Joan Osborne

So, if you’re like me, you love live music and Covid-19 has put the kabbosh on that…that is until last night. The Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT put up a big tent in their parking lot, socially distanced the patrons and put on a show with Stephen Kellogg and Joan Osborne. Despite the fact that the temperature got below 40 degrees, both performers put on quite a show.

It seems that as much as we miss seeing and hearing live music, musicians miss playing before a live audience. I don’t blame them since standing ovations occurred for both performers.

Stephen Kellogg is a folksy artist, plays a good guitar and has a good voice. The highlight of the show was when he brought on ‘the best back up singers’, they being two of his four daughters, aged around 13-ish (that estimate is from my unpracticed eye). Their two songs were great, especially one about him almost waking his daughters up at night to tell them how much he loves them.

Joan Osborne, of course, was excellent. She played songs from her new album, which I just ordered because the songs she sang I really liked and because I want to support artists who put themselves out there during these tough times, songs from her Bob Dylan album, which I can’t seem to find (I won’t buy from Amazon!), songs from her residency at the Cafe Carlisle and a few others. As the temperature dropped she kept blowing on her hands to keep them warm. She is a trooper. Her band (keyboard and guitar) was tight and seemed well rehearsed, even though she said they couldn’t rehearse due to Covid-19,

I ordered a ‘snack package’ which contained 2 cans, yes cans, of Pinot Gris, which happened to be really good, wheat thins and cheese, popcorn, water and an apple. Despite the cold night air, the wine was appreciated.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is a little gem and only 1 and 1/2 hours from home, it’s worth the drive, so follow them on social media and patronize their offerings.

A wonderful but chilly night was had by all…including the service dog sitting next to us, all bundled up in a blanket, keeping his owner’s lap quite warm.