Patti Smith Rocks the Orpheum: A Night of Punk Poetry and Power

Patti Smith took the stage at the Orpheum Theatre, kicking off with a raspy "Jesus" that dissolved into a laugh. She shook it off and dove into "Gloria, " a song that's been a part of her identity for decades. Smith, a punk poet with a legacy stretching back half a century, blends her unique spirituality with rock 'n' roll. Her resume? Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and National Book Award winner. The lobby was stacked with copies of her latest memoir, "Bread of Angels. " Her band, led by longtime guitarist Lenny Kaye, included Tony Shanahan on keys and bass, Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, and her son Jackson on bass and guitar. The stage was a monochrome dream: black clothes, white hair. The first hour was a full run-through of "Horses, " her iconic debut album. She recited "Birdland, " a song about a boy's dream of immortality, with her signature spoken-word style. Immortality has been a theme in Smith's work since the beginning. She shared stories about writing "Break It Up" for Jim Morrison and recording at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios. On "Land, " she whipped the band into a frenzy, her wrist twirling like a lasso. "Do you know how to pony? " she growled, referencing a classic rock tune. After "Horses, " the show stretched into another hour. The second half opened with three tracks from Television's "Marquee Moon, " led by Kaye and Shanahan. Smith returned to sing "Dancing Barefoot, " her arms outstretched to the balcony. She dedicated "Ain't It Strange" to the late Jimmy Cliff and explained that "Peaceable Kingdom" was written for the Palestinian people. She closed with "Ghost Dance, " a tribute to Native American spirituality, and a full reprise of "People Have the Power, " her anthem for righteous causes worldwide. Her daughter Jesse joined on keys, and the crowd carried the chorus as Smith implored, "Make. It. So! " The band lingered onstage, laughing and joking, before heading back to New York. Patti Smith's show was more than a concert; it was a celebration of her life's work and the power of music to inspire and unite. She didn't just perform; she told stories, shared memories, and connected with the audience on a deeper level. It was a night of punk poetry, raw energy, and unapologetic authenticity.