Festival Lineup
Here is a detailed look at what to expect from VersoFest’25 over four days.
Day 1 | Thursday, April 3
Thursday, April 3, at 7 pm
Verso Visionary: Patti Smith, Legendary Singer/Songwriter, in Conversation with Alisyn Camerota
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and National Book Award winner Patti Smith on her latest project, “A Book Of Days,” alongside award-winning journalist and rock memoirist Alisyn Camerota. Doors open at 6:15 pm.
TREFZ FORUM | $45
Your $45 ticket includes a seat in the Forum and a signed copy of A Book of Days. Additional books will be sold on site.
Day 2 | Friday, April 4
FrIday, April 4, at 8:30 pm
Headline VersoFest 2025 Friday Night Concert: The Wallflowers
The kickoff events for VersoFest 2025 are officially set, with the hit band the Wallflowers as the headlining act for the Friday night concert on April 4. Doors open at 7 pm, with the Wallflowers taking the stage at 8:30 pm.
TREFZ FORUM | $100
Registration is required. Standing room only.
Day 3 | Saturday, April 5
Saturday, April 5, at 10 AM
VersoFest 2025 Weekend Kickoff Celebration
From 10 to 11:30 am, come celebrate music, media, and creativity in style, hosted by visionary artist 5iveFingaz, with a rotating cast of DJs, a Library primal scram, live art installations, and other fun fare for the whole family!
TREFZ FORUM | FREE
Registration is suggested!
Saturday, April 5, at 12 PM & 1 PM
Verso University Presents: Graffiti 101: Finding Your Voice as a Graffiti Artist
Explore basic graffiti techniques and hand-lettering skills in this fun, hands-on workshop led by globally renowned visionary artist 5iveFingaz! This workshop is open to all ages. Adult supervision is required for children under 13.
BROOKS PLACE | FREE
Registration is required. Limited space.
Saturday, April 5, at 1 pm
VersoFest Panel: Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run at 50
A panel discussion on Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album with Springsteen manager/producer Mike Appel; Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music executive director Bob Santelli; former Columbia Records executive Michael Pillot; author and music culture writer Kenneth Womack, and more; hosted by Arlen Schumer and Dick Wingate.
TREFZ FORUM | FREE
Registration is suggested.
Saturday, April 5, at 4 pm
Verso Visionary: Black Thought, Lead Emcee of The Roots, in Conversation with June Archer
Black Thought, lead emcee and founding member of The Roots, will headline Saturday afternoon at VersoFest 2025 alongside music industry executive, entrepreneur, and community leader June Archer. Copies of Black Thought’s 2023 book, The Upcycled Self, will be on sale at the event, with the author signing copies after his talk.
TREFZ FORUM | FREE
Registration is required.
Saturday, April 5, at 7 pm
Verso Visionary: Henry Rollins in Conversation with Nabil Ayers
Legendary Black Flag frontman and spoken word artist Henry Rollins, in conversation with Nabil Ayers, the founder of Beggers Records US.
TREFZ FORUM | $35
Registration is required.
Day 4 | Sunday, April 6
SuNday, April 6, at 11 am
VersoFest Oral History Podcast: TELEVISION ROCKS!
With Paul Shaffer, SNL band member and David Letterman music director, in conversation with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.
TREFZ FORUM | $25
Registration is required.
Add on Day | FRIDAY, April 18
Friday, April 18, at 1 pm
Gang of Four Vocalist Jon King on His New Book, in Conversation with Chris Frantz
Gang of Four vocalist and founding member Jon King to talk about his brand new memoir, To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four, live in the Trefz Forum. King will be in conversation with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
TREFZ FORUM | $30
Your $30 ticket includes a copy of To Hell with Poverty! Additional copies will also be for sale on-site.
Friday, April 18, at 6:30 pm
Gang of Four: The Long Goodbye Tour Kickoff
Gang of Four, the pioneering band that served as one of the forerunners of the post-punk movement, mixing outspoken political messages with intense, percussive live sets, will kick off its farewell tour in The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
TREFZ FORUM | $55
DOORS/DJ: 6:30 PM | SHOW: 8 PM
Registration is required.
Shoutout This Year’s Lead Sponsors!
headline sponsor
MAINSTAGE sponsor
MAINSTAGE sponsor
ENCORE+
HARMONY sponsor
HARMONY sponsor
HARMONY sponsor
