In 1967 — just 2 months after “Light My Fire” rocketed the Doors to worldwide fame — they played at Staples High School.
In April, one Door returns to Westport.
Drummer John Densmore joins Alisyn Camerota in conversation on April 6.
He’s the latest addition to VersoFest 2024. In just 3 years, the Westport Library’s music/media/and more event has become Connecticut’s premier festival and conference.
This year’s VersoFest spans 5 days — April 3 through 7. It includes Chuck D in conversation with Akashic Books publisher Johnny Temple, and David Bowie, T. Rex and Thin Lizzy music producer Tony Visconti chatting with WFUV’s Paul Cavalconte.
John Densmore (Photo/Jeff Katz Photography)
Densmore’s musical pedigree is legendary. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
His book “The Doors Unhinged” describes his conflict with bandmates over the right to use the group’s name, and depicts the struggle as a reflection of a much larger societal issue.
Camerota — the Westporter and CNN anchor — is no stranger to music. She came of age in the punk-rock late 1970s. Her new memoir, “Combat Love,” details those years, and her bonds with the band Shrapnel.
Other VersoFest 2024 highlights include The Lemon Twigs with DJ Hysterica, and the Spin Doctors with singer-songwriter Nick Depuy.
From left: The Lemon Twigs, DJ Hysterica, Nick Depuy, Spin Doctors
VersoFest also features panels and workshops all day Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7.
Highlights include Audrey Golden, author of “I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women At Factory Records,” in conversation with New Haven Independent’s Karen Ponzio; a panel on the wild lore of WPLR’s 1975 Fleetwood Mac broadcast, featuring an early incarnation of the Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham era with broadcaster Dick Kalt, and a Pitch Your Podcast Panel by CT Public with on-air personality Meg Dalton and Peabody Award winning “Uncivil” podcaster Jack Hitt.
Back again: VersoFest’s popular live music oral history podcast “Glam to Punk — A Fashion Round Table: Alice Cooper, Bowie, Blondie and Beyond” with Cindy Dunaway, Tish & Snooky (Manic Panic), and Dennis Dunaway (original Alice Cooper bassist), moderated by SNL Band singer and frequent Westport Library collaborator Christine Ohlman.
From left: VersoFest Record Fair; “Diamond Dogs at 50” David Bowie exhibit
The weekend also includes a record fair curated by Record Riots. Collector Paul Brenton brings a “Diamond Dogs at 50” David Bowie exhibit, featuring the original stage models from the 1974 Diamond Dogs tour, and other rare items.
The festival concludes with a celebration of hip hop’s first film, “Wild Style,” featuring Tony Tone of the Cold Crush Brothers, the return of Grand Wizzard Theodore, as well as Prince Whipper Whip, DJ Ultamite, Grand Master Caz, JDL, Easy AD, Almighty Kay Gee, and Rodney C.
From left: “Wild Style”; Fairfield County native Tony Tone of the Cold Crush Brothers.
All VersoFest performances, panels, and workshops are free or at market rates.
For complete VersoFest 2024 information — including tickets — click here. The full schedule is below.
