The Light of Day Foundation utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing quest to end Parkinson’s Disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically (PSP) and (ALS).
The Light of Day Foundation’s WinterFest 2025, the annual music festival taking place throughout January in Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair and New York City. It's celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and has raised more than 7-million dollars.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with Tony Pallagrosi, LOD's Executive Director, co-founder and musician (trumpeter with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) and Danny Clinch, famed photographer, film director and musician (harmonica player with Tangiers Blues Band).
The concerts and the organization began as a surprise birthday party planned by Tony Pallagrosi and Rich Russo in November 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank, NJ to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin. Benjamin had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, and in lieu of gifts, asked that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Over $2,000 was raised that night. Spurred by the generosity and support, Benjamin reached out to friends, including concert promoter Tony Pallagrosi and musician Joe D’Urso, and formed the Light of Day charity, taking its name from a Bruce Springsteen song.
"Bob's Birthday Bash", LOD Winterfest 2025's main event, will take place on Saturday, January 18 at 6:30pm ET at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre in Red Bank with a lineup including John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Jessie Malin, Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Brian Baker (Bad Religion), Pete Steinkopf (The Bouncing Souls), Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers plus other special guests.
Tickets for the main event are sold out but there are plenty of other concerts going on in Asbury Park, Montclair and NYC throughout the month. You can find out LOD's WinterFest schedule and ticket information here.
The first official Light of Day concert was held at Asbury Park, NJ’s legendary Stone Pony in November 2000 and primarily featured local, unsigned artists. The critically acclaimed Pittsburgh-based band Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers (managed by Bob Benjamin) headlined the show, which featured a surprise appearance by local hero Bruce Springsteen, who joined the Houserockers for a raucous hour-long set.
Over the years Light of Day has grown from a one-day event into a festival spanning 10 days in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. More significantly, Light of Day has expanded into an internationally recognized tour, through a true grassroots effort of musicians, music fans and benefactors. Light of Day shows take place around the world on 3 continents, including six shows in Canada, an 18 day late November into December trek through Europe, with stops in England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, plus a brand new Light of Day event in Australia! Portions of the proceeds from each show are donated to a local Parkinson's organization.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Tony Pallogrosi and Danny Clinch here.
