The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present singer/-songwriter Jack Williams as part of its Folk in Fredonia Music Series Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The music of Jack Williams, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by a 54-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today’s folk circuit and considered a “musician’s musician,” an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar.

Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago’s The Midnight Special says, “Jack’s artistry is nothing short of amazing,” and the legendary Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, calls Williams “the best guitar player I’ve ever heard.”

Avoiding the compromises of the commercial music industry during the 50-plus years of his professional career, Williams prefers touring under the radar, playing concerts, large and small, week in and week out, for the sheer love of music and performing.

A sought-after artist on all contemporary acoustic music stages, from coffeehouses and festivals to music halls and city arts centers, Williams has made acclaimed appearances at the Newport, Boston, Philadelphia, Kerrville, and New Bedford SummerFest folk festivals. His musicianship, songs, stories and commanding presence have established him as an uncommonly inspiring and influential performer.

Jack has nine CDs of original music on the Wind River (Folk Era) label, the newest being “Four Good Days,” in addition to a DVD, “High Cotton,” a video collection of on-stage performances. He has produced all of his own recordings as well as CDs by Mickey Newbury, Ronny Cox, Eric Schwartz and others.

His songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Tom Jones and David Clayton-Thomas to Chuck Pyle, Cindy Mangsen, Ronny Cox and Lowen & Navarro. In addition to his solo career, as a guitarist he has accompanied such luminaries as Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Mickey Newbury and Harry Nilsson.

Tickets to Jack Williams are $17 ($15 Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fredopera.org anytime.

The event is part of the Folk in Fredonia Music Series, which is sponsored by the Gilman Family. The performance also is presented, in part, with support from the Darwin’s Health Club, Inc., the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County, the Arts Services Initiative of WNY Inc., and the Give for Greatness program.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of Opera House events is available at www.fredopera.org.