Joan Osborne Kicks Off Sanctuary Concerts

Singer-songwriter Joan Osborne kicks off the Sanctuary Concerts at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township with a special concert on Friday Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.

This one-time only appearance at the Presbyterian Church is part of a special tour which features Osborne accompanied by a sole pianist, Keith Cotton, instead of her usual five-piece band.

Osborne said in a press release that she decided to tour with Cotton after appearing in concert with him in Philadelphia. She said of that performance, "I had a great time onstage and when I talked to fans afterward we all agreed that it was very interesting to hear the songs in a very bare-bones fashion."

Concert Chair Scott Sheldon promises a rare and intimate concert setting, saying "Joan is a very interesting performer." Sheldon stressed Osborne's range of musical style, which goes all the way from country and western music to Motown. Said Sheldon, "Joan will be doing a number of cover songs, particularly Motown and other songs that you will not be able to hear at any other concert."

Kentucky-born Osborne is best known for her hit "One Of Us," which reached the #1 spot on the music charts in 1996. The song was reintroduced to younger audiences as the theme song for the Emmy-nominated television series "Joan of Arcadia."

Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton also performs as Osborne's opening act.

Tickets to the concert at 240 Southern Blvd. are still available for $30 by contacting the Sanctuary Concert Box Office at (973) 376-4946 or boxoffice@sanctuaryconcerts.org.