New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Light of Day Winterfest to Celebrate 25th Anniversary in January

originally published: 11/12/2024


(ASBURY PARK, NJ) --– The Light of Day Foundation has announced WinterFest 2025, the annual music festival taking place throughout January in Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair and New York City. "Bob's Birthday Bash" will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Count Basie Center's Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre with a lineup including John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Brian Baker (Bad Religion), Pete Steinkopf (The Bouncing Souls), Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers plus very special guests to be announced soon.

Tusk (the world’s #1 tribute to Fleetwood Mac) will also play the Count Basie Theatre stage as part of WinterFest 2025 on Friday, January 24.

Tickets for “Bob’s Birthday Bash”(along with various ticket combo packages) will go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10:00am ET. Tickets will be available via theBASIE.org, the Basie Center box office onsite at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank and through Ticketmaster.com.  

The onsale for show-specific tickets for The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar and McLoone’s Supper Club will be announced on Monday, November 19 at 10:00am ET (with dates to follow). For more details on lineups, performances and ticket packages, visit LightofDay.org.

Ticket prices range from $59.50-$479.50 with various multi-tiered packages being offered: “On-Stage FestPass”, “Platinum FestPass”, Gold FestPass”, “Silver FestPass” and “Bronze FestPass”. FestPass guarantees a reserved seat for the main event, “Bob’s Birthday Bash” and complimentary admission to all Asbury Park, Red Bank and all other Monmouth County events for LOD WinterFest 25 (first come, first served and capacity permitted).




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Other venues hosting LOD WinterFest 2025 shows include: Asbury Park’s Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, McLoone’s Supper Club, Watermark, Berkeley Ocean Front Hotel; Outpost In The Burbs in Montclair; and City Winery in Manhattan.

Additional shows and locations will be announced.

All performances and events will raise money and awareness for the continuing quest to end Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) within our lifetime.

“The 25th anniversary of LOD WinterFest will be a memorable celebration,” said Bob Benjamin, Founder, Light of Day Foundation. “The month of January will be rocking in Asbury Park, Red Bank and New York, all to benefit Parkinson’s, ALS and PSP.”

Over the course of 25 years, Light of Day has raised approximately $6.5 million to combat Parkinson’s disease, ALS and PSP. The first official Light of Day concert was held at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony in November 2000 and primarily featured local, unsigned artists.  The critically acclaimed Pittsburgh-based band Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers (managed by Bob Benjamin) headlined the show, which featured a surprise appearance by Bruce Springsteen, who joined the Houserockers for a raucous, hour-long set.

Light of Day has grown from a one-day event into a multi-day festival in the metropolitan area. More significantly, Light of Day has expanded into an internationally recognized tour, through a true grassroots effort of musicians, music fans and benefactors. Light of Day shows have taken place around the world on two continents, with shows in England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain. Portions of the proceeds from each show are donated to a local Parkinson’s organization.

"Light of Day WinterFest time is back and this year is different...it's our 25th Anniversary! 25 years ago a very small group of New Jersey music business professionals and musicians committed themselves to making a difference", said Tony Pallagrosi, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Light of Day Foundation. "It was propelled into action by the courage, resilience and determination of our Founder Bob Benjamin who had been diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s a few years earlier. For 25 years, Light of Day has utilized the incredible power of music to raise money and awareness; fund research; uncover new, more effective therapeutics; promote education; and assist families in our collective quest to end Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) in our lifetime. Please join us this January for musical performances and events featuring some very special guests.  We most look forward to the friendships, old and new, as well as the celebration and rededication to the common cause of Light of Day WinterFest 2025, for what we believe will be an unforgettable experience. It’s just around the corner!"




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Light of Day WinterFest performers have included Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny Lyon, Darlene Love, Michael J. Fox, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Willie Nile, Gary U.S. Bonds, Max Weinberg, LaBamba’s Big Band, Jesse Malin, John Rzeznik, Jakob Dylan, Ed Kowalczyk, Lucinda Williams, Suzanne Vega, Jake Clemons, David Bryan, John Waite, David Bromberg, James Maddock, Nicole Atkins, The Smithereens, Alejandro Escovedo, Peter Asher, Joey Molland, Garland Jeffries, Joe D’Urso Lisa Lowell, Mike Peters , Dave Hause and Pete Yorn.

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in our continuing quest to end Parkinson’s disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation’s mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.



You can have your events spotlighted here, whenever someone reads an article about ASBURY PARK

click here for more information


EVENT PREVIEWS

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tuckerton Porchfest returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (rain date: May 3rd) from 11:00am to 4:00pm, transforming Main Street into a vibrant, walkable celebration of local creativity. Featuring live music, poetry, visual art, vendors, and community experiences, this grassroots festival invites attendees to explore multiple porch stages hosted by local businesses and residents.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band is dedicated to capturing the electrifying energy and soulful sound of legendary Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.
bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert at Christ Church in Short Hills on May 3rd

Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert at Christ Church in Short Hills on May 3rd

(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Christ Church in Short Hills will present a solo concert recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Chelsea Chen, on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:00pm. The special concert will feature a selection of traditional organ compositions along with contemporary music.
T.K. Blue to Celebrate Randy Weston

T.K. Blue to Celebrate Randy Weston's 100th Birthday at Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison

(MADISON, NJ) -- In the history of jazz, no American musician's career has been more interconnected with the continent of Africa than that of the great pianist and composer Randy Weston. Weston, whose centennial birthday was celebrated on April 6, 2026, was a giant, not only as a creative and spiritual force, but standing six feet, seven inches, an imposing figure in the venues at which he performed throughout the world.
Undead Arts & New Jersey Symphony announce cast and crew for Mozart

Undead Arts & New Jersey Symphony announce cast and crew for Mozart's "The Magic Flute"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Undead Arts, in collaboration with New Jersey Symphony, presents a reimagined production of Mozart's The Magic Flute on May 2 & 3, 2026 at The Harborside Atrium in Jersey City. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra to present a program Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra to present a program Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Zimmerli Art Museum on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00pm. The program will honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday

Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The New York Times once called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." Jersey City based artist Debra Devi will open the night.
Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday

Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Lily Vakili will celebrate the release of her Live Wire EP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at The Francis Kite Club. Doors are at 8:00pm; Showtime is 8:30pm.
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's (RVCC) Student Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm. The concert will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The group is directed by RVCC faculty member Jeremy Sweet.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage