Ticket sales announced for ‘Light of Day’ January Winterfest

Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon for the "Light of Day" Winterfest celebrating the festival's 20th anniversary on January 10-20.

The "Festival that Bruce Built" will reach five cities, including Asbury Park and Montclair, in three states to exceed $6 million to fight Parkinson's disease.

Executive Director Tony Pallagrosi, came into the New Jersey 101.5 studios, and talked about how "Light of Day" got started.

"We officially became the Light of Day Foundation in 2000, Pallagrosi said. "But in 1998 Bob Benjamin our, our heart and soul, and our founder, was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's. And it was about six months before his birthday and as his birthday approached...decided to throw a birthday party for Bob to pick up his spirits."

Bob had found out about the party ahead of time and suggested collecting money from the party to donate to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

"The bulk of the action will occur in Asbury Park, at such venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, the Saint, the Wonder Bar, House of Independents, McLoone’s Supper Club, and the Asbury Hotel, among others," festival organizers said in a press release. "Once again, the Paramount Theater will host Bob’s Birthday Bash, the festival’s 'Main Event,' on January 18, the final Saturday night of WinterFest."

It continues: "Bob’s Birthday Bash is named for Bob Benjamin, the artist manager who founded Light of Day back in 1998, two years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease – as a 40th birthday party fundraiser at a Red Bank, NJ café that brought the first $2,000 to the organization."

The Paramount Theatre will have an expanded role this year, according to organizers. On Friday, Jan 17. "Remember Jones" leads an expanded cast performance of The Who’s groundbreaking rock opera, “Tommy.” Then on Sunday Jan 19, the Paramount hosts an afternoon concert featuring The Chapin Family.

There will also be a special edition of the Asbury Angels induction Friday, Jan 17. at the Stone Pony, which will feature The Weeklings hosting an extended album release show for their third album, "3," organizers said.

Pellagrosi also spoke about how important the Asbury Angels are.

"The famous people, the stars, they're going to be remembered," Pallagrosi said. "We know that. But I wanted to memorialize the people who weren't the stars and have a place for them alongside the stars."

Among the returning bands performing, according to organizers, will be Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Jesse Malin, Guy Davis, Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Joe D’Urso and Stone Caravan, Williams Honor, Best of the Eagles, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, Billy Hector Band, Billy Walton Band (former Asbury Jukes guitarist), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and original E Street Band member Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, Jeffrey Gaines, Emily Grove, and Ben Arnold.

Vinie Lopez, also in the New Jersey 101.5 studios said what it meant to him to be a part of "Light of Day."

"I just enjoy going and hanging out with all the people," Lopez said. "You know we get to play a little bit, I get to play here and there and sing with some groups you know. But it's fun. All week long, there's so many people in town from Europe, from all over the United States you know and I'm lucky enough to be able to go on the Europe tours and talk to those people, and they're all going, 'hey we're going to see you in January!'"

For ticket information visit the official Light of Day website www.lightofday.org or the festival's Facebook page.

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