2018 Light Of Day Winterfest will kick off fundraising in NJ

Last year, Willie Nile called my show minutes before taking the stage to begin the "Light Of Day Winterfest." On Thursday, the dates for the 2018 shows are being announced.

"Light Of Day Winterfest" is the annual marquee event in the Light of Day Foundation’s global battle to defeat Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and PSP through the power of music. Now in its 18th year, the 10-day fundraising festival will be held in four cities from Jan. 5-15.

Over 150 acts will be performing at more than 50 shows in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. Light of Day WinterFest is primarily based in Asbury Park, where the action will occur Jan. 7 and Jan. 11-15. The festival will kick off Jan. 5 in Montclair, followed by a Jan. 6 show in Philadelphia.

In 2017, Light of Day WinterFest raised over a half million dollars for the third straight year, according to the foundation's website. Since it began over 17 years ago, the events have raised more than $4.5 million. The 2018 shows are expected to bring that total to over $5 million, according to the website. The festival has gained national attention for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 17 years, including his most recent appearance in 2015.

Light of Day WinterFest is the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day affair in Asbury Park, according to the foundation.

The Light of Day Foundation "re-grants" money to organizations that fund specific research such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson’s Foundation (formerly the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation) and the Parkinson’s Unity Walk.The Light of Day Foundation also supports “boots on the ground” programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including Joan Dancy and PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

The next scheduled fundraising event is Happy Together 2017, starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Association, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, The Box Tops, The Cowsills, and The Archies starring Ron Dante on Aug. 5 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at www.countbasietheatre.org.

Also on tap is the Light of Day Foundation third annual Golf Outing, being held on Columbus Day, Oct. 9 at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune.

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Steve Trevelise is on the air from Monday-Thursday, 7 to 11 p.m. Tweet him @realstevetrev or @nj1015.