Richard Thompson in Newburyport

British guitar virtuoso Richard Thompson wowed local crowds at Prescott Park in 2010 and The Music Hall in 2011, but it’s been three years since his last appearance in Newburyport, Mass. He’ll return with a concert at The Theatre at Newburyport High School on Friday, July 20.

The singer-songwriter has received immense acclaim over his long career, earning a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC and ranked 19th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists. His latest CD, 2010’s “Dream Attic,” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

The show starts at 8 p.m. at 241 High St. Tickets are $40, available at www.heptunesconcerts.com.

Blues fest in Rochester
A car show, barbecue, crafts, games, square dancing and a whole lot of live blues are on tap for Rochester’s upcoming Blues Festival. Presented by Rochester Main Street, the event takes place on Hanson Street on Saturday, July 21.

Among the musical acts taking the Hanson Street Stage are Kat Murphy, Charlie Strater, Dancing Madly Backwards and Linda Pouliot, along with closing act TJ Wheeler and Friends. In addition, Happy Times Squares will offer square dancing demonstrations, and Right Attitudes dance students will perform.

There will also be a “Cruisin’ 100 Chevy Car Show,” sponsored by the Spaulding High School alumni class of 1960. The Rochester Historical Society will also be on hand, and downtown businesses and other vendors will serve up food.

The free festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact 603-330-3208 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Uke fest in Kittery
A day-long ukulele festival is on its way to Kittery Foreside. The second annual Ukulele Melee takes place on Saturday, July 21, at The Dance Hall.

Presented with the Boston Ukulele Union, the event will offer workshops, open mikes, jam sessions and a concert. Featured musicians include Joel Eckhaus, Josh Hilberman, Danno Sullivan, Davis Sweet, Kiyoshi Imai and others.

The melee takes place from noon to 9 p.m. at 7 Walker St. in Kittery, Maine. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, visit www.thedancehallkittery.org or find the event on Facebook.

Justin Townes Earle returning to Portsmouth

Much has transpired in Justin Townes Earle’s career since the last time he performed at The Music Hall in February 2011. The singer-songwriter released his fifth album this spring, called

“Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.” He received an Americana Music Award for Song of the Year for the title track to his previous album, “Harlem River Blues.” And he performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall and on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Earle will return to The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The son of folk icon Steve Earle, he is touring in support of his new record, which sees him moving in a Memphis soul direction.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 20 at noon, for $20 to $25. The Music Hall is at 28 Chestnut St., 603-436-2400, www.themusichall.org.