Darlington students are reaping the benefits of musician Big John Shearer’s (’62) decision to return to campus for his 50th reunion this weekend.

“We are so excited to have John back on campus and are absolutely thrilled that he will be able to spend some time with our students,” said Vicki Vincent, director of alumni relations. “He is an extremely talented musician, and I know they will enjoy meeting and learning from him.”

Shearer will hold a one-hour guitar master class for students and faculty today at 4 p.m. in the Upper School’s Zelle Drama Room, where he will talk about how to play different styles of music and the importance of being a well-rounded artist. He will also perform a concert for the Upper School tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Morris Chapel.

Shearer got his start professionally at the age of 18 as a singing waiter in North Carolina and has been making music ever since. He currently performs with his Blue Side Up Band, describing their style as “real organic music in the flow.”

“It’s real because it’s acoustic and it’s organic because we don’t over-rehearse,” Shearer said. “What we do is bring great chops and sweet instruments and proven tunes to our concerts. We then form a three-way partnership – ourselves, the audience and the spirit. And with the three of us going together, then we follow the muse wherever it takes us. The energy is astounding.”

Each member of the group brings a lifetime of musical commitment to the stage. They play a wide variety of tunes, ranging from field songs and spirituals of the Old South to the sophisticated Vintage Cafe Society Blues style of the 30s, 40s and 50s and everything in between. They also have a long list of original compositions.

Based in Chapel Hill, N.C., Big John Shearer and the Blue Side Up Band appear at various festivals, concerts, corporate and non-profit special events around the country. They are particularly adept at creating theme-driven shows, highlighting the purpose of each event with playbills, posters, workshops and presentations. For more information on Shearer and his music, visit www.bigjohnshearer.com.

Click here to read additional press releases on RN-T.com.