Book Soup presents An Evening with Stevie Van Zandt, in conversation with film director, producer, and screenwriter Chris Columbus

Doors open at 6:00pm; Event starts at 7:00pm.

Please note: Vaccinations and masks are required for all audience members attending events on the Colburn campus. (more information below)

 

What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early '60s, unfolds on some of the country's largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how Rock and Roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.

The first true heartbeat of Unrequited Infatuations is the moment when Stevie Van Zandt trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with Rock and Roll. Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones created new ideas of community, creative risk, and principled rebellion. They changed him forever. While still a teenager, he met Bruce Springsteen, a like-minded outcast/true believer who became one of his most important friends and bandmates. As Miami Steve, Van Zandt anchored the E Street Band as they conquered the Rock and Roll world.

And then, in the early '80s, Van Zandt stepped away from E Street to embark on his own odyssey. He refashioned himself as Little Steven, a political songwriter and performer, fell in love with Maureen Santoro who greatly expanded his artistic palette, and visited the world's hot spots as an artist/journalist to not just better understand them, but to help change them. Most famously, he masterminded the recording of "Sun City," an anti-apartheid anthem that sped the demise of South Africa's institutionalized racism and helped get Nelson Mandela out of prison.

By the '90s, Van Zandt had lived at least two lives--one as a mainstream rocker, one as a hardcore activist. It was time for a third. David Chase invited Van Zandt to be a part of his new television show, the Sopranos--as Silvio Dante, he was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).

Underlying all of Van Zandt's various incarnations was a devotion to preserving the centrality of the arts, especially the endangered species of Rock. In the twenty-first century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show ( Little Steven's Underground Garage), created the first two 24/7 branded music channels on SiriusXM ( Underground Garage and Outlaw Country), started a fiercely independent record label (Wicked Cool), and developed a curriculum to teach students of all ages through the medium of music history. He also rejoined the E Street Band for what has now been a twenty-year victory lap.

Unrequited Infatuations chronicles the twists and turns of Stevie Van Zandt's always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts). It's the best book of its kind because it's the only book of its kind. (Hachette Books)

 

Event location: Colburn School, Zipper Hall located at 200 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, 90012.

 

Tickets are general admission and include one entry & one copy of Unrequited Infatuations, which will be handed out at “check in”.

 

If there are any questions please email Book Soup at info@booksoup.com

 

Please note: Vaccinations are required for all audience members attending events on the Colburn campus. In addition, the following guidelines must also be observed:

Masks required

Proof of vaccination required from all attendees prior to entering the facility (i.e. at Plaza entrance, on Grand Avenue)

Health screening (i.e. LiveSafe) and temp check recommended, but not required.

 

https://livesafe.jotform.com/210614115564851

 
 
 
Event date: 
Friday, October 1, 2021 - 7:00pm
Event address: 
Colburn School, Zipper Hall
200 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012