Celebrated Songwriter Craig Bickhardt Joins Berardo’s Concert Series

Marc Douglas Berardo, a respected singer-songwriter, is set to continue his popular “Harbor Songs” concert series by featuring renowned songwriter Craig Bickhardt on Sunday at the United Theatre in Westerly. This event marks another chapter in Berardo’s effort to bring talented musicians to local audiences, continuing a tradition he established years ago at The Malted Barley.

Bickhardt, known for his impressive collaborations with artists such as Art Garfunkel and Kathy Mattea, has co-written numerous songs that have reached the top of the charts. His notable credits include “I Know Where I’m Going,” performed by the Judds, and “It Must Be Love,” a number one hit co-written with Ty Herndon.

Berardo, who has been performing for over three decades, launched the Harbor Songs series to highlight his favorite songwriters. The inaugural concert featured the late David Olney, a Grammy-winning artist who tragically passed away during a performance in 2021.

His commitment to music continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he hosted online concerts. After restrictions eased, he returned to live performances, inviting both national and regional artists to share the stage. Notable guest performers have included Walt Wilkins, Danielle Miraglia, and Abbie Gardner.

The relocation of the Harbor Songs series to the United Theatre followed the closure of The Malted Barley in February 2023. Berardo’s first concert at this new venue took place in November 2023, featuring the acclaimed Ari Hest and special guest Kala Farnham. Since then, the series has showcased various touring artists, including Grace Morrison and the duo The CarLeans, alongside local talents like Chris Berardo and Jim Paradis.

“The Harbor Songs format allows the song makers to tell the stories behind their songs and present them in a stripped-down and intimate way,” Berardo expressed. He emphasizes that these concerts offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the art of songwriting.

Tickets for the upcoming event with Craig Bickhardt are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchased through the United Theatre’s official website, unitedtheatre.org. For updates and information on future performances, fans can visit marcdouglas.com.