Once in a while you forget why we have a pro sports team called the Blues. I got a refresher on that topic over the weekend at Beale on Broadway downtown where Roland Johnson and Soul Endeavor simply tore the place up.

Watching Johnson perform is an interesting dichotomy. On one hand, you know every song almost reflexively. Your foot finds the beat without struggle, and the words appear on your lips before you realized what's happened. But at the same time, you don't feel like you're watching a cover band. These guys are pros, owning their stage, and every song the play, no matter who made it famous.

Johnson was named St. Louis' best R&B performer last year by the Riverfront Times, and there's little wondering why. The guy simply takes over the room. And the room, you should note, desperately wants to be taken over by him.

If you get a chance, Johnson is definitely a performer worth seeing!