Jack White, the epitome of cool, threw an exclusive soiree in Nashville at the beginning of March to celebrate the third anniversary of his Third Man Records label and played songs from his upcoming solo album for a few hundred critics, insiders, bandmates and contest winners. Held in his intimate in-house concert venue, the VIP reception included giant stuffed animals and dinosaur skulls. The sign on his office door says, “John A White III, DDS: Family Dentistry”. Snacks included crab cakes, sliders and mac-and-cheese hors d’oeuvres, custom cocktails and a candy buffet. Reporters were told to surrender cell phones at the door; fans had to turn in their wallets. Not that they minded: “I feel like I won the golden ticket,” said James from Knoxville. “I would tell you more about him, but I was warned that even taking notes might get me bounced.”

He took to the stage in a powder-blue western suit, backed by the female sextet he debuted recently on Saturday Night Live, rocking way harder than a band with a standup bass, violinist and pedal steel player has a right to.  After an intermission, he returned with the all-male band that also accompanied him on SNL. Following the show people moved to Jack’s lounge where he stood by the turntable, talking with guests.  Everyone received a limited-edition Third Man compilation LP in a gift bag as they departed.