By Karsten S. Andersen
Two glorious nights at the Basie
Published 2001-10-20
As announced previously Bruce Springsteen was part of the all-star lineup at last night's first of two benefit shows at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank. Bruce, sporting a New York Fire Department cap, came on stage about halfway through the show and played "Tiger Rose" with Sonny Burgess, DJ Fontana and Scotty Moore, the two last-mentioned of Elvis fame. A little later Bruce came back on stage to do "All Just to Get to You" with Joe Ely, a song that Bruce contributed to on Ely's original studio recording. After that it was time for the first Bruce's first ever appearance with Joan Jett. Together they did a blistering "Light of Day", which was originally used as the title song in a movie in which Joan Jett played one of the main characters. Toward the end of the night it was time for Bruce's own set. He did "Bobby Jean", "My City of Ruins", "Land of Hope and Dreams" and "Thunder Road". Finally, most of the night's artists came on stage to do "Stand By Me". Friday night's show featured almost the same setlist as the night before. At least, Bruce's contributions were the same. In return the show was broadcast on CN8 and on the Internet. According to Asbury Park Press the two shows have raised more than 700,000 Dollars for Alliance of Neighbors of Monmouth County, an organization supporting families of the September 11 tragedy.