Patti Smith in Carmel

The Henry Miller Library in Big Sur is no less known for books as it is for bringing the arts to Monterey County. The next big entry into this category is momentous, as the performer is a premier punk-rock icon and a gifted poet. From playing an epic eight-week gig at the New York punk Mecca CBGB’s in 1975, to being nominated for a Grammy Award in 2001 for the song “Glitter in Their Eyes,” Patti Smith has remained musically relevant. While she may only have one top-20 chart release in her entire musical career (“Because the Night,” written for her by Bruce Springsteen), her bearing in pop culture is undeniable.

Smith and her band will descend on Carmel’s Sunset Center to benefit the Henry Miller Library on Aug. 22 at 7:30pm. Smith will bring her raucous, self-described “three chords merged with the power of the word” music styling and present her interpretation of America today.

Magnus Toren, director of the library, is billing the event as “a true American patriot act.” Tickets are $25. 667-2574. [FP]

MMA Director Steps Down

Changes are afoot at the Monterey Museum of Art, as Richard Gadd steps down as executive director.

“It’s been 18 years,” he says, “and it was time for a change. With the staff and volunteers and board working together, we got a lot accomplished. After our last auction, which raised more money than any other auction in the museum’s history, the timing seemed right to move on.”

Gadd’s first ten years at the museum saw him doing many tasks, such as gallery preparation and installation, supervision of the photography collection, and assisting with exhibition planning and registration.

For the last ten years, Gadd brought stability to the position of executive director after a period of administrative flux.

“I am especially proud that during my tenure we have had so many successes, including the Baird bequest—which led to the unprecedented auction, a half million dollar gift from Miller and Bunny Outcalt in support of photography programs, the exhibition exchange with the Nanao Art Museum, and our great exhibitions,” he says.

In addition, Gadd points proudly to the development of the Elkins Sculpture Park in conjunction with the City of Monterey, and the filming and national PBS airing of “The Roots of California Photography: The Monterey Legacy.”

“I’m not moving away,” Gadd says, “I’ll be around.” [RD]