R.E.M. frontman, Michael Stipe, was among the attendees Monday night at the 17th annual Tibet House Benefit at Carnegie Hall in New York. Other artists joining him were Patti Smith, Ben Harper, Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Ray Davies and Sigur Ros. It appears the shy musician has come a long way from the confines of college-dorm radio.

As originally reported on Billboard, the benefit occurred relative to the Tibetan New Year, and tributes to Tibetan culture and various artist collaborations were featured. Icelandic Sigur Ros launched the event with an acoustic version of “Agaetis Byrjun” and “Heysatan” (whatever those are).

Lou Reed then proceeded to play “Who Am I?” and a bluesy rendition of “Ecstacy,” each backed by a string quartet. Davies and Harry united for the well-known Kinks number “Lola,” inspiring the audience to sing along. Davies also provided “Sunny Afternoon” and “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” for the crowd’s audio pleasure.

Phillip Glass tickled the piano keys while Ben Harper played "Amen, Omen." Immediately following Harper was Michael Stipe, who oddly sang “New Test Leper” and “Chorus and the Ring.” He said he developed those tunes after conversing with the late beat poet William S. Burroughs.

Now the question is--if Michael Stipe does a show and does not perform “Everybody Hurts,” does the show exist? This very question was not answered Monday night, as the artist’s idol, Patti Smith, joined him for a version of the melody (phew!). Smith and her band were the last act of the evening, playing covers of George Harrison’s “Within You Without You” and “1959.” The show concluded with every one of the event’s performers dispatching to the stage, where they all sang “People Have The Power.”

While it’s true that people do indeed have the power, I’m beginning to notice that it’s quite a select few. In any case, it sounds like it was a cool show.

Check Out More CB Music Stories Here