Dr. Happiness

Laurie Anderson’s ability to transcend genre classification has given her considerable credibility, with both the media and her fans. Anderson, unlike many “performance” artists, continually pushes the boundaries of contemporary music and pop culture. If you’ve never heard Anderson’s early works—Strange Angels, or Big Science—you may be in for a surprise. “Happiness” marks Anderson’s latest foray into the theatrical tour and is, essentially, her worldview coupled with a crash course in Sociology 101, a road stint to support her latest Nonesuch Records disc, Life on a String. Her show, 8 p.m. this Wednesday, February 6, at Freeborn Hall (on the UC Davis campus at Howard Way) is the perfect antidote for anyone continually searching for the next big thing. Anderson may not be that, but she does offer us at least one splendid night when we can go back to school. Tickets are $29 and $25 general; $14.50 and $12.50 for students.