Jim James
By Hilary Gridley
Here at Music For Good, we’re no strangers to the great work Tibet House is doing with the help of some of music’s biggest names. Now, a diverse crowd of musicians is taking the stage at Carnegie Hall to support the Dalai Lama’s non-profit educational institution and cultural embassy.
On February 21, Patti Smith, Jim James, tUnE-yArDs, Philip Glass and Rahzel will join recently-announced guests Ariel Pink and Tenzin Choegyal and some yet-to-be-revealed surprises for the 23rd Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert in New York City. As in years passed, Glass will serve as artistic director and curator for the evening.
In the past 22 years, superstars like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Moby, Bright 
Eyes, Rufus Wainwright, Vampire Weekend and The Roots have come together to show support for Tibet House, whose mission is to ensure the survival of the unique Tibetan civilization at a time when it’s being confronted with extinction on its own soil.
The New York-based organization was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who said, “I feel that Tibetan culture with its unique heritage –born of the efforts of many human beings of good spirit, of its contacts with Mongolian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian culture, and of its natural environment – has developed a kind of energy which is very helpful for cultivating peace of mind and a joyful life….I feel very strongly that Tibetan culture will have a role to play in the future of humanity.”
Tickets for the show ($35 – $105) are available now at CargegieHall.org, the Carnegie Hall Box Office or by calling (212) 247-7800. Supporters can also purchase special packages that include tickets and a dinner reception with the performers at tibethouse.us or by calling (212) 807-0563.
Proceeds will support the work of the Tibet House US as well as the Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation and the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey.