WASHINGTON (12:22 p.m.) -- The sound of two dozen Tibetan monks
and nuns opening the day's concert with a traditional prayer ceremony acts
as a clarion call to thousands of music fans who have been milling about
the TFC midway.
As
the Tibetans begin a percussive rumble with various cymbals, people
continue into the stadium by the thousands. An estimated 50,000 soon will
fill the arena.
The monks and nuns appear as a beautiful single body on the right stage,
all dressed in orange and maroon robes. Before long, one monk begins a
deep throated hum -- similar to the sound that graces the end of the
Beastie Boys' Ill Communication album -- and the crowd erupts.
The scene makes a fascinating study in contrasts.
Onstage, the Tibetans are performing an ancient prayer, yet with high-tech
microphone headsets. Meanwhile, as the monks and nuns create a picture of
peace and reverence, the crowd builds to a frenzy, as people fly down
stadium steps to get to the field.
In short order, Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark takes the stage and
launches into a contemplative groove. Accompanied by a DJ and drummer,
keyboardist Mark lays down a musical vibe that feels like the ideal
transition between the monks' and nuns' prayers and the raucous rock to
come.
Soon Mark and his band are off into the laid-back reflection of the
'70s-styled "All The People," and the concert feels
like it's off to just the sort of good-time-yet-purposeful start that organizers
envisioned.
Walking up a set of concrete steps is 19-year-old Lacey McLennand.
Emblazoned on her arm in black marker is the proclamation, "I came all the
way from West Palm Beach, Fla., to save Tibet!"
"I don't know much about Tibet, but this concert is a great reason to be
here," says McLennand, perfectly content to sit in a cool drizzle rather
than seek shelter in the higher, covered seats. "I believe in what they
are doing, and this is a great forum to get educated."
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