Paul Shaffer to Join Avon Theatre Gala Honoring Clive Davis with Lifetime Achievement Award

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 gains additional significance with the announcement that Paul Shaffer, the celebrated musician and longtime David Letterman collaborator, will make a guest appearance to deliver a musical tribute to his friend and industry icon. This recognition underscores Davis's profound six-decade impact on popular music and his continued influence on the entertainment industry.

Clive Davis's career represents one of the most storied trajectories in modern music history. A five-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Davis has shaped the careers of numerous iconic artists including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Santana, and Alicia Keys. His influence spans multiple generations and genres, from his early work signing legendary rock artists at Columbia Records to co-founding Arista Records and later establishing J Records. The gala will feature a retrospective highlighting his extraordinary contributions to both music and film.

The event's proceeds will directly support the Avon Theatre's nonprofit mission of independent film programming, education, and cultural outreach. As detailed on their website at https://avontheatre.org, the theater serves as a cultural beacon in downtown Stamford, Connecticut, showcasing independent, foreign, classic, and documentary films while promoting community dialogue and cinematic appreciation. This gala represents a significant fundraising opportunity that enables the theater to continue its educational initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Davis's recent honors include his induction into the Apollo Theater's historic Walk of Fame in June 2025 and recognition at Carnegie Hall during The New York Pops 41st Birthday Gala. His documentary, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, which premiered on Netflix in September 2019, continues to receive international acclaim. The upcoming Avon Theatre gala adds to this series of recognitions, emphasizing Davis's enduring legacy and the respect he commands across the entertainment industry.

The inclusion of Paul Shaffer as a special guest performer adds a personal dimension to the tribute, reflecting the deep professional relationships Davis has cultivated throughout his career. Shaffer's participation ensures the evening will feature memorable musical performances that honor Davis's remarkable contributions. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for this significant cultural event are currently available through the theater's official channels, offering supporters the chance to participate in honoring a true music industry pioneer while contributing to the Avon Theatre's ongoing cultural mission.