L to R: Les Dinkin, Samira Dinkin, Verso Studios Producer Travis Bell, and Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer with one of the donated vintage guitars, in the Library's recording studio.
The Westport Library is the beneficiary of a special donation of instruments from longtime Westport residents Les and Samira Dinkin.
The donation, made in honor of Les’s late younger brother, Corey, consists of a vintage original 1959 Silvertone hollow body guitar with the vintage original matching Silvertone tube amplifier, as well as other vintage Ampeg, Harmony, and Ibanez guitars and tube amps. It will go toward supporting Verso Studios, the Library’s music and media hub. The instruments will be available for use by visiting artists and those recording in the studio space.
“These are iconic pieces of rock ‘n’ roll history that we are grateful and proud to now have in our collection,” said Verso Studios Producer Travis Bell.
“I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honor Corey’s legacy,” said Les, a longtime supporter of Verso Studios, Verso Advisory Board founding member, and a VersoFest official sponsor. “Corey was very passionate about all types of music, from classical to jazz and especially the blues, as a collector, fan, and active musician.”
Corey Dinkin composed what Les called “his own very eclectic jazz fusion and blues compositions” and performed at a series of well-known New York City music clubs in the 1970s, including the Bitter End.
“He also jammed with leading musicians of the period,” said Les. “He became a noted collector of the blues, amassing a substantial collection of recordings and artifacts.”
“We cannot thank Les and Samira enough for this generous contribution,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “They have been such incredible supporters of Verso Studios, and we’re truly touched that Les thought of us to honor his brother. We promise to put those vintage guitars and amps to good use!”
Verso Studio’s initial vinyl album was released in June 2023 and was acknowledged in the Congressional Record by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. He called the Westport Library the “noisiest Library in Connecticut, if not the country.”
For more on Verso Studios’ extensive capabilities and the gear and services available, including the Verso Studios post-production suite, click here. The Library also has music and media equipment available through its Library of Things.
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Save the date for the fourth annual VersoFest music and media festival held at the Library, April 3-6, 2025!
