Get ready to be transported back to the golden era of 90s rock as the iconic Spin Doctors are set to headline the Friday Night Concert at VersoFest 2024. The Westport Library’s annual music and media festival will be ringing with the sounds of “Two Princes,” “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” and other unforgettable hits on April 5th. This highly anticipated performance, presented by Webster Bank at the Trefz Forum within Verso Studios, promises an electrifying night for music enthusiasts of all ages.
Local talent Nick Depuy will kick off the evening at 7 pm, setting the stage for the Spin Doctors who will take over at 8 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, giving fans ample time to settle in and soak up the pre-show atmosphere. Tickets for this must-see event are priced at $50 and are available for purchase now, offering a chance to witness rock history in the making.
VersoFest, running from April 3rd to 7th, is more than just a concert; it’s a five-day immersive experience into the world of music and media. The Westport Library’s signature festival bridges local artistry with global icons. Past editions have boasted performances from The Smithereens and Sunflower Bean, alongside appearances from industry giants like producer Steve Lillywhite and Miriam Linna, co-founder of Norton Records and original Cramps drummer. VersoFest has also welcomed Dennis Dunaway of the Alice Cooper Group, Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs, and hip-hop pioneer DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, showcasing its diverse and influential programming.
This year’s VersoFest lineup is already shaping up to be exceptional, featuring luminaries such as the legendary Chuck D, acclaimed music producer Tony Visconti (known for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex), and power-pop sensations The Lemon Twigs. The full schedule, expected to drop next week, promises even more exciting additions. VersoFest prides itself on accessibility, with performances, panels, and workshops available for free or at market rates, thanks to the generous support of donors, community partners, and Library programming funds.
Verso Studios provides a state-of-the-art concert experience, boasting a d&b sound system rivaling top venues, an expansive 18-foot HD screen, and professional multicamera recording capabilities. With a standing capacity of over 600, the venue creates an intimate yet dynamic setting for audiences to connect with the music.
Spin Doctors YouTube video
Spin Doctors performing their hit songs live.
With a legacy spanning over three decades and more than 12 million albums sold, the GRAMMY-nominated Spin Doctors are far from slowing down. Celebrating over 30 years in the rock scene, the band is gearing up for a seventh studio album and a global tour, proving their enduring relevance in the music world. The story of The Spin Doctors began at New York’s New School University in 1988, sparked by a chance meeting between drummer Aaron Comess and guitarist Eric Schenkman. Initially known as the Trucking Company, with Schenkman, John Popper, and Chris Barron, they quickly gained traction. When Popper dedicated himself to Blues Traveler, the remaining members sought a new direction. Comess, after assuring Schenkman he’d “check them out,” teamed up with Bronx-raised bassist Mark White, forming a formidable rhythm section. White’s initial impression, “These are some funky-assed white boys,” perfectly captured the band’s energetic and unique sound.
The Spin Doctors quickly became a staple in the Lower Manhattan music scene. Known for their exceptional musicianship and improvisational live performances, their extended jams became a signature, evident in their 1991 live debut album, Up For Grabs, where tracks often surpassed the 10-minute mark. Alongside contemporaries like Blues Traveler, Phish, and Widespread Panic, the Spin Doctors played a pivotal role in bringing the jam-band ethos into the 90s, influencing the post-millennial resurgence of the genre.
Their distinctive sound and originality caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to the creation of Pocket Full Of Kryptonite, an album that would define early-90s rock. Lead singer Chris Barron recalls, “There was a feeling of magic in the band, and a belief in the air. That first record felt really innocent.”
The phenomenal success of Pocket Full Of Kryptonite occurred during a peak era for the music industry. The dominance of physical formats like CDs and cassettes, coupled with influential media outlets such as MTV, print magazines, and radio, created a perfect storm for massive album sales.
Barron recounts the whirlwind experience: “When we were selling 50,000 records a week, I’d walk into a mall to buy underwear and 300 kids would surround me.” “Two Princes” became a chart-topping hit, reaching #4 on the Top 100 singles chart and solidifying its place as a rock radio staple of 1993. The band’s rising stardom was further cemented with a Rolling Stone cover and even a memorable appearance on Sesame Street.
The albums following Pocket Full Of Kryptonite, You’ve Got To Believe In Something (1996) and Here Comes The Bride (1999), saw lineup changes within the band. Tragedy struck just before Here Comes The Bride‘s release when Barron suffered a rare form of vocal cord paralysis, sidelining him for a year.
In 2001, with Barron’s recovery, the classic Spin Doctors lineup reunited for a significant performance at the closing of Manhattan’s legendary Wetlands club, a venue where they honed their craft in their early years. In 2005, they released Nice Talking To Me, collaborating with renowned producer Matt Wallace at the historic Sound City studio in Los Angeles. Their 2013 album, If The River Was Whiskey, showcased their roots in gritty blues, revisiting their musical origins.
The Spin Doctors delivering a high-energy performance on stage.
Looking ahead, the Spin Doctors are brimming with creative energy for their upcoming album. Barron shares his vision: “For the next album, I kinda want to stay spontaneous. I’d personally like to make a quarter-turn and do a rock record. But I have a feeling it’s gonna get funky.” Drawing a parallel to Keith Richards’ anticipation before a Rolling Stones recording session, Barron hints at the unpredictable and exciting musical journey ahead for the Spin Doctors.
Singer-songwriter Nick Depuy, the opening act for Spin Doctors at VersoFest 2024.
Opening for the Spin Doctors at VersoFest on April 5th is Connecticut-based singer-songwriter Nick Depuy. Depuy’s distinctive sound blends elements of old-time folk, country rock, jazz, and blues. Early in his career, Depuy received mentorship from Bruce Lundvall, a music industry legend from Blue Note, Elektra, and Columbia Records, who hailed Depuy as “the next James Taylor.” Depuy has shared stages with notable artists like Jimmy Webb, Neil Finn of Crowded House, and Procol Harum, and his music has been featured on prominent radio and television channels. He has also graced stages at renowned venues and festivals across the tri-state area, solidifying his presence in the local music scene. His debut LP, Don’t Be Sorry, is readily available on all major streaming platforms.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Spin Doctors live at VersoFest 2024. It’s set to be an unforgettable night of 90s rock nostalgia and incredible music.
All VersoFest 2024 concerts are co-produced with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
