It's amazing to witness the enduring spirit of Sean Kelly. As the frontman for the Colorado-based band, The Samples, Kelly has experienced everything that is right and wrong with the music industry. After being signed to Arista Records in the late '80s, the band was dropped from the label over a feud about how the band should "change" its music to sound more commercial.

Then The Samples watched as other bands that had once opened for them were breaking through on the national level, such acts as Blues Traveler and The Dave Matthews Band. Finally, in 1997, The Samples experienced a near-breakup when two original members of the quartet left the band. However, despite the tremendous adversity that Kelly has been through, he has still kept his chin up and moved on.

Making a solo appearance at Schuba's in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood June 22, Kelly's two-hour acoustic set was a celebration of the music and talent that has made Samples fans so faithful. Joined by his longtime friend and current Sample, Rob Somers, Kelly launched into an energetic performance of "Little Silver Ring," whose trademark guitar riff has made it a favorite in Samples fan circles. Despite being stripped to two guitars, Kelly used the environment to fill in the gap. The packed crowd sang every song word for word, and during songs like "Taking Us Home," the audience members took over percussion duties by clapping and stomping the floor, which literally shook the building.

Often stopping to take requests, Kelly performed stellar versions of classics such as "Did You Ever Look So Nice" and "Could It Be Another Change" in addition to newer material from the band's latest album, Here and Somewhere Else. And just when the night couldn't get any better, the twosome encored with an incredible cover of "Like A Hurricane" by Kelly's idol, Neil Young. The only disappointment of the night was that despite being cheered by the crowd to return, the duo ended there.

What could have been a night of sadness and nostalgia turned out to be one of the most dynamic — let alone acoustic — shows this reviewer has ever attended. Kelly has finally let go of the issues from the past and focused again on his music.

The Samples are back in the studio and are currently on tour testing the new material.

• The Boss Rocks Garden State
  
• With Californication, they're red hot once again
  
• Sean Kelly keeps The Samples' flame alive
  
• At this Woodstock, the only `Fire' was onstage