MICHAEL STAHL, portraitsbymichaelstahl.com
RICHARD THOMPSON
Richard Thompson and Zara Phillips will perform at a benefit for the Montclair-based nonprofit Toni’s Kitchen at Outpost in the Burbs, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. The show will take place at The First Congregational Church in Montclair. Tickets will go on sale July 10 at 10 a.m.; visit outpostintheburbs.org.
Phillips will open the show and also sing with Thompson.
Toni’s Kitchen, a ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, provides food, education and other essential services to thousands of people every year. It is a critical resource for those facing hunger throughout the region.
Thompson — whose career began with the pioneering British folk-rock group Fairport Convention in the ’60s — previously performed in a 2023 benefit concert for NJArts.net at Outpost in the Burbs. He is a vibrant and masterful performer, and one of the most influential musicians of his generation. The Los Angeles Times called him “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix,” and Rolling Stone named him one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time.
Thompson and Phillips are married and live in New Jersey. In addition to writing and singing her own material, Phillips sings on Thompson’s most recent album, 2024’s Ship to Shore.
DAVID KAPTEIN
Zara Phillips and Richard Thompson.
Anne Mernin, executive director of Toni’s Kitchen, praised Thompson and Outpost in the Burbs leadership for their help “in bringing people together through music to strengthen services for those who need them.
“The vast majority of households receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) include older adults or working individuals and families who are unable to put all the pieces together to afford combined costs of housing, transportation, childcare and healthcare. SNAP helps close that gap and provide stability.”
Thompson said.: “An increasing number of Americans find it hard to pay all the bills and fill their stomachs. Toni’s Kitchen does a fantastic job — thank you for supporting this great cause.”
Note: In addition to working for NJArts.net, I serve on the board of Outpost in the Burbs. This fundraiser reflects our appreciation for the impactful work of Toni’s Kitchen. Sponsorships for the concert are welcome and appreciated. Contact me at cstagoff@gmail.com for information about becoming a sponsor.
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