A “Light of Day” Trip

What if you could take a local trip in the middle of winter to enjoy the light of day – both day and night – for a week straight? Making it even more special: besides enjoying tremendous musical talent at a variety of venues, you’d be lending support to a worthy cause. If you’re looking for somewhere to go on a winter’s day that will warm your heart while keeping the rest of you warm, too, here’s your chance. In January 2019, music fans and charity supporters alike will be flocking to Asbury Park, NJ for the 20th Annual Light of Day Winterfest.

The Light of Day Foundation harnesses the power of music, at events held all around the world, to raise money and awareness for the battle against Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses, ALS and PSP, providing treatment and support for patients, families, and caregivers. Over the course of two decades, Light of Day has raised more than $5.5 million and is targeting $6 million with this year’s events, with a goal of curing the progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the U.S. and over 10 million worldwide.

The concerts and the foundation grew from a simple gesture. In November 1998, friends gathered at the Downtown Café in Red Bank, NJ to celebrate the 40th birthday of veteran music manager Bob Benjamin, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The guest of honor asked that, in lieu of gifts, donations be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. They raised more than $2,000 that night and, inspired by the generous support, Benjamin reached out to friends in the music industry and beyond to help him form the Light of Day non-profit organization, named for a Bruce Springsteen song. While still personally fighting Parkinson’s, Benjamin continues to steer the foundation and its activities, providing assistance to numerous projects and programs throughout the area.

The first official Light of Day concert was held at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park in November 2000, primarily featuring local performers and headlined by Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, with a surprise appearance by Bruce Springsteen, who has gone on to appear at the show 11 more times. Fast forward 20 years, and what was once just a one-day event has morphed into a worldwide movement, with 70 shows in 13 countries throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Proceeds are donated to local Parkinson’s organizations.

From January 10 through 20, the Light of Day celebrations culminate with Winterfest, a series of 50 events by 150 musical acts in five cities that kick off in New York (January 15 at The Cutting Room), northern New Jersey (January 10 at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair), and Philadelphia (January 11 at City Winery) before taking over Asbury Park for a seemingly nonstop combustion of musical talent.

Through the years, there has been a litany of renowned participants, including Michael J. Fox, Darlene Love, Suzanne Vega, Max Weinberg, Jake Clemons, David Bryan, The Smithereens, Gary U.S. Bonds, Southside Johnny, and countless others. This year’s lineup promises to be just as exciting, eclectic, and entertaining. The magical, musical agenda in Asbury Park includes:

January 12 at 1 p.m. – Cover Me: Best in NJ Cover & Tribute Bands at The Stone Pony. Almost U2, Moroccan Sheepherders, Bob Burger & Friends Performing the Music of Elvis Costello, Experience Janis featuring CC Coletti, Jobonanno’s Spirit of Asbury Review, Carl Gentry Band, Kyle Ward & Aaron Manzo, Stella Mrowicki, DJ Lee Mrowicki, All Ages. Doors at 1 p.m., show at 1:30 p.m. Tickets $17 advance/$22 day of show.

January 16 at 6 p.m. – Winterfest 2020 Kick-off at House of Independents. Marc Ribler & Friends 50 Licks: The Music of the Rolling Stones, Willie Nile, Williams Honor, Colossal Street Jam, Vendetta Rose. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $22.50 advance/$30 day of show.

January 16 at 7 p.m. – First Note at The Saint. Foes of Fern, Smooch, Natalie Farrell, New Narratives, 8 Break Plans, more. Ages 18+. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $8 advance/$12 day of show.

January 16 at 7 p.m. – Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam at The Wonder Bar. Dogs in a Pile, Waiting on Mongo, Secret Sound, Cosmic Jerry Band, Fungkshui, Nicole Possin & Pete Tonti, Deseree Spinks & Jimmy Farkas, Strumberry Pie, Lindsey DeSena & Zack Loria, ResXUnplugged. Ages 21+. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets $15.

January 16 at 7 p.m. – Monmouth University’s Blue Hawk Records Presents at Langosta Lounge. Vini Lopez, Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen, Bryan & Alexa, Jarod Clemons, Max & Francesca, Blue Hawk Records Band, Vianna Rose (Lakehouse), Kelli Faith, Dillon Schindler, more. All ages. Show at 7 p.m. Free admission.

January 17 6:30 p.m. – Remember Jones performing The Who’s “Tommy” at The Paramount Theatre. Remember Jones and a cast of very special guests perform a concert version of the 24 songs on the double album, done in the uniquely theatrical Remember Jones style. Show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $40.

