Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When it comes to sunny songwriting delivered with a hip-hop cadence over laidback beats, Philadelphia’s G. Love & Special Sauce could quite possibly be in a class entirely its own.

Despite releasing several boundary-blurring projects since the early 1990s in group or solo contexts, none has stood out to the extent of the front man’s beloved 2006 long-player “Lemonade,” which features the all-star likes of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Marc Broussard, Blackalicious and Tristan Prettyman.

A special 20th anniversary show was the subject of a nearly sold out Space, where for almost two hours, G. Love & Special Sauce lovingly recreated much of the collection in today’s contexts, in addition to earlier tunes and a bit of the recent “Ode To R.L.” album.

Either way, the guitar/harmonica-wielding Garrett Dutton and the two other musicians’ chemistry was apparent throughout such front half favorites as “Banger,” “Can’t Go Back To Jersey,” “Holla!,” “Thanks And Praise,” “Ride” and “Free.”

The grooves continued to build during vibrant renditions of “Weekends Are For Making Love” and “Cold Beverage,” then found the leader unplugging alone for “Wontcha Come Home,” “Booty Call” and a few others.

G. Love & Special Sauce are indeed “Still Hangin’ Around” and appeared as adventurous as ever, cranking the “Kick Drum” back up until “Rainbow” closed out the birthday bash of a mid-career breakthrough that’s only gotten better two decades later.

Hailing from Oahu, Hawaii, opener MAKUA (Rothman) is known for both like-minded artistry and athleticism, the latter of which crowned this pro competitor the World Surf League World Tour Big Wave Champion.

However, the singer/songwriter’s reggae, rock, rap and soul cocktail was comparably compelling as he unveiled instantly contagious collaborations with legendary producer Jimmy Messer (Madonna, Miley Cyrus, AWOLNATION, Kygo), including “All I Ever Wanted,” while giving Space a little more of exactly what it needed.

For additional information on G. Love & Special Sauce, visit Philadelphonic.com.

Upcoming shows at Space include Donna Herula Band (Jan. 12); Alyssa Allgood (Jan. 13); Fatai (Jan. 14); Tobacco City and The Lawrence Peters Outfit (Jan. 15); Rebirth Brass Band (Jan. 16); AJ Lee & Blue Summit (Jan. 17); Lawrence Tome (Jan. 18); Story Jam (Jan. 19); Warren Zevon Birthday Bash (Jan. 21); Alongside Harold (Jan. 22); Night Moves (Jan. 23); Little Miss Ann Band (Jan. 24); Paul Cebar (Jan. 24): Jondo (Jan. 25); The Ernie Hendrickson Band plays The Dead (Jan. 26); New Nostalgia (Jan. 27); Albert Lee (Jan. 28); Liam Kazar (Jan. 30) and Frank Orrall (Jan. 31). For additional details, visit EvanstonSpace.com.

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