Light Of Day WinterFest 2023 Benefit For Parkinson’s Disease · PSP Disease · ALS Disease
31 Shows Jan 7-20 in Asbury Park · Red Bank · Montclair · Philadelphia · New York City · LightOfDay.org
The Light of Day Foundation (LOD) WinterFest 2023 annual benefit will take place January 7-20. All performances and events raise money and awareness for the continuing battle to defeat Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
The main event, Bob’s Birthday Bash, will take place on January 14 at the Count Basie/Meridian Health Theatre.
The LOD organization and benefit shows grew from a 1988 birthday party turned fundraiser at Red Bank’s Downtown Cafe to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1986.
The first actual LOD benefit was held in 2000 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Pittsburgh-based (and Benjamin-managed) Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers headlined, and were joined by Bruce Springsteeen in an hour-long surprise appearance. Springsteen has since made surprise appearances in roughly one half of the LOD shows.
Making his LOD debut will be John Waite, who has released 10 studio albums as the lead vocalist for the bands Bad English and The Babys. As a solo artist, his 1984 single Missing You reached No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and top-10 on the UK Singles Chart, and he is currently the star of a documentary titled John Waite – The Hard Way.
Other past LOD WinterFest performers include Southside Johnny Lyon, Michael J. Fox, Joe D’Urso, Jesse Malin, Darlene Love, Gary U.S. Bonds, Max Weinberg, LaBamba’s Big Band, Jakob Dylan, Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Suzanne Vega, Jake Clemons, David Bryan (Bon Jovi), David Bromberg, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Joey Molland (Badfinger), Garland Jeffreys, Lucinda Williams, and Smithereens.
Over the course of 22 years, LOD has raised approximately six million dollars, and expanded internationally — shows have taken place in Canada, England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Australia. Portions of the proceeds are donated to a local Parkinson’s organization.
Click here for the full Light Of Day WinterFest 2023 event schedule.
Tickets for Bob’s Birthday Bash and various combo ticket packages are on sale via TheBasie.org and the Basie Center Box Office (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank). Birthday Bash tickets are also available at TicketMaster.