January 17 at 7 p.m. – Asbury Angels Induction at The Stone Pony, memorializing members of the Asbury Park musical community and featuring an album release show hosted by The Weeklings with John Eddie and Hollis Brown. The Weeklings, John Eddie, Hollis Brown, James Maddock Band, The Anderson Council, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Lorenzo Semprini, Hans Ludvigson, Miss Emily, Gary Tripps, Peter Hogklint. All Ages/21 to drink, Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $25 advance/$30 day of show + fees.

January 17 at 6:30 p.m. – Friday Night Live: Dramarama & The Bongos with The Grip Weeds at House of Independents. All ages/21 to drink. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets $22.50 advance/$30 day show.

January 17 at 7 p.m. – Open Mic at The Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel. Hosted by Cook Smith. Doors at 7 p.m.. Tickets $10.

January 17 at 8 p.m. – Acoustic Carousel with Peter Scherer of Mr. Reality at Langosta Lounge. Gregory Schwartz, Pete Mancini, Michael Brett, Cranston Dean, Peter Scherer & Rob Tanico, Marc Muller, Williams Honor, Paul Whistler, Dentist, Ryan Gregg, Mark Sunshine, Keith Roth, Ray Anderson, Rick Barth, Cara Smith, Chris Mardini. Ages 21+. Show at 8 p.m. Free admission.

January 17 at 7 p.m. – Silverball Night of Covers at the Silverball Museum. Kenny K and the Way, Kevin Mulvany & Friends, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, White Lightning. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets $10-$15.

January 17 at 7 p.m. – Rock Heavy at The Saint. – Pierced, The J.A.C.K.S., Tonal Crush, Blood Red Roses, more. Ages 18+, Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $8 advance/$12 day of show.

January 17 at 6 p.m. – Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway at McLoone’s Supper Club. All Ages, Doors/dinner at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$45.

January 17 at 9 p.m. – Friday at the Club at the Asbury Yacht Club. Stringbean & The Boardwalk Social Club. Show at 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 17 at 9 p.m. – Soundbooth at The Asbury Hotel. Oh, Elis, Brother Andrew, Low Light. Show at 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 18 at 6 p.m. – 20th Anniversary Bob’s Birthday Bash at The Paramount Theatre (main event). All ages. Show at 6 p.m. Tickets $39-$399.

January 18 at 11:45 a.m. – All Together Now: The Beatles Acoustic at McLoone’s Supper Club. Bob Burger (host), Adam Ezra, Quincy Mumford, JD’s Acoustic Excursion, more. All ages. Doors at 11:45 a.m., show at 12:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$25.

January 18 at 1 p.m. – Women of Song at The Saint. Mary McCrink, Christine Martucci, Strumberry Pie, Lisa Bouchelle, Jo Wymer, Pam McCoy. Lunch/doors at 12 p.m., show at 1 p.m.. Tickets $10 at the door (+$2 surcharge).

January 18 from 12 to 7 p.m. – Downtown Asbury Underground at more than 20 venues. Curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Free admission.

January 18 at 12 p.m. – Asbury Blues at The Wonder Bar. Billy Walton Band, Joe Bonanno & The Godsons of Soul, The Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, RB3, JT Bowen & The Mighty Kings of Soul, Poppa John Bug, Sharon Lasher, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Miss Emily, Mary McCrink, James Dalton. Ages 21+. Tickets $15 + fees.

January 18 at 6:55 p.m. – Full Tilt Boogie & Blues at The Wonder Bar. Billy Hector Band, Adam Ezra, Christine Martucci, Peter V Blues Train, Rick Winowski, Gary Wright, Michael Askin, Sandy Mack & Mike Flynn. Ages 21+. Show at 6:55 p.m. Tickets $15 advance/$20 day of show.

January 18 at 7:30 p.m. – Rock Heavy at The Saint. “That’s How They Get Ya,” The Morgan Freemason, Tedesco’s Bittersweet 8-Ball, Lou Montasano & Jeremy Korpas, more. Ages 18+. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $8 advance/$12 day of show.

January 18 at 2 p.m. – Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel. Tom Kanach Band, Jon Caspi and First Gun, Mike Rocket Band. Show at 2 p.m. Free admission.

January 18 at 9 p.m. – Saturday at the Club at the Asbury Yacht Club. Cranston Dean, Frank Lombardi. Show at 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 18 at 9 p.m. – Langosta Live at Langosta Lounge. Mamadrama, Bottled Blonde, Spinning Bad. Show at 9 p.m. Ages 21+. Free admission.

