Get ready to hear the iconic sounds of the 90s as the Spin Doctors, renowned for rock anthems like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” are set to headline the Friday Night Concert at VersoFest 2024. Presented by Webster Bank, this highly anticipated performance will take place at the Trefz Forum within Verso Studios at The Westport Library on April 5th, promising an unforgettable night of music.
Local singer-songwriter 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, allowing attendees to settle in and prepare for a night of energetic performances. Tickets are currently available for $50 and can be purchased online for those eager to secure their spot at this must-attend event.
VersoFest, The Westport Library’s celebrated annual music and media festival, is expanding to a five-day extravaganza this year, running from April 3rd to April 7th. Known for bridging local talent with global icons, previous VersoFest editions have featured stellar performances from bands like The Smithereens and Sunflower Bean, alongside appearances from industry giants such as producer Steve Lillywhite and music historian Miriam Linna. Dennis Dunaway of the Alice Cooper Group, Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs, and hip hop pioneer DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore have also graced the VersoFest stage, cementing its reputation as a diverse and dynamic festival.
VersoFest 2024 is already shaping up to be another landmark year, with previously announced luminaries including 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 VersoFest schedule, packed with performances, panels, and workshops, is expected to be released next week. Thanks to the generosity of donors, community partners, and Library programming funds, VersoFest events are either free or offered at market rates, making cultural experiences accessible to all.
Verso Studios at The Westport Library provides a state-of-the-art concert experience, boasting a d&b sound system that rivals the best venues, coupled with an impressive 18-foot HD screen and professional multicamera recording capabilities. With a standing capacity of over 600, the venue offers both intimacy and high-quality production, ensuring every audience member enjoys an exceptional show.
The Spin Doctors, a GRAMMY-nominated band with over 12 million albums sold, are celebrating more than 30 years in the rock music scene. With a seventh studio album and a global tour on the horizon, their journey began at New York’s New School University in 1988. A chance meeting between drummer Aaron Comess and guitarist Eric Schenkman sparked the formation of the band. Initially performing as the Trucking Company with Schenkman, John Popper, and Chris Barron, they quickly generated buzz. When Popper dedicated himself to Blues Traveler, the remaining members sought a new direction. Comess, after assuring Schenkman he would join, solidified a powerful rhythm section with Bronx bassist Mark White. White humorously recalled his first impression of the band, describing them as “some funky-assed white boys.”
Emerging from the Lower Manhattan music scene, the nascent Spin Doctors became known for their exceptional musicianship and improvisational live performances. Their debut live album, 1991’s Up For Grabs, showcased their ability to extend songs into epic jams, some exceeding ten minutes. Alongside contemporaries like Blues Traveler, Phish, and Widespread Panic, the Spin Doctors played a pivotal role in bringing the jam-band ethos into the 1990s, influencing the post-millennial resurgence of the genre.
Their distinctive sound and originality earned them a deal with Epic Records, leading to the creation of Pocket Full Of Kryptonite, an album that became a defining sound of early 90s rock. Lead singer Chris Barron reflected on the early days, noting, “There was a feeling of magic in the band, and a belief in the air. That first record felt really innocent.”
Pocket Full Of Kryptonite‘s success coincided with the peak of the music industry’s monoculture, dominated by CDs, cassettes, MTV, and radio. This convergence propelled the album to massive sales figures.
“When we were selling 50,000 records a week,” Barron recounted, “I’d walk into a mall to buy underwear and 300 kids would surround me.”
“Two Princes” became a massive hit, reaching #4 on the Top 100 singles chart and becoming one of the most played rock singles on radio in 1993. The band’s success led to a Rolling Stone cover and even a memorable appearance on Sesame Street.
Spin Doctors YouTube video from Sesame Street appearance
The albums that followed Pocket Full Of Kryptonite, 1996’s You’ve Got To Believe In Something and 1999’s Here Comes The Bride, saw changes in the band’s lineup. Shortly before Here Comes The Bride‘s release, Barron faced a health challenge, suffering from a rare form of vocal cord paralysis that impacted him for a year.
In 2001, with Barron’s recovery, the classic Spin Doctors lineup reunited to perform at the closing of the legendary Wetlands club in Manhattan, a venue that was crucial to their early development. In 2005, they released Nice Talking To Me, collaborating with producer Matt Wallace at Sound City studio. Their 2013 album, If The River Was Whiskey, explored gritty blues roots, harking back to their musical origins.
With a new album in the pipeline, the Spin Doctors are poised to continue their musical journey. Barron shared his thoughts on their future direction, expressing a desire to “stay spontaneous” and potentially create a “rock record,” while also acknowledging the band’s inherent funkiness. Referencing a quote from Keith Richards, Barron highlighted the unpredictable nature of their creative process, suggesting their next album could be a return to rock roots or a further exploration of their signature funky sound.
Opening for the Spin Doctors at VersoFest on April 5th is Connecticut’s own Nick Depuy, a singer-songwriter celebrated for his unique blend of folk, country rock, jazz, and blues influences. Mentored by Bruce Lundvall of Blue Note Records, Depuy has been lauded as “the next James Taylor.” He has shared stages with notable artists including Jimmy Webb and Neil Finn, and his music has been featured on prominent radio and television stations. Depuy’s debut LP, Don’t Be Sorry, is readily available on streaming platforms.
VersoFest 2024 concerts are co-produced with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening the community ties of this vibrant music and media festival. Don’t miss the chance to see Spin Doctors live at VersoFest 2024 for a night of 90s rock nostalgia and new musical energy.
