Paul Shaffer to Join Clive Davis Tribute at Avon Theatre Gala Honoring Music Legend

The Avon Theatre Film Center will present its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary music executive Clive Davis during a gala event on Tuesday, October 14. The ceremony will take place at the Avon Theatre - Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center in Stamford, Connecticut, with musician Paul Shaffer making a special guest appearance to deliver a musical tribute to his friend and industry icon.

Davis's career spans more than six decades and includes five Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His influence has shaped the careers of numerous music legends, including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Santana, and Alicia Keys. The gala will feature a retrospective of Davis's impact on both music and film, with special performances and tributes highlighting his enduring legacy.

Paul Shaffer's participation adds significant musical credibility to the event. As the longtime bandleader for David Letterman and an accomplished musician in his own right, Shaffer's tribute promises to be a highlight of the evening. His appearance underscores the respect Davis commands within the music community and adds an element of spontaneity to the carefully planned program.

The gala serves as a fundraiser for the Avon Theatre's nonprofit mission, supporting independent film programming, education, and cultural outreach initiatives. Ticket sales and sponsorships contribute directly to the theater's ability to maintain its cultural programming. More information about attending the event can be found at https://avontheatre.org.

Davis's career achievements extend beyond artist development to include significant business accomplishments. He co-founded Arista Records in 1974, where he signed Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow, and later formed J Records in 2000, which became home to artists like Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. His current role as Chief Creative Officer for Sony Music Worldwide continues his legacy of talent development. The establishment of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University demonstrates his commitment to educating future generations of music professionals.

This recognition comes during a period of continued celebration for Davis, who was recently honored by The Apollo Theater with their Legacy Award and induction into their Walk of Fame in June 2025. The Avon Theatre gala represents another milestone in Davis's ongoing influence on the music industry, highlighting how his work continues to resonate across generations of artists and music lovers.

The event's timing coincides with increased attention on Davis's career following recent honors, including his portrait being painted by David Hockney for the National Portrait Gallery in 2022. For the Avon Theatre, hosting an honoree of Davis's stature elevates the organization's profile within the cultural community and reinforces its position as a significant venue for arts recognition. The combination of Davis's legacy with Shaffer's musical talents creates a compelling event that celebrates both artistic achievement and community support for the arts.