Try not to take Mayer too seriously as he goes into 'Battle' in North Charleston

Half pop, half blues. Great guitar player, yet his personal life seems to be portrayed by the tabloids as a playboy with an obnoxious ego. One thing's for certain, John Mayer can write stunning melodies in any style it seems. Sweet and low vocals, memorable riffs and dynamic stage presence is what to look forward to Monday at the North Charleston Coliseum.

There's only a handful of artists who have achieved success as a great guitar player and a great songwriter. Because Mayer chooses to write songs in a pop fashion, and then unleashes his technique and love for the blues, he has a wide range of fans from screaming teenage girls to grown men who also enjoy B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton. Not to mention he has much respect from many musicians he still admires to this day. His new album, "Battle Studies," has sold well, but in terms of quality, it doesn't even come close to its predecessor, "Continuum."

What to expect from a John Mayer performance? Well, if it were 2002, he'd be playing a smaller venue like the Music Farm with a solo acoustic guitar for the first two sets. As an audience member, you'd have a much more up close and personal experience with him. He'd bring out his electric guitar toward the end of the show, showing off, letting you know he can play Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn tunes.

If it seems like his head has inflated like a balloon, he has his reasons: He's dated some of the most well-known, hottest celebrities, he has a collection of Grammys, played sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and every other venue across America. He has his own custom Fender Stratocaster, he does stand-up comedy for fun, and strangely, is friendly to the paparazzi.

For this tour, there will be three sets, the first being all acoustic, second set he will play the blues, and the third, he will bring out his full band playing songs from all three studio albums. If that scenario doesn't work out, he will mix and match all night.

Expect to hear your favorite songs, rockin' blues solos, his attempt to be funny, and don't take him too seriously when he starts talking about himself.

Free show in Columbia?

For two hours Tuesday night, John Mayer put on a free show for University of South Carolina students, giving back to the loyal fans who have camped out in downtown Columbia during his practice sessions.

"USC students: Come watch us run the show tonight. Free," Mayer said in a Twitter message sent at 6 p.m. Tuesday, inviting students to pick up their free tickets at the Russell House student union on campus and show up for a concert two hours later.

Organizers originally said only 200 tickets would be issued, but about 500 were gathered for Tuesday's performance.

If you go

Who: John Mayer with Michael Franti

When: Monday 8 p.m.

Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston.

How Much: $46-$66

Where to get tickets: www.coliseumpac.com, the Coliseum Ticket Office, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

More info: www.johnmayer.com and www.spearheadvibrations.com