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Blues & Ballads: Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin Light Up Brown County Music Center

By Larry Philpot on March 21, 2025

Last night, March 20, 2025, the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, played host to an unforgettable evening of music featuring two luminaries of the singer-songwriter world: Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin. The concert, which unfolded over a generous set list of 21 songs, was a masterful blend of soulful blues, poignant folk, and heartfelt storytelling. As the venue celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, the performance underscored why this intimate 2,017-seat space has quickly become a beloved destination for music lovers in the Midwest.

Nestled on the banks of Salt Creek, just a stone’s throw from Brown County State Park, the Brown County Music Center opened its doors in 2019 and has since established itself as a cultural gem in Nashville, Indiana. With its rustic charm and state-of-the-art acoustics, the venue offers an ideal setting for artists to connect with their audience. Celebrating its fifth year, the Center has hosted an impressive array of talent, and last night’s show added to its growing reputation as a must-visit stop for touring musicians. The warm, woody interior and the attentive crowd of roughly 1,500 fans created an atmosphere that felt both cozy and electric—a perfect backdrop for the night to come.

File Photo: Keb Mo and Shawn Colvin co-headline a concert at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN, on March 20, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

The evening kicked off with a collaborative flourish as Shawn Colvin joined Keb’ Mo’ and his band for a soul-stirring rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.” Colvin’s crystalline voice intertwined seamlessly with Keb’ Mo’s rich, gravelly tones, setting the tone for a night of musical synergy. This was followed by “Polaroids,” another duet that showcased their ability to blend folk and blues into something timeless. Colvin then took the stage solo for a trio of songs that highlighted her introspective artistry: “Trouble,” “Killing the Blues” (a Rowland Salley cover), and “Diamond in the Rough.” Each performance was a masterclass in vulnerability, with Colvin’s delicate guitar work and emotive delivery drawing the audience into her world.

Shawn Colvin, a Grammy-winning artist with a career spanning over three decades, is a folk-pop icon best known for her 1997 hit “Sunny Came Home,” which earned her both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys. Born in South Dakota in 1956, Colvin’s journey to stardom was marked by years of honing her craft in the Austin music scene and later in New York’s folk circles. Her debut album, Steady On (1989), won her a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, cementing her status as a voice of her generation. Her songs are often deeply personal, weaving tales of love, loss, and resilience with a poetic finesse that resonates long after the final note fades.

As Colvin transitioned back to performing with Keb’ Mo’s band, the setlist ignited with fan favorites like “The Facts About Jimmy,” “Sunny Came Home,” and “Get Out of This House.” “Sunny Came Home,” in particular, was a standout moment, its haunting melody and vivid storytelling amplified by the band’s tight, dynamic arrangement. The crowd erupted in applause, a clear nod to the song’s enduring power. Colvin’s portion of the set concluded with these electrifying performances, leaving the stage primed for Keb’ Mo’ to take the reins.

Keb’ Mo’, born Kevin Roosevelt Moore in Los Angeles in 1951, is a modern blues titan whose career is as storied as it is celebrated. With five Grammy wins and a dozen nominations, he’s a master of blending traditional blues with contemporary flair. His early years were steeped in the sounds of gospel, soul, and R&B, influences that shine through in his warm, expressive voice and virtuoso guitar playing. After adopting the stage name Keb’ Mo’ in the 1990s, he released his self-titled debut album in 1994, which critics hailed for its fresh take on classic blues. Over the years, he’s collaborated with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal, solidifying his place as a bridge between the genre’s past and present.

Keb’ Mo’ kicked off his solo segment with “One Friend,” joined by Colvin, a tender ballad that showcased their vocal chemistry. From there, he dove into a string of originals that spanned his extensive catalog: “Somebody Hurt You,” “Government Cheese,” and “Life is Beautiful.” Each song carried his signature blend of wit, wisdom, and soul, with “Government Cheese” eliciting chuckles from the crowd for its clever social commentary. His band—featuring a tight rhythm section, keys, and occasional harmonica—provided a robust foundation, allowing Keb’ Mo’s guitar licks and laid-back charisma to shine. I’m pretty sure the artist was having more fun than we were.

The set continued with highlights like “Remain Silent,” a funky groove that had the audience swaying, and “All Dressed Up,” a playful nod to life’s absurdities. “More Than One Way Home” and “The Old Me Better” brought a rootsy, upbeat energy, while “The Worst is Yet to Come” offered a bittersweet reflection on resilience. Keb’ Mo’s storytelling prowess was on full display in “I Remember You,” a nostalgic love song that felt like a warm embrace. The night built to a joyous crescendo with “She Just Wants to Dance,” a rollicking number that had fans clapping along, and “A Better Man,” a heartfelt closer that left the crowd on a hopeful note. The finale, “City Boy,” was a fitting capstone, its urban blues vibe a nod to Keb’ Mo’s roots.

What made this concert truly special was the interplay between Colvin and Keb’ Mo’. Their shared moments—like the opening duets and “One Friend”—revealed a mutual respect and chemistry that elevated the night beyond a typical double bill. Colvin’s introspective folk contrasted beautifully with Keb’ Mo’s earthy blues, yet their voices and styles melded effortlessly when they joined forces. The setlist itself was a well-curated journey, balancing solo showcases with collaborative highlights, and offering a mix of hits, deep cuts, and covers that kept the energy flowing.

The Brown County Music Center’s fifth anniversary feels all the more significant with performances like this one. The venue’s intimacy allowed every nuance—every plucked string, every heartfelt lyric—to resonate deeply. The sound quality was impeccable, a testament to the Center’s design, and the staff’s warmth added to the welcoming vibe. For a Thursday night in late March, the turnout was impressive, a sign of the venue’s growing draw and the enduring appeal of these two artists.

In the end, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin delivered a night of music that was as soulful as it was sincere. It was a celebration of their individual legacies and a reminder of the power of collaboration. As the final chords of “City Boy” faded and the crowd rose for a standing ovation, it was clear that this shared experience would linger in the memory of those lucky enough to be there.