Performing in front of a seated audience, Shawn Holt and The Teardrops brought a taste of the Chicago blues to the Maintenance Shop.

Shawn Holt and The Teardrops are keeping the blues alive throughout the country, and the world, one venue at a time. The singer’s charismatic personality and his banter with the audience made for an enjoyable night for true blues fans and casual listeners alike.

The frontman also stated his mission for the show.

“Any true blues fans out there?” Holt asked after performing the first song of the setlist. When met with little response, Holt simply responded, “Well, you will be by the end of the night.”

The singer’s virtuosic guitar playing left the audience entranced, along with the blazing solos from every one of the members of The Teardrops. Solos from the band’s bassist, Tyson Harrington, were particularly entertaining. The bassist would often use slap bass and fretting techniques that wouldn’t follow the beat, opting to show off his wide array of playing skills instead.

Every solo from each member of the band garnered excited applause.

The solos were by far and large the highlight of the show. The best solo of the night came from the band’s frontman, who sauntered throughout the audience whilst playing his guitar. The singer then chose to sit down in the audience and continue his solo for another two minutes.

The Teardrops and Holt didn’t just stick to the blues all night. The band engaged in a campfire sing along of “My Girl” by the Temptations as well as paying homage to KC and the Sunshine Band.

The band’s chemistry is undeniable. Laughs from the audience and band members alike filled the small venue constantly throughout the night. Holt and his bandmates often cracked jokes on stage and shared solo times fairly evenly. The chemistry between them could be heard during their soundcheck.

“Teardrop ‘til the day I drop,” said Vernal “Sticks” Taylor, the band’s drummer.

By the end of the night, it’s safe to say that Holt achieved his goals of making some true blues fans in the audience.

During the ending tune, a group of people migrated to an open space in the Maintenance Shop to dance along to Holt’s infectious blues music.

Blues bands haven’t had a large presence on campus in recent years. The art has become more niche than it had once been and is more popular in larger cities and in the South. However, with bands like Shawn Holt and The Teardrops, the blues are in good hands. The band has the likeability and the sound to keep the blues alive and gift it to the next generation.