VersoFest 2025 Draws Thousands To The Westport Library For Music, Media and Creativity
The Trefz Forum at the Westport Library once again hosted VersoFest, a four day festival devoted to music and the arts, the library's annual gift to the community. About 3,500 people took part from Thursday when rock star Patti Smith was in conversation with journalist Alisyn Camerota, with Smith’s opening remarks which included, saying, “I’m a big, big fan of libraries, and I’m so happy to be here” to Sunday, when Paul Shaffer, music icon and music director for the David Letterman show spoke with local legend Christine Ohlman.
On Friday, abut 700 attendees came to enjoy a concert with Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers followed by a panel discussion featuring the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run album which launched the career of one of America’s greatest rock stars and a seminal figure in the genre of heartland rock, known for his ability to fuse commercially successful rock music with deeply resonant, poetic lyrics that capture the essence of working-class American life.
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On April 6th, the last day of the VersoFest weekend, hundreds attended to hear an interview of Paul Shaffer, long time music director for the David Letterman show and was, music director for Saturday Night Live for five years. Here, he is being interviewed by Christine Ohlman A.K.A. the Beehive Queen who has made numerous appearances on SNL and performs regularly at The Westport Library.
Ohlman and Shaffer provided the packed house with a very informative discussion with Shaffer telling countless stories on his amazing, more than 50 year career on the national stage where he has established himself as a significant presence in the music industry. They discussed his role as music director for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which he took on in 1986 and he provided a fascinating insight into his relationships with some of the music industry's biggest stars. At the end of the event, the duo took to the stage treating the audience to several musical selections.
During the discussion, images of his storied career were projected on The Trefz Forum’s 18-foot video wall, complemented by its state-of-the-art sound system. The conversation delved into many memorable performances, including his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame productions featuring superstars like The Mamas and The Papas, The Righteous Brothers and others, offering the audience a "backstage access" experience and insights into decades of music history. Notable visuals included Shaffer alongside his Letterman house band, “The World’s Most Dangerous Band,” as well as his early work with fellow SNL music director G.E. Smith. The presentation also highlighted his annual performance with the iconic Darlene Love, showcasing her classic, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which was co-written with the renowned Phil Spector.
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Nearly 300 audience members listened attentively as Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman engaged in a captivating conversation with Paul Shaffer, delving into the myriad stories from his more than half-century career in music. Shaffer, who began playing piano at the tender age of six in his hometown of Fort William—now known as Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada—shared anecdotes that highlighted his remarkable journey through the music industry. The afternoon was a celebration of his experiences, showcasing not only his talent but also the evolution of musical genres and the significant moments that shaped his illustrious path.
The audience cheered and applauded at several moments in the lively discussion, as clips showcasing a variety of their favorite performers from the last half-century were played on the screen. Each segment not only ignited nostalgia but also highlighted the enduring impact these artists have had on the entertainment landscape. The reflections prompted laughter and admiration, drawing the crowd into a shared celebration of beloved talent. The atmosphere was electric, with audience members visibly engaged, exchanging knowing glances and smiles as they relived cherished memories alongside the panelists.
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Saturday started off with a panel discussing all things Springsteen, celebrating his iconic album, Born To Run
Library Executive Director Bill Harmer beginning the discussion by introducing panelists who provided an in-depth look at Bruce’s career and “Born To Run at 50”
The panel discussion was hosted by Arlen Schumer (above, far right podium), author, pop culture historian, and the art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine dedicated to Springsteen’s life and music. Dick Wingate (standing, far left) is a former music industry senior executive and current Verso Studios advisory board member who, while at Columbia Records, product managed Springsteen’s Darkness on the Edge of Town.
Seated (left to right) was Michael Pillot, former Columbia Records promotions director, Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and the co-producer of Born to Run who appears on the screen in his earlier years and Kenneth Womack, music historian and co-author of 2024 Rutgers University Press book, Bruce Songs.
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The panel discussed, among many topics, the rise of Springsteen’s career from playing small clubs at the Jersey shore to his 1973 debut albums, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. They noted, that espite receiving positive reviews from critics, these records did not capture a large audience. However, this changed significantly with the release of Born to Run in 1975, which catapulted him to international fame. Following this breakthrough, Springsteen continued to refine his sound, unveiling Darkness on the Edge of Town in 1978 and The River in 1980, the latter marking his first album to reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart. These works solidified his position in rock music and showcased his evolving artistry.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The audience was fascinated as the members of the panel gave exceptional insight into Bruce Springsteen's 50+ year career, with each panelist opining upon a multitude of interactions with "The Boss." From personal anecdotes about backstage moments to reflections on Springsteen's lyrical depth and social impact, the discussions highlighted the enduring legacy of one of rock music's most iconic figures. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, illustrating how Springsteen's influence spans generations and resonates on both personal and cultural levels. The stories shared not only celebrated his artistry but also illuminated the profound connections he has forged with fans and fellow musicians alike.
One audience member was Professor Marilisa Merolla (above, 3rd from left) who is a Springsteen scholar visiting from Italy who teaches a course on the artist , “Bruce Springsteen As History” at New York’s New School College Of Performing arts.
VersoFest 2025 will conclude on Friday, April 18, the seminal post-punk band Gang of Four will be launching their farewell tour at the Library. The show starts at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Prior to the concert, a book talk will take place at 1:00 pm featuring Gang of Four vocalist Jon King in conversation with Chris Frantz, the drummer of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. The discussion will center around King’s new book, To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four, offering insights into the band’s influential career and the socio-political themes that defined their music.