Patti Smith‘s birthday today.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of her legendary breakthrough album, Horses.
To commemorate that moment and to commemorate Patti’s extraordinary achievement, this coming March 26, in New York’s Carnegie Hall, musicians and friends will gather for “People Have the Power: Celebrating the Music of Patti Smith”, a tribute concert (produced by Michael Dorf (the latest of his ongoing The Music Of.. series)
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Celebrants so far, include Michael Stipe, Kim Gordon, Matt Berninger Karen O, Sharon Van Etten, Ben Harper, Courtney Barnett, the Kronos Quartet, Angel Olsen, and Alison Mosshart. Additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming months.
They’ll be backed by a house band featuring Smith’s bassist/keyboardist Tony Shanahan, plus Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and The Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan.
and Patti herself will almost inevitably be appearing.
Winter-time blues. Summertime Sadness. (here’s Patti performing the Lana del Ray cover that she learned this year, back in July, at the Festival De Nimes)
Taking the occasion to highly recommend Patti’s Substack (lovingly and dutifully attended to – video-postings and more – it’s like she’s talking directly to you – and she is! – a surprising and creative, and quotidian, use of the media) – sign on (if our haven’t signed on already
and Patti’s Instagram
Happy Birthday, Patti – Onward to 2025!