DOVER PLAINS — A benefit will be held for Vinnie Bo on Sunday, March 3, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at Dover High School, 2368 Route 22.
Bo, a resident of Millbrook, is a well known and loved musician and Vietnam veteran who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma.
Some Millbrook residents may remember him for playing at the Michael J. Fox benefits for Parkinson’s disease at the Millbrook Firehouse every year for 11 years with his band, Vinnie Bo and the Final Touch.
Born in Harlem, Bo came to Dutchess County in the early 1970s after his service in the military ended. He worked in Lagrangeville and, rediscovering his love of music, got involved in the music scene. He moved to Millbrook in 1990 and has lived there ever since; his youngest daughter was born in Millbrook. Bo lives on Harts Village Road, and was a 15-year employee at Reardon Briggs.
In 2022, he went on the Freedom Flight, which honors American veterans, to Washington, D.C., an experience he shared with Washington Town Supervisor Gary Ciferri.
He remembers his time in Vietnam and was proud to serve; his grandfather had served in World War I and his father in World War II. Thinking back on that trip, he said that it was a special time and held special meaning, that those Vietnam veterans were finally being welcomed home as they should have been all those years ago.
Now, he said, “I’m fighting the battle of my life — cancer.” He is no longer able to work, and will need help with medical and other bills.
He added: “I’m grateful for everything I’ve had in my lifetime. I’m grateful for all the people in my life.” He is the father of four, and a grandfather.
Bo’s friend and fellow musician Dan Seegars and others are arranging the benefit, and hope all friends and well-wishers will attend and make it a special day for Bo. Dover High School, where Bo worked for a time, is a place that has fond memories for him, he said. The musical extravaganza will feature local bands and food, arranged by Seegars.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children under age 10. Each tickets includes one meal, one drink and one dessert. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle as well as basket raffles will be available.
Tickets will be cash only and available at the door. For more information, contact ingegnerics@aol.com
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
