Patti Smith Closes First Night of Inaugural Escape to New York Fest

There is only one stage at the Escape to New York festival, and therefore the gap between sets can stretch up to 30 minutes. By the time Patti Smith took the stage though, the crowd expanded somewhere into the high hundreds; still leaving the festival grounds about half empty, but (at the least) doubling the turnout for previous acts. Multicolored lights illuminated the surrounding forest lending it the air of some sort of magical séance.

See Southhampton Patch's Photos From Escape to New York
The festival is surrounded by teepees for "Glamping" which stands (ridiculously) for glamorous camping; people can rent them out and spend time between and after sets in Native American splendor. Further out, the Shinnecock reservation has ample space where festivalgoers can set up tents and do some actual, real camping.

Smith was lithe and energetic, just as fierce as ever. The beginning of her set was heavy on dedications, with President Obama and Jerry Garcia both getting shout-outs. The land and spirits also received honorable mentions from the singer before she launched into a spectacular rendition of 'Ghost Dance.' Behind her on stage stood a beat up taxi, resting conspicuously.

The singer performed with the passion of youth, casually braiding her hair during 'Because the Night,' reciting Ginsberg's 'Howl' in between songs and shredding guitar with awesome intensity.

Smith summed up the general feeling of the crowd in a few carefully chosen words: "Festivals are always wonderful, even when they suck." Though Escape to New York is just finding its feet, a good time was indeed had by all. With the right management, this festival could grow to be a formidable force in the summer circuit.

Patti Smith Performs 'Because the Night' in July

Follow @Spinner on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Download Patti Smith Songs | Buy Patti Smith Albums