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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).




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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!"




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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.




EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th

Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th

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(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.

Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69

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(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.

Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

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The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

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(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

 

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The Stray Cats

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