January 18 at 9 p.m. – Soundbooth at The Asbury Hotel. Cat London Band, Catherine Quintana, Moonwater. Show at 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 18 at 7 p.m. – Music at House of Independents. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $18 advance/$25 day of show.

January 18 at 1 p.m. – Cafe Artiste at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove. Show at 1 p.m. Tickets $10 at door only.

January 19 at 1 p.m. – Remembering Harry Chapin with The Chapin Family at The Paramount Theatre. A live concert featuring the song and stories of Harry Chapin, performed by John McMenamin and featuring special guests Howard Fields and John Wallace of the Harry Chapin Band, plus others. Show at 1 p.m. Tickets $22-$52.

January 19 at 12 p.m. – LOD 20 at the Lanes: Best of the Eagles at Asbury Lanes. With special guests Miss Emily, The Bob Polding Band, plus special “After-Set.” Doors at 12 p.m., show at 12:30 p.m. Tickets $20 advance/$25 day of show. Bowling lanes will be open throughout the show.

January 19 at 12 p.m. – Kids Rock at The Stone Pony. Indigo Mane, Lauren Gil, Sunsets From Jupiter, Jake Ryan, So Far Under, School of Rock Red Bank, The Nobodies, Rock’n Music Academy, Rockit (performing The Beatles: Solo Years), plus Ham by thePound, Ezra Caspi, Ross Owen, Julia Fleming, Evan Rotella, Double A, Jake Thistle, Matt Levine. All ages. Doors at 12 p.m., show at 12:15 p.m. Tickets $15 advance + fees at door or online.

January 19 at 11:30 a.m. – Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl #1 at Watermark. Adam Ezra, Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Hans Ludwigsson, plus Peter Hogklint, Matt Jaffe, Kent Nicholson, Arlon Bennett. All ages. Doors at 11:30 a.m., show at 12:15 p.m. Tickets $15 at door only.

January 19 at 3 p.m. – Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl #2 at Langosta Lounge. Pat Guadagno, Brian Dunne, Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Coletti & Krizan, Tess Cameron, Scott & Kyle, Stella Mrowicki. All ages. Show at 3 p.m. Tickets $15 at door only.

January 19 at 6:15 p.m. – Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl #3 at McLoone’s Supper Club. Upstairs: Joe Grushecky, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Peter Elkas, Danielia Cotton, Anthony Krizan. Downstairs: LOD Europe with Joe D’Urso, Miss Emily, Vini Lopez, James Maddock, Quincy Mumford, Matt Jaffe. All ages. Show at 6:15 p.m. Tickets $20.

January 19 at 12:15 p.m. – Musicians on a Mission at The Saint. Tommy B & The Deep Sea, Jake Tavil & Indigo Soul, Calabrese/Swerlin Band, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, We’re Ghosts Now. Ages 18+. Show at 12:15 p.m. Tickets $10 at door + surcharge.

January 19 at 12 p.m. – Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel. Xol Azul, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Somewhat Relative, Virago. Show at 12 p.m. Free admission.

January 19 at 2 p.m. – Asbury Music Hall at The Asbury Hotel. Show at 2 p.m.. Free admission.

January 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Last Note at The Saint. Featuring Rock Groove with Inflatable Head, Shady Street Show Band, Ian Gray Presents!, more. Ages 18+. Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $8 advance/$12 day of show.

Tickets for most Light of Day Winterfest 2020: The 20th Anniversary events, to be held at the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, the Saint, and the Wonder Bar, are on sale through Ticketmaster. Tickets for House of Independents and The Saint are sold through TicketWeb and the venues’ websites, and tickets for McLoone’s Supper Club are available on that venue’s website. Also check with the Asbury Hotel for tickets to events planned there. A wide variety of combination ticket packages, as well as single tickets to each show, are available and, as in past years, many are sure to sell out quickly. Tickets for Bob’s Birthday Bash range from $39 to $399, and tickets for other shows range from free to $30. Combo ticket packages, starting at $159, offer admission to all Asbury Park events, including Bob’s Birthday Bash, plus other special amenities and seating locations, depending on the price point.

Want to stay in Asbury to attend multiple shows and make more than just a day of it? The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is offering a special rate to festivalgoers, too, so check with the hotel for details.

For more information and ongoing updates, visit the Light of Day website at www.lightofday.org and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LOD2000.

(Photo credit: Debra Rothenberg)