Thompson leads passionate tribute to Passim

There was abundant affectionate humor and a bounty of eclectic performances at Sanders Theatre last night during the annual benefit concert for the Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center. The evening's sold-out performances showed the many ways folk music can be stretched and embellished.

It was a fitting tribute to the 46-year-old institution, as was the impassioned headlining set by British folk icon Richard Thompson -- a master of infusing traditional music with modern sensibilities and passion -- and the varied representation of new talent with ties to Boston. The night included the stomp and twang of local country rocker Mark Erelli, the bold grace of singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey, and the spirited fiddling of the quartet Halali. With the first heart-stopping note from his mouth, which grew into the imposing beauty of "Word Unspoken, Sight Unseen," Thompson demonstrated why he has remained a leader among contemporary folk artists since his days as a founding member of folk-rock legends Fairport Convention. Sporting his trademark black cap, the seasoned performer resonated power as he wove a rich sonic tapestry with his astute songwriting, majestic vocals, and intricate guitar work.

Peppering his performance with casual banter, Thompson ranged over broad emotions, from the insistent guitar melody and defiant vocals of "Crawl Back Under My Stone," which had the audience echoing his chorus, and the playful, old-timey feel of "Alexander Graham Bell," to the melancholyballad "King of Bohemia." He covered the decades as well, going back to the '70s for "For Shame of Doing Wrong," with its sinewy melody, before closing with "I Feel So Good" and "Beeswing" during his encore.

Former Boston subway performer Peter Mulvey drew dramatic emotion from a rousing set that highlighted the range of his worn, smokey voice, evoking the wry experience of Leonard Cohen and the scratchy intensity of Mark Knopfler. He delivered political commentary during "29 Cent Head," with its percussive fingerpicking, layered with the manic notes of his backing electric guitarist, David Goodrich, and he put gentle humor into the rootsy "The Trouble with Poets."

Local country-tinged folk rocker Mark Erelli delivered a fiery set backed by his sharply dressed band The Spurs. His performance was full of wry, modern humor reminiscent of Lyle Lovett. Erelli looked like he was having a ball during the rollicking "Brand New Baby," which featured his bluesy harmonica and twangy vocals, while the mid-tempo rocker "A Bend in the River" was layered with mournful lap steel, elegant fiddle, and understated upright bass.

Halali, a local quartet led by three female fiddle players, opened the night with a warm set that featured a mix of breakneck playing and pretty pop.