FAIRFIELD — Dar Williams, a popular voice in contemporary folk music, will perform a benefit concert on Thursday, April 27, in Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The 8 pm concert will be preceded by a renewable energy exhibition coordinated by Solar Works, Inc. beginning at 6 pm.

Dar Williams brought the idea of folk music to a new generation and has hit a wellspring of support with her post-modern humanity. The highest charting independent artist for her 1997 album, End of the Summer, she has sold more than a quarter of a million records.

Her 1998 recording What Do You Hear in These Sounds, charted on MTV’s Channel M2, making her one of the Top 50 grossing acts that year. Her concert appearances are routinely standing-room-only and she has filled the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.

Joan Baez has recorded three of Dar Williams’ songs and has toured with her in the United States and Europe. In addition, Williams has played with the Indigo Girls and went on the road with Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair for two years. Of her music, The New York Times said, “Wisdom flows through her songs in delirious, wordy rushes of truth.”

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Solar on Schools in Connecticut program, which is designed to demonstrate the educational, economic and environmental benefits that solar electric technologies can provide to schools and their communities.

Advance tickets to the concert are $25, or $14 for students. Tickets can also be purchased for $75, which includes select seating and a post-show backstage reception with Dar Williams. All tickets purchased at the door will be $30.

To reserve, call the Quick Center box office at 203/254-4010 or toll-free at 877/ARTS-396. For more information concerning the Solar Works program, contact John Rountree at 203/226-5103 or Ed Witkin at 860/354-7346.