Performing for a small, enthusiastic crowd, Grady Champion was “singin’ the blues” with enough energy and emotion to move a coliseum.

Decked out in a sport coat and top hat, the Cuba Gooding Jr. look-alike even portrayed the spunk of the actor all the while singing with James Brown enthusiasm.

Backed with a solid guitar, bass and drum trio, Champion injected the mix with his powerful and soul-filled vocals. The Mississippi native also proved to be a solid harmonica player.

During the solo sections that came all too often, he entertained with his stage antics as much as his playing. Spending nearly as much time in the crowd as on the stage during these sections, Champion visited every corner of the Maintenance Shop.

Whether he was sitting cross-legged on the bar playing to the bartender or singing to a couple sitting in the corner, the young blues man turned the entire venue into his stage. His roving harmonica playing was a hit with the crowd, bringing applause every time the band would kick back into the verse.

Champion’s music is reminiscent of the great B.B. King, all while being innovative, mostly due to his funkdafied, soul-filled lyrics. Like those of a legendary storyteller, most of Champion’s lyrics spoke of personal experience.

“We’ve got the blues to make you groove,” Champion said of his song content. “But we’ve also got the blues to make you laugh and the blues to make you cry.”

Champion tackled heavy issues in several songs, including a number dealing with sexual promiscuity and HIV. The song speaks of Champion’s cousin who contracted AIDS from a prostitute.

“Pray for me,” Champion sang, “cause I ain’t gonna be well no more.”

It was songs like this, as well as Champion’s outgoing personality on-stage and off, that made him a believable character, adding credibility to his songs.

Over three hours long, Champion’s set dragged at points. However, his combined singing and harmonica playing with the solid presence of his band made for a crowd-pleasing and entertaining show.