To coincide with the publicity surrounding the Summer Olympics in China, some of the biggest names in rock are taking a stand on behalf of Tibet. Sting, John Mayer and Dave Matthews are 
a few of the rockers lending their musicianship to Songs for Tibet-The Art of Peace, an all-star album that is to draw attention to the Asian province of Tibet and its ongoing struggle for national sovereignty. The album, which also features tunes by Alanis Morissette, Moby and Garbage, will have a world-wide release on iTunes Aug. 5, three days before the 2008 Summer Olympics start in Beijing. CD copies will be in stores on August 12 (order now from MNN, HERE) . "We wanted to express our support for the Tibetan people and their message of peace through music, a fundamental means of expression, at a time when the eyes of the world are on China," said Michael Wohl of the Art of Peace Foundation, whose Dalai Lama-supporting nonprofit group is behind the CD project. Also on the album are songs from Rush, Suzanne Vega, Imogen Heap, Damien Rice, Underworld and Duncan Sheik.
"The commitment and enthusiasm from such a wide group of artists has been astonishing and truly heartfelt. It's been exciting orchestrating such an historic project," album producer Rupert Hine said.
Wohl added, "This album will focus people's attention on the importance of Tibet, the gifts of its culture, and the crisis the Tibetan people are facing today." These acoustic recordings - some original for the project and some acoustic recordings of previously released songs, express common vulnerabilities and experiences in pursuing happiness, peace and freedom around the world. The CD celebrates Tibet and the Dalai Lama while raising awareness of the Tibetan situation at this historic moment. All proceeds that The Art of Peace Foundation receives will fund world peace initiatives that are important to the Dalai Lama.
As you may remember, earlier this year Steven Spielberg stepped down from his role as artistic adviser of the Beijing Olympics in opposition to China's relationship with Sudan despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur. More recently, both Bjork and the less-controversial Harry Connick Jr. were both told to keep away from any controversy; Björk after she shouted pro-Tibet sentiments during a concert in Shanghai, and Connick before he'd even sung!
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