blues rockers Little Charlie and the Nightcats play JJ's Blues, 3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, at 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 at the door, (408) 243-6441.