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Verso Visionary: Renowned Music Entrepreneur Peter Shapiro, in Conversation with Relix Editor Dean Budnick

VersoFest 2026 will feature a rare, close-up conversation with renowned music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro on March 29, joined by music journalist, author, and documentarian Dean Budnick. Together, the two industry veterans will explore the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead and the growth of the jam band scene, one of modern music’s most passionate and dedicated communities. 


Shapiro, publisher of Relix, has had a profound impact on live music, owning and operating iconic venues including Brooklyn Bowl (New York, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philadelphia), The Capitol TheatreGarcia’s, and Wetlands Preserve. He produced Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead and founded the acclaimed Lockn’ Festival, which has showcased jam band legends like Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Widespread Panic, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Shapiro is also the creator of FANS, an innovative livestream platform, and originated the Rock and Roll Playhouse, a weekly family concert series now in more than 25 U.S. markets. He sits on boards including The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum and Headcount, a national youth voter engagement organization. 


Budnick, editor-in-chief of Relix, brings extensive knowledge of live music history, having authored seven books, contributed to BillboardVariety, and The Hollywood Reporter, directed the documentary Wetlands Preserved, and hosts the podcast Long May They Run


VersoFest’26, The Westport Library’s annual music and media festival, brings creators and audiences together through performances, conversations, and workshops. Shapiro’s conversation promises insider insight into music history, fandom, and the forces that have shaped live performance today. 


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Verso Visionary: Renowned Music Entrepreneur Peter Shapiro, in Conversation with Relix Editor Dean Budnick
January 26, 2026
Run, Walk, and Repeat to Win Prizes! What: A Burrito League is a fun, community-based challenge centered around running (or walking) a set route that is defined and counted on strava Participants complete the same route at their own pace, on their own schedule at any time for the week of the competition The route is tracked through the Strava App (free!) and every participant is recognized—no experience required You earn prizes just for participating, with extra rewards for the top female and top male participants It’s about movement, friendly competition, free burritos, and supporting local businesses Whether you walk it or run it, once or go all in, everyone’s part of the league When: Start: Saturday, January 24 at 9:00 am End: Saturday, January 31 at 5:00 pm Where: The route begins and ends at New York Comedy Club Stamford 230 Tresser Blvd Stamford, CT 06901 Prizes: Winner Prize x 2 (Male and Female) 1 Year of burritos from Masa Taco Bar ($400 gift card = 2/mo) 1 Year of VIP Golden Ticket Membership to New York Comedy Club Stamford 1 Free entry to Stamford Run Club's 5K race in April 3 Passes to Hideout Sauna Club to experience social sauna and cold plunges 1 T-shirt of your choice from Hey Stamford! Additionally, all participants will receive discounts from each partnered sponsor. Track it on the Strava App Segment Here: Stamford Burrito League Register here at any time during the challenge for discounts and prize eligiblity: Register Now Questions? Email Gabe at gabe@newyorkcomedyclub.com . Partnered Sponsors: BURRITO LEAGUE : What started in Tempe, Arizona as a grassroots alternative to a discontinued corporate challenge has grown into a decentralized movement of local Burrito Leagues, each organized independently but united by a shared love of repetition, consistency, and connection with your local community. burrito-league.com CITY GIRLS WHO WALK : City Girls Who Walk Stamford is a women-led community based in Stamford, CT, focused on bringing women together through intentional movement, connection, and real-life friendship. What started as monthly group walks has grown into a welcoming space that hosts walks, workout classes, social events, and community meetups designed to support both physical and mental well-being. CGWW is about showing up as you are, moving your body in a way that feels good, and building genuine connections with other women in the city. instagram.com/citygirlswhowalk_stamford RUNNERS COLLECTIVE : Runners Collective is a social athletic run club that was founded in June 2024 to combat loneliness in our community through social and physical events. Through our Saturday runs and curated social events, we thrive ourselves in acting as a third place away from home and work where individuals can create new and unforgettable memories. The goal was always to make moving our bodies fun again while creating genuine connections! instagram.com/rnrs.cltv MASA TACO BAR : Masa Taco Bar is a reflection not only of our love for Mexican culture and tacos, but also a reflection of our passion for cooking and desire to bring loved ones together around a table over great food and drink and it all goes back 30 years to 1995. masatacobar.com NEW YORK COMEDY CLUB STAMFORD : New York Comedy Club Stamford opened in February 2023 at Stamford Town Center and has been going strong ever since. The 240-seat venue follows in the tradition of our three NYC locations, the first of which opened more than 35 years ago. With our Stamford location, we remain dedicated to the work, to the talent, to the community, and to preserving the exhilarating “anything can happen” vibe that is unique to live comedy. Grab a seat and bucket of popcorn and get ready to laugh. stamford.newyorkcomedyclub.com HEY STAMFORD! : Hey Stamford! is the premier guide for people seeking what’s new in food and entertainment in the City of Stamford. We cover local businesses, people, issues, and lifestyles related to Stamford. Constantly looking for what’s genuine, unique and next, we deliver inspiration every day to locals who have come to count on us – the urban explorers, the fun seekers, the trend spotters. With updates daily, you won’t miss a beat! heystamford.com HIDEOUT SAUNA CLUB : Hideout Sauna Club is Stamford’s first Social Sauna Club, featuring a 16 person communal sauna, a heated igloo with 3 cold plunges, and a lush garden lounge. It’s a healthy place to hangout, heat up and cool down. We provide contrast therapy, the 2026 health trend of the year, all to the rhythm of good music, good convo, and a good vibe. Come in, to come alive. hideoutsocial.club STAMFORD RUN CLUB Stamford Run Club was built on the belief that running is better when it brings people together. What started as a small group has grown into a diverse and welcoming community of runners of all paces and backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to movement, consistency, and connection. We pride ourselves on being more than just a run club; we’re a space where beginners feel supported, experienced runners stay challenged, and friendships are built mile by mile. instagram.com/stamford.runclub
January 24, 2026
Enter the OnWashington Entrepreneur Contest in South Norwalk for a chance to win a free one-month pop-up commercial space on Washington Street.
January 21, 2026
Fairfield Hills Music Festival presale is on now through Feb 27, 2026 featuring Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The Moonrise Cartel, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow.
January 20, 2026
Folk-rock icon Ani DiFranco headlines opening day of VersoFest 2026 at The Westport Library on Thursday, March 26.
By Cathy Ithier January 15, 2026
Discover Norwalk Restaurant Weeks, Jan 20–30. Enjoy prix-fixe menus at local favorites with flexible price points for every taste and budget.
January 6, 2026
Gabby’s Dollhouse LIVE! comes to The Palace Theatre Stamford on January 24. Enjoy a magical, music-filled family show with Gabby and friends.
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