Published: September 15, 2008 11:28 pm      

Songwriter greats

MSU Riley Center’s third season starts tonight

sgillespie@themeridianstar.com



John Hiatt and his band the Ageless Beauties, along with special guest Joan Osborne, will kick off the third season of the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts tonight.

A pre-show social is planned to begin at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Bridget's Restaurant, Cater's Market, Freddie's Fine Spirits and Michelob.

Complementary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided in the center's Grand Lobby. The performance begins at 8 p.m.

A full set by Joan Osborne and band will be followed by a performance by John Hiatt and The Ageless Beauties. Osborne and Hiatt also are expected to perform together.

John Hiatt performed at the MSU Riley Center last year for two sold out shows with Lyle Lovett.

Hiatt began his songwriting career as a teenager in Indiana. His work has been covered by a variety of artists, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Jewel, B.B. King, and more.

His latest album called "Same Old Man," was released in May.

Visit the Web site www.johnhiatt.com for more information.

Osborne released a new album last Tuesday titled "Little Wild One."

The Meridian performance will end the Hiatt/Osborne tour, which started in Beaver Creek Colo., Sept. 5. She will begin her tour to promote "Little Wild One" next week in New York. The critically-acclaimed album is largely inspired by New York, her home for 20 years.

Several cuts from the new album can be heard on Osborne's MySpace profile at www.myspace.com/joanosborne, as well as her best known work, "One of Us," from her 1995 album "Relish."

Tickets are still available through the MSU Riley Center box office. Call (601) 696-2200 or visit the box office at the corner of Fifth Street and 22nd Avenue.