Light Of Day Fest Begins And Ends In Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK, NJ - Despite blizzards and cyclones, Light of Day sponsored concerts this past weekend in Philadelpha, Pa., Montclair and Asbury Park in an effort to reach its goal of raising $5 million during its 18-year fund-raising effort against Parkinson's disease.

The 10-day festival features a Jan. 10 concert in Manhattan's Cutting Room, then returns to Asbury Park Jan.11, as the WinterFest 2018 kickoff concert at the House of Independents formally initiates a four-day stretch of more than two dozen shows in Asbury Park, topped as always with Saturday's “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” starring LaBamba’s Big Band & Friends, featuring Special Guest Gary "U.S." Bonds, at the Paramount Theater. The "Bash" honors artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, co-founder of the Light of Day Foundation, who has been living with Parkinson's since 1996.

Other artists slated to appear in Asbury Park during the four-day stretch include Greg Kihn, The Verve Pipe, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Dramarama, Guitar Army featuring John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson; Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Remember Jones, The Doughboys, Led Zeppelin and Prince tribute concerts, and dozens more, as thousands of music lovers from all over the world descend upon Asbury Park to experience live music in every venue imaginable, including the stages of the legendary Stone Pony, the Wonder Bar, the Saint and McLoone’s.

Tickets for all shows including “Bob’s Birthday Bash” are on sale now. Complete ticket and additional information for all Light Of Day Winterfest events are at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

Light of Day Winterfest, presented by the Asbury Park Press, has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 17 years. Last year’s event raised $555,000 — a record amount — to combat Parkinson’s disease, topping the previous year record of $525,000, with the 17-year total approaching $4.5 million, according to a release from concert organizers.

Some of the events feature free admissions. Check the schedule online.

Asbury Park's Light of Day has often featured a surprise appearance by Bruce Springsteen. This week the festival culminates in a series of the city's venues. Photograph by StarShooter/MediaPunch/IPX.