An Intimate Evening with Joan Osborne

As part of a series to benefit the arts, singer/songwriter Joan Osborne performed at the Two River Theater Company in Red Bank Friday night.

"I've been advertised as being pretty ruckus. I don't know how ruckus I'll be tonight. I normally travel with a full band," Osborne said prior to her performance with two others at Two Rivers: pianist Keith Cotton and musician Jack Petruzzelli of the Fab Faux.

The intimate evening got going with songs "St. Theresa" and “Work on Me.” In performing “Work on Me,” Osborne used an iPhone application called funk box, which added a bit of style for just $3.99.

The venue was sold out and attendees included many long time Osborne fans. The lights were dim and the tone was mellow. Osborne’s voice filled up the entire venue. As the show concluded, an audience member shouted out “Dylan!”

“A Dylan song would be good right about now,” but Osborne continued with other songs. Just as concertgoers thought the show was over after “One of Us,” ended and Osborne and the two other musicians walked off the stage after about a five minute stand up applause from the audience, she went back on and surprised the audience with Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

Fans went crazy to see Joan return -- clapping, whistling and cheering. Before an after the Dylan song, “one more was shouted,” by the audience. Attendees did not want the short show to end.

Debbie Boenig of Neptune is a new Osborne fan, thanks to friend and long time fan Mike Sodaho who she accompanied.

“She was fantastic and didn’t need the whole place -- her voice and the three of them filled up the entire theatre. She was great,” Boenig said. “I had no preconceptions.”

Boenig’s friend has been an Osborne fan for over 20 years.

“I was initially disappointed that there was no full band but the guitar and piano blew the house down,” Boenig, of Asbury Park, said. “I was happy she did ‘What Became of a Broken Heart.’ This was a song that was done in the movie ‘Standing in the Shadows of Motown’ -- it was done with strings, back up singers, a guitar and piano.”

As the show concluded, there was a special meet and greet where concertgoers got to mingle and get to know Osborne a little better. Osborne was happy to take photos and interact with her fans.

While hanging out waiting for his turn to meet and greet Osborne, Anthony Natale of Long Branch admired her voice.

“She was able to range it in and out and it was so crystal clear,” Natale said.

Producer Tony Palagrossi of Concerts East was one of the people responsible for bringing Osborne to this venue.

“This venue was perfect for an artist like Joan - perfect size - perfect vibe - great vibe for this music. It’s one of the most beautiful 350-seat-theaters in New Jersey,” said Palagrossi.

Partner of Music Works Entertainment, Rusty Young, was another responsible for this event.

“It’s a small venue that is great for artists who connect with audiences,” said Young.

An Intimate Evening with Joan Osborne was presented by Better Days Ahead Foundation and Count Basie Theatre Foundation.

“The state has cut back on funding for the arts. Some proceeds from the show will go to performing arts programs in New York and New Jersey,” said Young.