PHOTO BY ANGIE FEEMSTER
Today, the Dew Drop is operated by the non-profit organization Friends of the Dew Drop. Its mission is to preserve the Dew Drop Jazz Hall whilst continuing its legacy through promoting its importance in the culture of Mandeville. The mystique feelings that run through the building intrigue artists from all over to come perform. “There’s a very palpable spirit within that building that you feel when you’re there; the musicians feel it too.” said Dennis Schaibly, Vice Chairman of Friends of the Dew Drop. Schaibly recalled an instance where the spirit within the Dew Drop truly showed its colors. He began by discussing many attempts at getting famous blues artist Chris Thomas King to perform at the Dew. After a while, the award-winning artist finally agreed to a show right here in Mandeville. However, neither Schaibly nor King’s knew how impactful his visit to the Dew Drop would be. After the magnificent performance ended and the crowd dwindled, Lynn Mitchell, Dennis Schaibly and Chris Thomas King were the last people remaining. King was taking his time in packing up while simultaneously embracing the ambience within the building until he took a moment to sit down in the far back corner of the room. After moments of soaking it all in, he approached the stage and said, “When you asked me to perform here, I was sure I’d never heard of this place. But the longer I stand in this room, I can remember sitting
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in that back corner listening to my dad play here.” This was a full circle moment and confirmed the liveliness and impact this old wooden building continues to have not only on the audience but also the musicians. To support the Dew Drop Jazz Hall is to support the preservation of this historic music venue as well as emerging jazz artists and music education as 100% of proceeds go toward these causes. The Dew Drop has flourished into a place where all people can congregate to appreciate live music as well as fresh food from the Mission Baptist Church.