WESTPORT–The Westport Library hasn’t unveiled the full schedule for its fifth annual VersoFest fest, but there’s one thing organizers do know.

And that’s The Thing.

The rising rock band The Thing will perform the kickoff concert for the library’s annual music and media conference and festival on Feb. 27, 2026 at 8 p.m. Presale of the $35 tickets begins tomorrow, with the general tickets on sale Friday.

Based in New York City, with roots in Connecticut, the band has garnered an international following. From late November through December, it will be on tour through Europe, hitting Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, London, Paris, Stockholm and more.

Its Westport appearance will kick off a tour across the United States.

“The Thing is back on the road in North America Spring of 2026!” the band announced on its Facebook page. “They’re hopping back in the van and heading across the country. The shows in these rooms are gonna be wild.”

The Thing’s sound is a throwback to rock and roll’s roots, with a traditional lineup of guitar, bass, and drums, with songs that nod to the Kinks and the White Stripes, among many others, The Westport Library said in its announcement of the concert.

“We’ve kind of adapted the ethos of: with restriction comes creativity, old becomes new,” said guitarist and vocalist Jack Bradley. “And throughout every part of the process that remains true.”

Bradley was an aspiring producer with a basement studio when he connected with two of the band’s other members – bassist and vocalist Zane Acord and guitarist and vocalist Michael Carter. Jazz drummer Lucas Ebeling joined the band in 2022.

The group has put out three LPs so far: their 2023 debut Here’s the Thing, the 2024 follow-up The Thing Is, their self-titled third album, which came out in August 2025.

“It showcases all of us, all of our different personalities,” Acord said of the new album. “In The Thing, we’re a collective band. We hang our hats on being a true band — where we all have the spotlight. I think that gives us a different edge.”

The library plans to release the entire schedule for the four-day festival shortly. It will run from March 26 through March 29.

VersoFest is a forum for media creators, artists and fans. It includes conversations for experts to share their perspective and vision. Intimate workshops provide creators the opportunity to deconstruct, improve, and hone their craft. It takes place at Verso Studios at The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport.

Past VersoFest guests include hip hop legend Chuck D; established hit-makers such as the Wallflowers, Spin Doctors, and the Smithereens; up-and-coming bands including Sunflower Bean and the Lemon Twigs; the Roots lead emcee Black Thought; hardcore punk pioneer Henry Rollins;  and rockers Lez Zeppelin among others.

For more information about the concert, click here. For information about the entire festival, visit versofest.org.