Steph Paynes, founder and lead guitarist with Lez Zeppelin, chats with Matthew Mandell, president of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce — which is co-sponsoring the music portion of VersoFest, at center, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who stopped in at the library on Friday. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

WESTPORT — The big weekend of music, art and discussion blasts off tonight when The Westport Library launches VersoFest 2022.

VersoFest is a multi-media happening. Incorporating the library’s new high-tech production studio and media network, its goal is to rival the “South by Southwest” festival in Austin, Texas.

Bill Harmer, executive director of The Westport Library, watches the library transformed into a sound stage, complete with new mammoth speakers. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Internationally known all-female Zeppelin tribute band — Lez Zeppelin — goes on tonight at 7 p.m. to start the weekend, with a range of other performers, artists and experiences on tap, including the launch party and release of The Westport Library’s first “Verso Records” product.

Steph Paynes, founder of Lez Zeppelin, chats with officials Friday afternoon. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“It’s amazing,” U.S. Rep. Jim Himes said on a tour visit of the library on Friday afternoon. “I’ve now seen it used as a library, a debating stage — with me on it — and now as a concert venue. I’m always intrigued at the versatility of this space.”

For more details on the weekend, visit the library’s website here.

Joan Chew, bassist and keyboard player with Lez Zeppelin, finishes sound check Friday afternoon. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
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