Ron Delsener Presents
On August 7, the North Fork Arts Center welcomed a nearly sold-out audience for a special screening of Ron Delsener Presents, followed by a lively conversation with legendary concert promoter Ron Delsener, the documentary’s director Jake Sumner, and moderator Josh Sapan.
The documentary is equal parts all-access pass to New York’s greatest gigs and an intimate portrait of the man behind them all. Featuring stories and performances from icons like Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Bette Midler, Paul Simon, and many more, the film captivated our audience. Attendees described it as “amazing,” “enlightening,” and “a nostalgic celebration of the city we came of age in.”
Staff Photos: Rob Lehmann Photography
Following the screening, the conversation on stage kept the energy going. Ron Delsener, unscripted as ever, delighted the crowd with his candor and humor, while Josh Sapan guided the discussion with thoughtful questions that highlighted both Delsener’s singular career and the filmmaking process. The exchange offered an unforgettable glimpse into the making of the documentary and the cultural history it celebrates.
What truly made the evening memorable was the shared sense of excitement in the theater. Guests remarked on the thrill of the crowd, the joy of seeing friends and neighbors gathered for the film, and even the simple delight of popcorn with real butter. It was a night that combined nostalgia, discovery, and connection in a way that perfectly reflects NFAC’s mission to bring people together through art.
Ron Delsener Presents lived up to its title, celebrating not only the legendary concerts that defined generations of New Yorkers, but also the impresario whose name became synonymous with them. We are deeply grateful to Ron Delsener, Jake Sumner, and Josh Sapan for sharing their insight and stories with us, and to our audience for filling the theater with curiosity, laughter, and applause. It was yet another night to remember at the North Fork Arts Center.