Light of Day WinterFest 2026, the annual music festival is taking place throughout the month of January in Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair, and New York City.
All performances and events are raising money and awareness for its continuing quest to end Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) within our lifetime. Over the course of 26 years, Light of Day has raised approximately $7 million.
Tony Pallagrosi is the executive director and co-founder of the Light of Day Foundation. Manager Bob Benjamin, who founded Light of Day and has been battling Parkison's disease for many years, has been at every annual concert.
The Main Event, “Bob’s Birthday Bash”, will take place on Saturday, January 17 at 6:30pm ET at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre.
On this episode of The Art of the Story, host Doug Doyle talks to
Pittsburgh’s legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Grushecky and Grammy-nominated singer Gary U.S. Bonds about the big event.
Joe Grushecky performed at the very first Light of Day concert at the famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park alongside Bruce Springsteen. Grushecky's relationship goes back many years. His 1995 album American Babylon was produced by Bruce Springsteen.
Meanwhile, Gary U.S. Bonds has also had a close connection with Springsteen. Springsteen wrote "This Little Girl", one of Bonds' biggest hits.
Gary came roaring out of Norfolk, Virginia in 1960 with the relentless pounder "New Orleans". Attention was brought to the record by having promotional copies sent to radio stations in sleeves inscribed "Buy U.S. Bonds" - hence at age 19, Gary Anderson became Gary U.S. Bonds.
The follow-up was the now legendary 'party' record, "Quarter to Three," a number one hit with a spirit and energy that would eventually inspire and influence a generation. In fact, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists "Quarter to Three" as one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Joe Grushecky and Gary U.S. Bonds below:
The remaining dates for Light of Day WinterFest 2026:
Thursday, January 15
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Kickoff
Lineup: James Maddock, Williams Honor, Jake Thistle, Matt O’Ree Band, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Emily Grove, Bob Polding, Dave Vargo, Joe Vadala, Milly The Band and Matt Kelley Band.
Asbury Lanes
Asbury Park, NJ
6:30pm
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 – Monmouth University & Blue Hawk Records Present
Hosted by Professor Joe Rapolla and Zack Sandler
Lineup: Elijah Elias, Amani Lillian, Abby Garcia, Corine Rose, Sam Spano, The Peach Trees, Sam Jordan and Blue Hawk House Band
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Asbury Park, NJ
7:00pm
Friday, January 16
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Presents Dramarama and The Weeklings
Lineup: Dramarama, The Weeklings, Miss Emily, Danielia Cotton, The New Rick Barrys and Evan Rotella
The Wonder Bar
Asbury Park, NJ
7:00pm
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Celebrating Five Decades of Willie Nile
Lineup: Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Tangiers Blues Band & Friends with Danny Clinch, Williams Honor, Bobby Mahoney, Ten Ton Mojo, Least of Thieves, Milly the Band, Will Dailey, Evan Rotella, Miss Emily, Danielia Cotton, Jon Caspi and Strumberry Pie
The Stone Pony
Asbury Park, NJ
6:30pm
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Soundbooth
Lineup: Taylor James Davis, Somewhat Relative and Lindsay Jordan
The Asbury Hotel
Asbury Park, NJ
7:00pm
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Acoustic Carousel at Palmetto
Curated by Peter Scherer with the Jersey Shore's favorite local singer/songwriters in an intimate, unplugged setting
Palmetto Southern Kitchen & Bar
Asbury Park, NJ
8:00pm
Free admission
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Acoustic Carousel at Low Dive
Curated by Peter Scherer with the Jersey Shore's favorite local singer/songwriters in an intimate, unplugged setting
Low Dive
Asbury Park, NJ
7:30pm
Free admission
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Silverball Night of Covers
Lineup: Kenny K and the Way, Chuck Lambert Band, Dakota Diehl, Z28, and Jersey Jam
Silverball Museum Arcade
Asbury Park, NJ
6:30 pm
Free Admission
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 McLoone’s
Lineup: Tim McLoone and The Shirleys
Tim McLoones Supper Club
Asbury Park, NJ
7:30pm
Light of Day WinterFest Bobby Mahoney’s Midnight Mass
Lineup: Bobby Mahoney & Friends
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Asbury Park, NJ
11:30pm
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Welcomes SiriusXM E Street Radio
Hosted by Jim Rotolo
Transparent Clinch Gallery
Asbury Park, NJ
5:00pm
Saturday, January 17
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Bob’s Birthday Bash – The Main Event
Lineup: John Rzeznik, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with special guest Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Willie Nile, Adam Weiner aka Low Cut Connie, Dramarama, Remember Jones, Fantastic Cat, Williams Honor, James Maddock, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Emily Grove, Miss Emily, Matt & Eryn O’Ree, Will Dailey, Amanda Cross & Derek Cruz and Joe D’Urso sings “Hold On” (with Adam Ezra and Jake Thistle)
Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre
Red Bank, NJ
6:30pm
