St. Vincent, Jason Isbell & Lykke Li at the Met shows

The Met Lights Up: A Season of Guitar Icons and Musical Icons

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is preparing to host an unforgettable season of live performance, launching the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 season with a lineup that blends musical legends, contemporary guitar virtuosos, and profound cultural celebrations. This new series promises to turn the museum into a vibrant stage for exploring the history and current relevance of music.

The season kicks off with an electrifying performance by the acclaimed artist Lykke Li on September 16th in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium. This opening act sets a high bar for the cultural depth The Met brings to its live arts programming.

A major centerpiece of the season is the celebrated Guitar Icons series, which will showcase the rich history of the instrument through the lens of modern musical genius. Fans can anticipate performances by guitar luminaries including St. Vincent on February 20th, Jason Isbell on February 2nd, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on October 2nd and 3rd. Each performance will be uniquely tied to a historical instrument from The Met’s remarkable collection, effectively bridging centuries of musical history with contemporary artistry.

Beyond the guitar icons, the schedule is packed with diverse and powerful performances that delve into heritage and innovation. November brings the celebration of Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month with Black Belt Eagle Scout Joe Rainey on November 17th. December offers a high-energy experience with the spirited rhythms of the Rebirth Brass Band on December 12th and 13th.

Further enriching the cultural tapestry, The Met will feature powerful performances that explore deep musical narratives. In February, audiences can experience the poignant extended performance by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead on February 27th, a sprawling eight-hour session featuring James McVinnie and Eliza McCarthy over the evocative sound of reverb.

The season also highlights contemporary voices, such as the premiere of new work by Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah on February 8th and 9th at The Temple of Dendur, an inspiring event within the museum’s storied architecture. The program demonstrates how music connects not only to historical objects but also to living culture and contemporary expression.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience musical history and innovation woven into the magnificent setting of The Met. Tickets are now available, and full details can be found at here.