New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Light of Day Winterfest to Celebrate 25th Anniversary in January

Published by New Jersey Stage

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!"

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.



FEATURED EVENTS



You can have your events appear here, whenever someone reads an article about Asbury Park

click here for more information



There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.