The Light of Day Foundation is a NJ non-profit which raises money to fund research for Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses. Since 2000, the organization has been holding a series of benefit concerts and have raised over $2 million. Since the beginning in Asbury Park, the concert series has grown into thirty-five shows in twelve countries throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.
It all began as a birthday party in November 1998 for artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin. Benjamin had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, and in lieu of gifts, asked that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Over $2,000 was raised that night. Spurred by the generosity and support, Benjamin reached out to friends, including concert promoter Tony Pallagrosi and musician Joe D’Urso, and formed the Light of Day charity, taking its name from a Bruce Springsteen song.
The first official Light of Day concert was held at Asbury Park, NJ’s legendary Stone Pony in November 2000 and primarily featured local, unsigned artists. The critically acclaimed Pittsburgh-based band Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers (managed by Benjamin) headlined the show, which featured a surprise appearance by local hero Bruce Springsteen, who joined the Houserockers for a raucous hour-long set.
Over the years Light of Day has grown from a one-day event into a five-day festival in the New Jersey/New York 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 take place around the world, including six shows in Canada and a two week December trek through Europe, with stops in England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and more. Portions of the proceeds from each show are donated to a local Parkinson’s organization.
Here’s a rundown of all the events this weekend in Asbury Park:
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January 6th, 2014 to March 2nd, 2014
Photographs by Debra L. Rothernberg – January 6th 2014 – March 2nd 2014
Book Signing: January 18, 2014 At Asbury Park Where Music Lives – 708 Cookman Avenue
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January 16th, 2014 to January 18th, 2014
Friday: Don’t Ask Me Questions
Saturday: Burning Down the House Sunday: Punk in Africa |
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January 16th, 2014
Featuring: Conner Healy, Natalie Seller, Andrew Boxman and More!
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January 17th, 2014
Featuring: Great Jersey Shore artists!
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January 17th, 2014
Featuring: Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers,Bocci and the Bad Boys, Pat Toner, Laura Crisci and More!
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January 17th, 2014
LIGHT OF DAY AND THE ASBURY PARK PRESS PRESENTS DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM – Featuring: Dave Mason and friends – Special Guests DEAD ON LIVE
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January 17th, 2014 to January 18th, 2014
Featuring: The Dictators NYC, Del-Lords, John Easdale
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January 17th, 2014
Featuring: Useless, Judgement, Sekond Skyn and more!
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January 17th, 2014
Featuring Billy Hector Band
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January 17th, 2014
Featuring: 100 Years of Broadway recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jekyll & Hyde. Special Guest: Lisa Sherman
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: Disappear Fear, Virago, Beth Anne Clayton, April Kelly and Jo Wymer
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: TOM CHAPIN, MR.RAY, YOSI and MISS MELISSA’S AARDVARKS
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: Billy Walton Band,Stringbean, Chuck Lambert Band,Gary Cavico and More!
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January 18th, 2014
New this year! Asbury Underground curates a great afternoon of music in downtown Asbury Park.
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January 18th, 2014 to February 2nd, 2014
Presented by Light of Day and Asbury Underground Sponsored by art629 GalleryOpening reception Saturday, January 18th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Runs through Sunday February 2
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, Willie Nile, Jesse Malin, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Nicole Atkins and more SOLD OUT
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: The Best of Classic Soul from Memphis to Motown, Marc Ribler and Friends
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: Tommy Byrne and Onto Something, HP and The Hot Takeout, Bob Polding Band, Matt O’Ree Band
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring: Lost Romance, Grey Goes Black, Pocketful and more!
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January 18th, 2014
Featuring The Instigators
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January 19th, 2014
Featuring: Quincy Mumford, Laura Crisci, John Easdale/Pete Wood, Diane Gentile, Hans Ludvigsson
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January 19th, 2014
Featuring: Ed Tang & The Chops, Harper’s Fellow, Glimmer Grass and more!
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January 19th, 2014
You don’t want to miss the show! We’ve got a great lineup of young bands and acoustic acts who rock! Including the Count Basie Rockit house band performing Pink Floyd’s epic Dark Side of the Moon from start to finish!
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January 19th, 2014
Presented by Songwriters By The Sea at Langosta Lounge
Featuring Ashla Taylor, Greg Trooper, Joanna Cotten & Greg Barnhill, Lorenzo Semprini, Sam Sims |
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January 19th, 2014
Featuring: Dirk Hamilton, Willie Nile, James Maddock, Joe D’urso, Joe Grushecky and more!
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January 19th, 2014
Featuring: Garden State Line, Milan And The Sour Goat, The F.L.O.W.
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January 20th, 2014
Featuring: Good times and great food!
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