Carnegie Hall pulsated with the vibrant spirit of resilience and the enduring cry for freedom as the 37th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert unfolded in a tapestry of music, compassion, and advocacy. Now a cornerstone within New York’s cultural landscape, the benefit concert remains a beacon, shedding light on the ongoing plight of Tibet and its people.

While the hall bore a noticeable number of empty seats, a departure from previous years, one attendee aptly noted, “The lineup was a bit disappointing this year.” Regrettably, throughout the performances, technical issues with sound and equipment often overshadowed the stage and musicians.

The evening commenced with Monks adorned in traditional red and yellow attire, offering chants to bless the audience, the performers, and the venue. Bob Thurman, in his “Remarks” to the crowd, graciously acknowledged their presence, invoking hope for miracles both that night and in the future before exiting the stage.

Laurie Anderson, accompanied by Martha Mooke, Shazad Ismaily, Gina Gershon, & Tenzin Choegyal, presented a spoken word rendition of “Walk the Dog,” a performance that left some bewildered, with one audience member expressing, ‘What the fuck was that!?’ followed by another’s critique.

Following this, Tenzin Choegyal, backed by the dynamic Scorchio Quartet, transported the audience with mesmerizing melodies evoking the grandeur of “Gyallu” and “Himalaya,” showcasing the richness of Tibetan cultural heritage.

Next, indie-folk sensation Maya Hawke, joined by Christian Lee Hutson, Shazad Ismaily, and the Scorchio Quartet, offered a haunting vulnerability with “Hang In There” and “Black Ice.” Their heartfelt performance eliciting thunderous applause.

Maya Hawke and Shazad Ismaily left the stage as Christian Lee Hutson made his way to the mic for his two song set of “Northsiders” and “Afterhours.” Christian Lee Hutson giving a brief insight to the meaning and symbolism of his song “Northsiders” stating it was a “guy watching from heaven back to earth.” 

As Christian Lee Hutson concluded his set, a few stage hands brought a table and a laptop out as Jlin entered from stage right. Jlin, while an incredible artist seemed out of place in this mainly acoustic event. She played “The Precision of Infinity,” a song with a very electronic nature. Though, not in the acoustic vein, the crowd was very enthralled by it. As the song ends she remarked how “humbled” she was to be playing at the legendary venue.

Next up was the Philip Glass Ensemble. Philip Glass played “Part Eight” of Music in Twelve Parts, but shortly into the song he stopped, making his way over to to the sound booth that was on stage left to fix some level issues. These sound issues seemed to be a trend for the rest of the night with other acts also having difficulties. Philip Glass made his way back to the bench at his keyboard and said “Sorry about that, I don’t know whats wrong with this system but we’ll pick it up where we left off.” The song ended to a mixed review of clapping. 

Next to enter was Bowen Yang, most known for his comedy on Saturday Night Live, surprised the audience with a somber reading of Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Who Be Kind To.” The Patti Smith Band accompaniment created a suspenseful atmosphere that underscored the poem’s words. Bowen Yang bowed and left the stage to be replaced with Maggie Rogers and the Scorchio Quartet.

Maggie Rogers ignited a renewed energy with “Alaska” and “Don’t Forget Me,” her collaboration with the Scorchio Quartet drew enthusiastic applause. Her heartfelt introduction of the legendary Joan Baez set the stage for a highlight of the night saying it was the “Greatest honor in her whole life to introduce Joan Baez.” Maggie Rogers then left the stage and Joan Baez entered. 

In continuation with the night’s sound issues, Joan Baez said she “could not hear her monitor,” after a few attempts from the house sound techs she gave up and played without it. Joan Baez played her classic “God is God.” After the song she welcomed Maggie Rogers back to join her on stage for a duet of “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright.”

The concert’s collaborative spirit continued with Baez, Anderson, the Scorchio Quartet, Patti Smith Band, Shazad Ismaily, Tenzin Choegyal, and Jlin uniting in “There But for Fortune.” 

Continuing on with the night Gogol Bordello brought a burst of energy, even in their smaller configuration. Their lively melodies on “My Companjera,” “When Universes Collide,” and  “Solidarity” offered a jubilant note despite further sound imbalances. One of the most wholesome aspects of the night was watching Joan Baez dancing side stage as they played. 

The evening concluded with the full company on stage for the traditional singalong of “We Shall Overcome.” While technical difficulties marred some of the night, the final song was a reminder that the spirit of the Free Tibet movement, like the event itself, endures.

Setlist

Bob Monks Thurman Remarks

Laurie Anderson  

(with Martha Mooke, Shazad Ismaily Gina Gershon & Tenzin Choegyal)

1. “Walk the Dog”

Tenzin Choegyal (with Serchio Quartet)

2. “Gyallu”

3. “Himalaya”

Maya Hawke

(with Christian Lee Hutson, Shazad Ismaily, Scorchio Quartet)

4. “Hang in There”

5. “Black Ice”

Christian Lee Hutson 

(with Scorchio Quartet)

6. “Northsiders”

7. “Afterhours”

Jlin 

8. “The Precision of Infinity”

Philip Glass Ensemble 

9. “Music in Twelve Parts”

Bowen Yang 

(with The Patti Smith Band)

10. “Who Be Kind To”

Maggie Rogers 

(with Scorchio Quartet & The Patti Smith Band)

11. “Alaska”

12. “Don’t Forget Me”

Joan Baez 

13. “God is God”

Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers

14.  “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright”

Joan Baez & Laurie Anderson

(with Scorchio Quartet, The Patti Smith Band, Shazad Ismaily, Tenzin Choegyal, Jlin) 

15. “There But for Fortune”

Gogol Bordello

16. “My Companjera” 

17. “When Universes” 

18. “Collide Solidarity”

Full Company 

19. “We Shall Overcome”