Melong Band: When Tibet Rocks!  by Joshua Barnes    /  June 24,
2013  / No comments  Four guys on a mission to preserve Tibet
with Rock n’ Roll.  Melong Band_Burma House  Melong Band (l to
r): Tenzin Tsewang, Tenzing Jigme, Tenzin Ngawang, George
Dorjee. Photo: Renee Rosensteel.  Melong Band is the only
Tibetan rock band in the United States to be touring and
recording. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota the band came to
Pittsburgh on June 8 to perform at City of Asylum/Pittsburgh’s
Exiled Voices of China and Tibet event.  Like its blend of
Tibetan music, reggae, and American blues, Melong is comprised
of three Tibetan members—Tenzing Jigme (Guitar, vocals), Tenzin
Ngawang (Vocals, dranyen), Tenzin Tsewang (Bass)—and a
Minneapolis resident, George “Dorjee” Marich (Drums). Even
though none of them are older than 35, the band sings about the
struggle that Tibetans have endured since the Chinese government
occupied the region in 1959. Though Melong does not shy away
from saying that their music is a form of protest