WORCESTER, MA.- Worcester Art Museum rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the opening of its new exhibition, Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present. The exhibition features more than 100 candid shots, live performances, publicity portraits and album cover art of legendary rock stars, such as Tina Turner, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Mick Jagger.

Guests mingled with music’s elite, including Michael Lang, the co-creator and producer of the legendary Woodstock concerts as well as Gail Buckland, the guest curator of Who Shot Rock & Roll from the Brooklyn Museum. The Museum Café transformed into a nightclub for a live concert by special guests: Christine Ohlman, vocalist for NBC’s Saturday Night live; Cliff Goodwin, Joe Cocker’s lead guitarist; Marty Richards, drummer for the J. Geils Band and drummer for Joe Perry of Aerosmith in the Joe Perry Project; Mitch Chakour, pianist for Joe Cocker; Deric Dyer, Saxophonist for Tina Turner and Joe Cocker; and Wolf Ginandes, legendary Boston based bass player. DJ Mark Lynch was spinning in the Renaissance Court.

“Great music inspires great art, and we were thrilled to honor both at this special evening,” said Worcester Art Museum’s Director of Advancement Brian Barlow.

Following the opening celebration, the museum planned a series of special events related to Who Shot Rock & Roll, which runs through May 30, 2010. Programming includes a jazz-pop concert by Jacqui Naylor; interpretations of the exhibition by an art professor, museum curators, a novelist, and Worcester’s music guru; a rock & roll-themed Family Day; guided tours; a juried photography competition of Worcester’s music scene; and an art workshop where students paint while listening to oldies and classical music.