Maggie's Guitar gets a standing ovation after its performance at "Time in a Bottle"

Maggie's Guitar Headlines at Croce Gathering

DREXEL HILL, Pa. – Maggie's Guitar treated an audience of 850 people to an evening of Jim Croce's music at "The Gathering," a weekend-long event to celebrate the life and music of Jim Croce; his musical partner, Maury Muehleisen; and Sal Joseph, the songwriter and friend who put the two together.

The tribute concert was performed at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, adjacent to Jim's alma matter, Upper Darby High School, and raised more than $9,000 for a scholarship fund in Croce's name.

The show was emceed by legendary Philadelphia disk jockey Gene Shay. Croce's cousin Steve Angelucci, Muehleisen's sister Mary Muehleisen, and Joseph's niece Regina Salviuolo Leduc all shared their memories of the three musicians.

The Spires, a selective 14-man a cappella group within The Villanova Singers, opened the show. Croce helped formed the Spires when he attended Villanova University.

Next up was Mike DiBenedetto, Croce's college friend and his first musical partner. DiBenedetto performed some of the early songs he did with Croce, as well as original songs inspired by Croce.

Joining Maggie's guitar were Ian, Duncan and Aidan Maxwell of the Silver Hammer Band, a regional favorite, and violinist Bruce Maxwell.

One of the evening's highlights was a appearance by Terry Cashman, one of Croce producers. Cashman performed "Maury," a song he wrote for Maury Muehleisen.

The concert took place on the 40th anniversary of Croce’s death. On Sept. 20, 1973 – the same day that his ABC single "I Got a Name" was released – Croce, Muehleisen, and four others were killed in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Proceeds will go to the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation for a scholarship fund in Croce’s memory.

 Maggie's Guitar performs with the Maxwells