(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
This fundraiser reflects Outpost's appreciation for the impactful work of Toni's Kitchen and recognizes the critical role the organization plays in helping individuals and families facing food insecurity. The partnership also demonstrates the shared commitment of both organizations to strengthening community and improving lives through service and engagement.
"Outpost has long been a pillar in our community, bringing people together through music while also helping to strengthen services for those who need them most," said Anne Mernin.
Tickets are $50 in advance and $56 at the show. Tickets are available for purchase online starting July 10, 2026 at 10:00am. The First Congregational Church is located at 40 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.
"The vast majority of households receiving SNAP 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. Toni's Kitchen is deeply grateful to Outpost in the Burbs for supporting our community through this fundraiser."
This event continues Outpost's tradition of combining music and more in Montclair.
Richard Thompson's musical influence cannot be overstated. Having co-founded the groundbreaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the '60s, he and his bandmates invented the distinctive strain of British Folk Rock. He left the group by the age of 21 which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist. In 2011, Thompson received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The Los Angeles Times called him "the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix" and Rolling Stone has named him one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. He has received lifetime achievement awards for songwriting from the BBC Radio 2 Awards, the Americana Music Association, and was awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello Award. His song "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" was named one of TIME Magazine's "100 Greatest Songs Since 1923."
A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson's songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. His massive body of work includes many Grammy nominated albums as well as numerous soundtracks, including Werner Herzog's Grizzly Man and 2019's The Cold Blue. His genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar along with engaging energy and onstage wit continue to earn him new fans and a place as one of the most distinctive virtuosos and writers in Folk Rock history. On May 31, 2024 Richard Thompson released the anticipated Ship To Shore, his first studio album in six years.
Zara Phillips is a singer and songwriter, actor, author and activist. As an adoptee herself, much of her work is centered around the adoption world and is focused on improving understanding the lifelong impact of adoption. She is a mother of three and tours with her husband, Richard Thompson. She divides her time between London and New Jersey.
Outpost in the Burbs is a nonprofit organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music and volunteerism. For over 38 years, the Outpost has presented concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, The Jayhawks, Nick Lowe, and Dar Williams as well as supporting emerging and local artists. In addition to presenting concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated their time with MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope) and a monthly Community Soup Kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in Orange, NJ. The Outpost has partnered with other nonprofit organizations such as The Light of Day Foundation and the independent media site, NJArts.net. The Outpost has also supported local students with a monetary gift to a graduating music student at Montclair High School as well as mentoring students from Montclair State University's 'Hawk Communications' class.
About Toni's Kitchen:
Toni's Kitchen, a ministry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Montclair, provides food, nutrition, education and other essential services to thousands of people each year. The organization remains a critical resource for individuals and families facing hunger throughout the region.
Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased at www.outpostintheburbs.org and at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, 54 Fairfield Street.
Sponsorships for this benefit concert are welcome and appreciated. Contact Cindy Stagoff at [email protected] for information about becoming a sponsor.
For more information visit www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560.
