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On the evening of March 3, 2025, a vibrant audience gathered at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan for the 38th annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert. This event showcased a diverse lineup of performers dedicated to supporting the mission of Tibet House US, which aims to protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture.
With renowned artists Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson acting as co-artistic directors, the concert featured a star-studded roster that included Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Michael Stipe, Orville Peck, Arooj Aftab, Allison Russell, Tune-Yards, Angélique Kidjo, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Gogol Bordello, among others.
The evening commenced with the Philip Glass Ensemble performing pieces from Glass’ acclaimed work, Koyaanisqatsi. The composer observed from the balcony, visibly approving of the performance as it captivated both the attentive audience and those scrambling to their seats.
As the night progressed, the energy skyrocketed. Angélique Kidjo ignited the audience with her invigorating rendition of “Afirika.” Jackson Browne shared thought-provoking acoustic songs, while Arooj Aftab delivered soothing melodies, accompanied by a trio of string instruments. Additionally, Tenzin Choegyal led an uplifting performance featuring children singing in Tibetan, exemplifying the collaborative spirit of the evening.
The concert was filled with memorable moments, each showcasing the talents of these remarkable musicians.
Rare Orville Peck Performances
Orville Peck captivated the audience with his haunting ballad, “Dead of Night,” followed by an unexpected but beautifully interpreted cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Chelsea Hotel #2.” This choice highlighted his distinctive vocal style. He later joined forces with Allison Russell for a duet of their collaborative piece, “Chemical Sunset,” creating a memorable moment on stage.
Patti Smith’s ‘Howl’
Patti Smith electrified the venue with a powerful rendition of selections from Allen Ginsberg’s iconic Howl, reminding the audience of its timeless relevance. This performance was followed by her heartfelt song “Peaceable Kingdom,” dedicated to the memory of late activist Rachel Corrie and all children affected by war.
Michael Stipe Covers A Bowie Classic
A standout highlight was Michael Stipe’s poignant cover of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” Joined by Laurie Anderson, he recited Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata” before delivering a stirring performance that resonated deeply with the audience, especially during the haunting outro alongside Tenzin Choegyal.
Laurie Anderson & Lou Reed’s Tips for Survival
Following her performance of “Junior Dad,” Anderson shared survival advice based on lessons from the late Lou Reed. Her guidelines—emphasizing fearlessness, discernment, and tenderness—struck a chord amidst the evening’s activism-focused spirit.
Allison Russell Makes Plea for Peace & Love
Allison Russell amazed the audience with a reimagined version of her song “Superlover,” now carrying a message for greater compassion amid international conflicts. Accompanied by her banjo and vocal harmonies, Russell encouraged a message of unity and understanding.
A Birthday Song for Tune-Yards
Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards was surprised with an audience rendition of “Happy Birthday” before performing tracks from her upcoming album, Better Dreaming. The new songs, “Limelight” and “How Big Is the Rainbow,” showcased her innovative style, filled with rhythmic variety and enchanting vocals.
Gogol Bordello Speaks Out for Ukraine
The evening concluded with a powerful set from Gogol Bordello, led by Eugene Hütz, who used the moment to advocate for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. His fierce performance highlighted the urgency and resilience of the Ukrainian people, culminating in an uplifting anthem, “We Mean It, Man.” The atmosphere in Carnegie Hall was electric, with many performers joining him in celebrating unity and strength.
As attendees left the venue, news broke regarding concerns about military aid to Ukraine, underscoring the relevance of the concert’s themes. In the spirit of the evening, the words of Laurie Anderson lingered: “It’s happening so fast, we don’t always know what to do.” The performances had served not only as entertainment but also as a call to reflect on the pressing issues facing our world today.
Source
www.billboard.com