Richard Thompson Performs at WHBPAC

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center welcomes acclaimed British singer-songwriter Richard Thompson to the stage on Friday, May 19, at 8 p.m. Thompson is best known for his eclectic songwriting style, evocative lyrics, and powerful guitar, and as a member of the British band Fairport Convention.

Powered by an indefinable spirit, this venerable icon holds a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and counts a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association in Nashville, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Awards among his many accolades.

“Richard Thompson is a singular voice whose songs continue to resonate with legions of dedicated fans,” said Heather Draskin, WHBPAC’s marketing director.

Thompson began his musical career in 1967 at age 18 as a member of Fairport Convention, and since then has consistently been extolled as a dazzling live performer. Thompson garnered an OBE (Order of the British Empire) personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and a Grammy nod for his dynamic live-tour album “Dream Attic.” Moreover, Time touted his anthem, “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” on its “100 Greatest Songs Since 1923” list.

His songs have been covered by everybody from Robert Plant, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello to REM, Sleater-Kinney and David Byrne. His 2018 recording, “13 Rivers,” marked the artist’s first self-produced record in over a decade. In May 2021, he released a new EP, “Serpent’s Tears,” and, in the latter half of 2020, Thompson saw the publication of his memoir “Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975.”

Tickets for Richard Thompson are $76 to $101. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is at 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. For details, visit whbpac.org or call 631-288-2350.