What’s with the new ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC’ being open only Thursday-Sunday? That’s not the worst part. Regular ticket prices are $24.50 (they shave off 5 bucks for students and 2 bucks for seniors) and are time-stamped to let you know when you can enter the Annex. I can’t simply walk in after I purchase my tickets? Ok, weird. I think it’s to organize people like mindless drones to avoid traffic jams. That’s awfully uppity for a new museum!
I’ll tell you one thing though: it’s worth it. It’s a very personal and almost introsepective place, yet also very theatrical. You can see CBGB’s beat-up awning, along with other “memorabilia” otherwise known as the junk on the bathroom walls. I remember the first time I went to CBGB’s and I thought I was in another world. I think I had a crush on some guy and his friend was playing a show there and blah, blah, blah. Their band was ok, but looking back, I’m so glad I saw CBGB’s in one piece. The guy and I were ephemeral, but I went there often because, although it was a small and grimy place, you get the feeling that you would never see anything like it again. Last of a dying breed, before the apple martini’s took over New York. After a while though, it soured and turned into something depressing, charging too much for it’s drinks and giving up on who they were. Still, when I walk down Bowery, I can’t believe it’s not there. It’s an overpriced boutique now. Yay gentrification.
Here’s some more gentrification: Modeled after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Annex branch in Soho showcases musical greats from the New York City area. Starting May 12, 2009, the exhibit “John Lennon: The New York City Years,” will open for your viewing enjoyment. Of course, Yoko Ono was involved in the making of this exhibit. Let’s hope she doesn’t write a song about it. Or try to sing. Anything. Ever.
Hours:
Thursday: 11am-7pm (last admission 6pm)
Friday: 11am – 9pm (last admission 8pm)
Saturday: 11am – 9pm (last admission 8pm)
Sunday: 11am – 7pm (last admission 6pm)
They’ll be extending hours for this exhibit, because Lord knows, New Yorkers need more time with John.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC is on 79 Mercer Street (near Broome Street).
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