Patti Smith Performed at Riverside Theater
The legendary artist brought her music and memoir readings to Milwaukee for a special event.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Performance Art
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Patti Smith performed at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Boswell Book Company presented the event, which featured Smith reading from her memoir, Bread of Angels.
Why it matters
The performance provided a unique blend of literary and musical storytelling for the local community. Smith integrated excerpts from her writing with live music throughout the evening.
The show marked a milestone commemoration for jazz legend John Coltrane, coinciding with his 100th birthday. Smith was accompanied by musicians Tony Shanahan and Jackson Smith.
The players
Patti Smith
She is an influential poet, musician, and memoirist known for her pioneering role in the punk rock movement.
Boswell Book Company
This Milwaukee-based independent bookstore specializes in hosting author events and literary discussions.
Tony Shanahan
He is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who has long collaborated with Patti Smith on her studio and live work.
Jackson Smith
He is a professional guitarist and the son of Patti Smith who frequently accompanies her during live performances.
John Coltrane
He was a transformative American jazz saxophonist and composer who fundamentally shifted the trajectory of improvisational music.
The details
Smith alternated between reading excerpts from her memoir Bread of Angels and performing musical sets. She was supported by Tony Shanahan on piano and acoustic guitar, and Jackson Smith on acoustic and electric guitar, with the set featuring significant improvisation.
Timeline
The performance took place at the Riverside Theater on Wednesday.
Smith attended John Coltrane's memorial service in NYC in July 1967.
The album Dream of Life was released by the artist in 1988.
Allen Ginsberg facilitated Smith's return to touring in 1995.
Industry Dynamics
This performance continues the long-standing tradition of Smith blending literary readings with musical tours that began with her 1995 return to the stage. By integrating her memoirs into the concert format, she reflects a growing trend of multidisciplinary performance art in the industry.
Fans in Milwaukee were able to experience an intimate, cross-genre performance hosted by a local bookstore. The event offered attendees a chance to hear live music and literary readings in a historic theater setting.
The takeaway
Smith remains a vital figure who bridges the gap between the Beat poetry tradition and modern rock performance. Attendees can look to her memoirs to gain deeper insight into the creative processes that shape her stage presence.
Further reading
Discover more about local events in the Performance Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shepherd Express.
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