VersoFest 2023 is in the “record” books.
Thousands of visitors enjoyed 4 days of music, workshops, panels,talks, displays of the Grateful Dead’s Wall of Sound and Alice Cooper artifacts, and much more, at the 2nd annual Westport Library event.
Yesterday’s highlights included a vinyl swap, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore (the man who created scratching), and a tribute to the 50th anniversary (!) of hip hop in Connecticut.
DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore shows — much larger than life — how he works his turntables. (Photo and hat tip/Matthew Mandell)
VersoFest was a great way to show off the Library’s Trefz Forum, killer sound system and 19-foot screen — and innovative, informative programming.
“Legends Beats and Grooves” panelists, at VersoFest. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Two Westport lawyers are on opposite sides of cases involving — directly and indirectly — former President Trump.
Attorney Joseph Tacopina — whose clients have included the NFL Washington Commanders and team owner Daniel Snyder, Michael Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Sean Hannity, Don Imus, Kimberly Guilfoyle and rapper A$AP Rocky — has been a zealous defender of the former chief executive.
Speaking on CNN yesterday as a member of his defense team yesterday, Tacopina said he would likely move to dismiss charges. They are expected to be unsealed tomorrow, when Trump is scheduled to be indicted for crimes related to paying hush money to a former porn actress.
His remarks were made remotely from Westport, as a graphic on Dana Bash’s “State of the Union” show noted.
Meanwhile, Stephen Shackelford continues as co-lead counsel for Dominion Voting Systems, in its $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox News.
The Westport RTM member was not on CNN yesterday. But he has been interviewed by them — and other media outlets — as the screenshot below shows.
Stephen Shackelford, on CNN.
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Speaking of TV: Yes, that was David Briggs you saw on HBO’s “Succession” this weekend.
He had a cameo role, playing a new anchor for the fictional conservative news network ATN.
The Westporter — who in real life has had a long career in television, including CNN — was part of several long days of shooting, at CNBC.
He did not have any lines this time. But — spoiler alert — he will have a speaking role later this season.
David Briggs in “Succession.”
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Last month, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein.
The longtime and very active 75-year-old member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has terminal fallopian tube cancer.
She had just reached a settlement with the state of Vermont. She will be the first non-resident to take advantage of a law that allows people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives.
The New York Times has picked up Lynda’s story, and used it to illustrate the national debate about aid in dying laws. Click here to read the piece.
Lynda Bluestein and her husband Paul. (Photo courtesy of NBC Connecticut)
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Wakeman Town Farm gave incorrect dates for its Mother’s Day spring bouquet sale.
It’s May 14 — not May 7, as they previously said. Orders will be taken through May 10. Pickup is Saturday, May 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Farm
Each spring bouquet comes in a Mason jar tied with gray leather criss-cross cord, designed by Sarah Shaw Floral Design exclusively for WTF.
A portion of the proceeds supports Wakeman Town Farm programs. Click here to order.
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Mark your calendars: The Westport Library’s spring book sale is May 5-8.
They’ll have thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories, plus vintage children’s and antiquarian books, music CDs, and movie and television DVDs.
Of special interest:
Books donated from the homes of former US cabinet member Joseph Califano; NBC Sports producer Ricky Diamond, and philanthropist and educator Elisabeth Luce Moore, sister of Henry Luce (Time-Life founder). Many of the books in the Califano collection have been signed political, journalist, literatary and entertainment figures.
A collection of works by or about James Joyce.
An extensive collection of history books, especially US and world politics, and World War II.
“Fiction for $1” room: back by popular demand, filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy and young adult fiction, plus paperbacks, just $1 each.
Vinyl records, graphic novels and manga will be available at the Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green from the Library.
- Friday, May 5: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, May 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; almost everything half-price.
- Monday, May 8: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: fill a logo bags for $8 (or fill your own equivalent-sized bag for $5), or purchase individual items for half price
- Early Access Hours (paid ticket-holders only: Friday, May 5 (8:45 a.m. to noon): Only 125 tickets will be sold; $35 each; online purchase only, beginning April 10, 9 a.m. (click here).
For more information, including high-volume purchases, click here.
To volunteer, click here or email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.
Westport Library book sale.
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“06880” has featured plenty of interesting creatures in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But this is our first seal.
Billy Cohen spotted it on a Harbor Road dock, in Saugatuck Shores.
It quickly slithered back into the Sound — but not before he “captured” it for posterity.
With his camera, not his hands.
(Screenshot from video by Billy Cohen)
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And finally … “naturally,” today’s featured song is:
(Just when you think you’ve heard or seen it all … “06880” comes up with something different. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The other famous David Briggs play keyboards in the Remains!!!
Pretty sure that was Bill Briggs…