Patti Smith Joins Vampire Weekend

New York punk icon Patti Smith has joined Vampire Weekend, The National and other acts for a Tibet House benefit.

The event took place last night (February 3rd) at the legendary music venue Carnegie Hall. Ivy League afrobeat troupe Vampire Weekend played a set, being joined by the Antibalas horns and a string quartet for 'White Sky' and 'M79'.

The event comes 50 years after China invaded Tibet, and featured a host of musicians playing short two song sets. Among those paying their respects to the people of Tibet were Steve Earle, Antibalas, Keb Mo, Angelique Kidjo, Techung and the Lhasa Spirits and Zack Glass.

Amongst the highlights of the show was Patti Smith's performance. Reciting two spoken word pieces, the artist was joined by her daughter on piano. One of the pieces was a birthday wish to the Dalai Lama.

Smith then returned to the stage for a medley of hits by Buddy Holly. Yesterday (February 3rd) marked the 50th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll pioneers death.

After finishing with a rendition of Motown classic 'Reach Out (I'll Be There)' the punk icon was joined onstage by the evening's cast for a version of 'People Have the Power'.