PLAY IT LOUD: INSTRUMENTS OF ROCK & ROLL @MET MUSEUM

Stevie Ray Vaugh's "Number One" composite Stratocaster guitar by Fender (1963) on view at Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll

Tucked behind building-height Roman and Greek statues (some missing limbs), Ringo Starr's first Ludwig drum set, Elvis' guitar and Jerry Lee Lewis' baby grand piano join an impressive array of prized possessions assembled into Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and notable names in rock, the MET hosts its first-of-a-kind tribute to Rock 'n Roll. At the press preview Monday afternoon, Jayson Kerr Dobney (curator of the MET's musical instrument department), Max Hollein (Director of the MET), Greg Harris (President of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Jimmy Page (lead singer of Led Zeppelin), Steve Miller and Tina Weymouth (bassist of the Talking Heads) present remarks of their experiences with Rock & Roll. Don Felder (lead singer of the Eagles) closes the session with a solo performance of Hotel California. Keep reading for a peek inside... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS: ROCK IN FASHION-

John Varvatos' new publication, Rock in Fashion, fills the windows of his Soho store

At first glance, the stacks of red-spined hardcover books and rock 'n roll photographs crowding John Varvatos' Soho store windows silently protest its somber-suited mannequins. Prodding a smile, the black and white photo of Syd Barrett on the ROCK IN FASHION cover draws me into Varvatos' Soho store to pry a peek at his newly released volume. High ceilings and familiar faces (in frames, of course) balance the grungy, yet aptly tailored shirts, suits and shoes scattered throughout Varvatos' spartan Soho store. Where else can Lou Reed, The White Stripes, and Mick Jagger hang amidst mod metro menswear? Who's your favorite rockstar?