I have seen Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen twice. The first time was at a biker bar in Minneapolis on the evening of the 1996 presidential election. Great music, but the bikers were not too thrilled with the music! The second time was a few years later at the Walker Art Center, which was a much better venue.
The Arkestra, when I have seen them, has a very eclectic songbook. They play everything from Sun Ra standards, the Disney Songbook, and staples of the Fletcher Henderson big band.
If memory serves me correct, there might be a few numbers that will wake up the audience, but the whole night won't drive people away from the concert.