The National and Patti Smith

The National, formed in Brooklyn by Cincinnati natives in 1999, blend indie rock, Americana, and chamber pop. Known for hits like "Bloodbuzz Ohio," they've won a Grammy and collaborated with Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens.

Patti Smith, born in Chicago, is a legendary poet, painter, author, photographer, and punk rock's poet laureate. Her influential music blends rock and poetry, with hits like "Because the Night." Her avant-garde style and albums like *Horses* and *Easter* have earned critical acclaim. Smith collaborated with Bruce Springsteen and REM, won a National Book Award for *Just Kids*, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She remains a prolific artist, working with Soundwalk Collective and recently scoring documentaries.