Last week, the sold-out Carnegie Hall audience witnessed a one-of-a-kind celebration of punk poet laureate Patti Smith, as People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith brought together a genre-defying lineup of artists to honor Smith’s legacy—and to champion the power of music education.
The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Michael Dorf Presents Music Of series, which has now raised more than $2 million to fund music education programs across the country—including $130k raised from this year’s concert alone.
The evening featured deeply personal and electrifying interpretations of Smith’s iconic work, with standout performances by Matt Berninger (“Piss Factory”), Courtney Barnett (“Redondo Beach”), Sharon Van Etten (“Pissing in the River”), Ben Harper (“Ghost Dance”), and Karen O (“Gloria”) shaking the rafters of the legendary hall.
Surprise appearances by Johnny Depp, delivering a haunting rendition of “Dancing Barefoot,” and Bruce Springsteen, whose fiery take on “Because the Night” set off a thunderous standing ovation, were among the night’s most unforgettable moments.
The star-studded lineup also included Michael Stipe, Glen Hansard, Angel Olsen, Maggie Rogers, Susanna Hoffs, Jim Jarmusch, Kim Gordon & Bill Nace, Sean Penn, and Scarlett Johansson, alongside readings, poems, and compositions that paid tribute to the intellectual and emotional force of Smith’s work.
Smith herself graced the stage for a moving performance of “Peaceable Kingdom” before joining the full cast for an encore of “People Have the Power,” a communal crescendo that brought the evening full circle.
This year’s tribute coincides with the 50th anniversary of Horses, Smith’s groundbreaking debut album recorded at Electric Lady Studios—a record that continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists.
The Music Of series has long been one of the most anticipated nights on the New York City concert calendar. Since its inception, Michael Dorf Presents has honored the music of Paul McCartney, Prince, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, David Byrne, REM, Carly Simon, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, and last year, Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Each concert channels 100% of net proceeds to a curated roster of nonprofit organizations, including Music Will, Save the Music, Young Audiences NY, D’Addario Foundation, Church Street School for Music and Art, Sonic Arts for All, and more—empowering underserved youth with the tools and access to learn, play, and create music.
The concert was musically directed by longtime Patti Smith collaborator Tony Shanahan, with an all-star house band featuring Flea, Steve Jordan, Charlie Sexton, and Benmont Tench.
The audience rose to their feet eight times, remaining standing for the final three songs in a powerful show of appreciation.
In the afterglow of an unforgettable finale, the message was clear: Patti Smith’s art has always been about community, resistance, and radical hope—and thanks to the Music Of series, that spirit continues to shape a better future, one song at a time.
