'Evening of Thanksgiving' Remembers Life Of Local Singer

It was a night of great music and good times at the in Ardmore, all backed by a great cause: To remember the life of a local music artist.

For the fourth year in a row, the Evening of Thanksgiving has been a huge success. This year's proceeds from Saturday's event will go to the Vince Raimondo Scholarship Fund, which is given to a lucky student at Haverford High School who plans on pursuing a degree in communication and radio. At press time, the amount of the proceeds was unknown.

The fund is in memory of Vince, who started his career in music at Haverford High School's radio station's WHHS-FM. Vince later became a local singer and songwriter and his death had a huge impact on the community when he died this past Aug. 12 at the age of 56, less than a month shy of his birthday, according to the Vince Raimondo Scholarship Fund's website.

His widow Joyce states that after his passing, Albert Bien, Craig Bickhardt, and other friends got together and formed his scholarship fund to perform regularly and preserve his memory. Vince lost his battle with colon cancer after seven long years, but his memory tonight was honored in the greatest gift possible. The gift of music.

Three incredibly talented performers took the stage Saturday evening. As the opening act, Albert got the crowd warmed up with a few country folk tunes. Next was the talented folk group Ronstadt Generations, a group that consists of Michael J. Ronstadt (brother of singer Linda Ronstadt) his two sons Michael G. and Petie, and bandmate Josh Hissle. Michael G. Ronstadt and Josh recently played with Neil Young, Death Cab for Cutie, and Nora Jones in Holland.

After Ronstadt Generations performed, Craig rocked the crowd with his one-of-a-kind folk music style. He is a successful singer with a top 10 country hit,  "That's How You Know Love's Right."

He also penned many hit songs for successful artists such as The Judds, who hit number one with "I know Where I'm Going." In addition his songs have been recorded by a number of great artists including Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and BB King.

Audience member Carol Lessing from Havertown stated that she thought it was wonderful that a group of talented performers came together to honor their friend, entertain us with a great show, and use the proceeds to send one lucky student to college on a scholarship. I agree.