In the five years I lived within a mile of the Chandler (Ariz.) Arts Center, the most high-profile show at the venue involved either John Tesh or Mickey Rooney. And then I move, and four months later Lou Reed is performing there with Laurie Anderson. There are a few catches, though: The show is at 3 p.m. on a Sunday; it will feature an array of Chinese music; and there will be lessons on meditation.

Icons of rock and performance art, Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed, will perform solo then together for the Mind Meets Music benefit concert on Sunday, April 5, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler (Phoenix), Ariz. Additional performers include the acclaimed violin and guitar duo Lyra, as well as Shangao Cai and the Phoenix Chinese Art Ensemble, which will perform authentic Chinese music. As additional fundraising options, fans have the chance to attend a private reception and dinner that will be attended Ms. Anderson, Mr. Reed, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche immediately following the concert.

Unique to this event will be the introduction Mingyur Rinpoche will present to the concert audience. The well known author of the best-selling book The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Meditation, will provide a brief overview on how anyone can use meditation with music to develop serenity, decrease stress, and increase awareness.

If I still lived within walking distance of the venue, I’d definitely be there on Sunday, but with the lowest ticket going for $48 (before Ticketmaster charges) and an hour and half drive each way, I think I’ll pass. Unless the part of me that believes that it might worth it to hear the jam session at the end of the show takes over, that is.

Lou Reed & Laurie Anderson Concert [Craigslist]
Mind Meets Music with Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed [AZ Central]