Because the Night Belongs to Lovers

Left early from a MFA meeting to see, hear, and experience Patti Smith at the stunning Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. Thanks to Amanda's wonderfulness and Seattle Arts and Lectures genius this too was free to broke little me.
I am not going to lie, before last night all that I knew of Patti Smith was the song 'Because the Night'. After last night I intend to read her new book and potentially everything that she has ever written and advised others to read.
The woman was a delight and her voice is this perfect mixture of syrupy badassedness and liquid sex. She read from her new book Just Kids and spoke fondly of her friendship and life with artist and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It was unusual to hear someone describe Mapplethorpe the way that Smith did last night, as I had always thought of him as more of a Warhol type of character. At least in terms of relationships. I had imagined him as this somewhat cold man who thrived on controversy and the stereotypical artist lifestyle. It seems that this was not the case. Patti talked of him as a best friend and someone she lived with for years and considered family. She spoke of his photography methods and the organic way that a picture would manifest itself when he was the one taking it.
She began by reading some of her own poems and also some exerts from her books. She answered audience questions in a sly quick witted style.
When asked how it felt to be considered a fashion icon, she replied, "I have always had my own way of dealing with fashion."
When asked who would be someone she would like to collaborate with she replied: Russell Crowe.
Mediator: "Russell Crowe? Do you mean collaborate with him as an actor or as a musician?"
Patti Smith: "I mean as a girl."
This response got the biggest laugh from the audience.
After the question and answer portion of the night she sang some really touching songs while playing a guitar. Her guitar playing left a little to be desired (which she noted) and I somewhat wish that she had simply just sung the songs. Then finally she thankfully abandoned the guitar to sing "Because the Night" using us, the audience, for the chorus.
Perfect.
Loved it.
It was clear to see that she is someone who knows undoubtedly the importance of friendship. What an interesting life she has led and with so much loss. How unusual it must have been to have Robert Mapplethorpe as a best friend.
Seattle Arts and Lectures presents Patti Smith
Because the Night