The monks of Drepung Monastery at the Twentieth Annual Tibet House Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall (photo by Chris Owyoung)

The Tibet House Benefit Concert is one of my favorite musical events of the year; it’s one of the few times concert goes get to hear a wide variety of music, including rock and punk performed at Carnegie Hall.

For the benefit’s twentieth incarnation, Philip Glass brought together a wonderful lineup including Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Gogol Bordello, Regina Spektor and more. The performances benefit the Tibet House, an organization dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. (more…)

Justin Pierre listens to the fans singing every word. (photo by Chris Owyoung)

Motion City Soundtrack took over The Fillmore at Irving Plaza for a evening of freewheeling punk-pop. The band is currently on tour supporting their fourth and newest release, My Dinosaur Life. (more…)

The draw of Epica’s brand of music is the combination of contrasting elements. Like many symphonic metal bands, their songs draw against the brutality of death metal and the melodic qualities of choir and opera. In the later regard, Epica stands well above their peers. Believe me when I say that the talents of lead vocalist Simone Simons simply have to be experienced first hand. (more…)

Vverevvolf Grehv performs at Nokia Theater in Times Square, NYC. (photo by Chris Owyoung)

Vverevvolf Grehv was the single opening act for Skinny Puppy’s recent show in NYC. I found the idea of a one man electro death metal act interesting; even more so when I realized that vverevvolf grehv, (pronounced “werewolf grave”) was the brainchild of Dapose, the guitarist of one of my favorite indie bands, The Faint. The music of is brutal and oddly elegant. (more…)

Solange Knowles performs with Of Montreal at Highline Ballroom, NYC. (photo by chris owyoung)

Of Montreal’s recent show at Highline Ballroom included more than Susan Sarandon spanking a man dressed up as a pig; it included a fantastic guest appearance by Solange Knowles (Solange’s official site), who collaborated with the band on their new album. Here is of of my favorites from the set.

Rob Derhak of moe. performs at Roseland Ballroom, NYC. January 23, 2010 (photo by Chris Owyoung)

A few atmospheric shots from the moe. concert at Roseland Ballroom. Don’t let the suits fool you; this show was 150% all-American jam. (more…)