Light of Day WinterFest: Bob's Birthday Bash details revealed

Light of Day WinterFest 2025 takes place in January throughout Asbury Park, Red Bank and Montclair. The organization that raises awareness and funding to end Parkinson's Disease, ALS and PSP is now in its 25th year. From left: Light of Day Foundation board of directors members Rob Dye, Jean Mikle, Joe D'Urso and Tony Pallagrosi are joined by musician Joe Grushecky on the Asbury Park boardwalk. PHOTO: SAMMY STEINLIGHT

Light of Day WinterFest 2025 took place in January throughout Asbury Park, Red Bank and Montclair. The organization that raises awareness and funding to end Parkinson's Disease, ALS and PSP marked its 25th year. From left: Light of Day Foundation board of directors members Rob Dye, Jean Mikle, Joe D'Urso and Tony Pallagrosi are joined by musician Joe Grushecky on the Asbury Park boardwalk. - PROVIDED BY SAMMY STEINLIGHT

Matthew Fazelpoor//December 8, 2025//

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The Light of Day Foundation announced WinterFest 2026’s main event, “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” will take place Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank.

This year’s lineup features:

John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls
Willie Nile
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds
Dramarama
Fantastic Cat
James Maddock
Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan
Williams Honor
Amanda Cross & Derek Cruz
Matt & Eryn O’Ree
Miss Emily

Organizers also said additional surprise guests will be announced.

Of course, a certain Jersey rocker from the area (hint: The Boss) has been known to show up and perform at this event.

Fight against Parkinson’s

Light of Day WinterFest 2024 took place throughout January with musical performances in Asbury Park, Red Bank and Montclair. — Light of Day WinterFest 2024. From left, artists Glen Burtnik, Joe Grushecky and Danny Clinch with Light of Day Foundation founder Bob Benjamin (center). – PROVIDED BY SAMMY STEINLIGHT

WinterFest is Light of Day’s flagship annual fundraiser, harnessing live music to raise money and awareness in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses including ALS and PSP.

The organization and events evolved from a birthday party and fundraiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Café in Red Bank. That fete celebrated the 40th birthday of manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1996 and founded the organization in 1998.

The event has since growth from one day-event into a multi-day festival in the metropolitan area, Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair, New York City, Piermont, N.Y., and New Hope, Pa., and a global concert series with performances across Europe. Over 26 years, the organization has raised roughly $7 million for research, patient support and caregiver assistance.

Winterfest schedule

The 2026 WinterFest features a full schedule of events from Jan. 15–18, including performances at The Stone Pony and The Wonder Bar. Highlights include:

Jan. 16 – “Friday Night at The Wonder Bar” with Dramarama and The Weeklings, and “Celebrating Five Decades of Willie Nile” at The Stone Pony with Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Tangiers Blues Band & Friends
Jan. 17 – “Asbury Blues” at The Wonder Bar, featuring local blues acts
Jan. 18 – “Next Generation” showcase at The Wonder Bar for emerging artists, and “The Best New Jersey Tribute/Cover Bands”

All performances and events support Light of Day’s mission to combat neurodegenerative diseases and improve quality of life for those affected.

“Bob’s Birthday Bash” tickets are now on sale theBASIE.org, the Count Basie Center box office, and Ticketmaster.com. Full lineups, additional performances and venue details are available at LightofDay.org.