Best described by the umbrella term of “artist,” Patti Smith is well-deserving of her titles of author, singer-songwriter, poet, and painter. Finding her place in New York City in the 1960s and ‘70s, she is the embodiment of rock and roll.
In celebration of the Lobero Theatre’s 150th anniversary, Earl Minnis is bringing Patti Smith (the Patti Smith Trio) to the historic theater on August 9. Smith will bring her accolades as punk poet laureate, Commander of the Ordre des Artes et des Lettres (named by the French Ministry of Culture), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and one of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest Artists of All Time to Santa Barbara — and all ticket sales will go to support a variety of nonprofit organizations.
“Patti is such a great music artist, poet, singer, songwriter, and book writer, I wanted more people to experience her again or that may not have in the past,” said Minnis. “This will be my fourth time bringing Patti to Santa Barbara. The prior three times have been to benefit the great work that CADA (Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) does. Last year, we included Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.”
This year, ticket revenue from the Patti Smith Trio will go to the Lobero Theatre Foundation, CADA, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, and the Bob Dylan Center. Minnis said, “All ticket sales will benefit CADA, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, the Lobero Theatre, and the Bob Dylan Center equally.”
These nonprofits all work to build and strengthen the community. The Lobero Theatre Foundation protects the physical theater as well as the culture of Santa Barbara, ensuring that the performing arts always have a place to entertain the community. CADA offers support to the community through education and treatment of substance abuse as well as and in combination with mental health disorders. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation provides financial, educational, and emotional support to those in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo areas that have children with cancer. To round it off, the Bob Dylan Center helps people stay in touch with their creative sides and point them toward keeping the arts alive. The center also offers a permanent exhibit on the life and accomplishments of Bob Dylan.
“There is quite a bit of history between Patti and Dylan. I was honored to present Patti at the opening of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma as a founding member of the Center in May of 2022. This is a great opportunity to see one of our music legends and support our local nonprofits, along with a Center dedicated to another national treasure, poet, musician, singer, songwriter Bob Dylan,” said Minnis.
Tickets for the show are available at lobero.org and the Lobero Box Office (call [805] 963-0761). Be sure to get a taste of a rock and roll legend this summer and support nonprofits that strengthen Santa Barbara.
“If you’re a music fan and in the Tulsa area be sure and stop in. Or consider making a road trip of it. A wonderful drive out Route 66 and tons of American history along the way. We will be driving out in the fall,” said Minnis. “Thanks for everybody’s support.”