Tibet House XXI Annual Benefit Concert

Pictured above: Performers wrap up the show with (a quite rousing) rendition of “People Have the Power.” Center: Robert Thurman, Patti Smith, Philip Glass (no relation to my knowledge).

Drepung Gomang Monastery Monks
Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery.

I had the extremely fortunate opportunity to attend the Tibet House Annual Benefit Concert at Carnegie hall on March 3.

The list of performers curated by Philip Glass included James McCartney, The Roots, Michael Stipe, The Flaming Lips, Taj MahalAngelique Kidjo, Tenzin Choegyal and Patti Smith.

I wasn’t familiar with some of the musicians, but after the performance I was determined to change that. The show is generally set up with two songs for each artist, with overlap and collaboration.

Particular favorites (and by favorite I mean, I got that awesome electric feeling that makes the hairs on your arm and scalp tingle): Both songs by Tenzin Choegyal, The Roots “Down by the River”, Taj Mahal and his daughter Deva singing “Lovin’ in my Baby’s Eyes”, and everything that Patti Smith said or sang.

(Full setlist and review here)

All this, to celebrate the people and culture of Tibet.

These next photos are from reception following the concert:

Wandering around the space, I had to snap this photo of the (Philip) Glass table card. And Brent snapped one of this dork next to it:

You might note on this placard and projected on the wall above are symbols. Upon asking I found these are the 8 auspicious symbols of Buddhism. (More information about these symbols)

8 auspicious symbols of Buddhism

My thanks to Brent for the evening.