Skip to main content

, @ChrisFHJordan1 p.m. EDT October 24, 2016
 
Light of Day in Asbury Park
 

 

 

Concert featuring over 100 performers to benefit Parkinson's research. STAFF VIDEO BY DOUG HOOD

A passing reference in Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography is adding extra poignancy to this year’s Light of Day festival in Asbury Park, a fundraiser in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.

Springsteen’s father suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, the Boss wrote. Springsteen has played in 11 of the previous 16 Light of Days, all unannounced, since it began in 1998 in Red Bank as a birthday party for Bob Benjamin, a Jersey-based artist manager who has Parkinson’s.

The Light of Day takes place the second week of January. Tickets, the prices of which have not been released, go on sale, noon Saturday, Oct. 29 through Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the Stone Pony box office, according to 105.7 The Hawk. This year’s Main Event at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, which often features the Springsteen appearance, is Saturday, Jan. 14.

Springsteen have never remarked about his father’s battle with Parkinson’s from the LOD stage during his previous 11 appearances. In the book, he lists Parkinson’s as one of several ailments that afflicted his dad, Douglas Springsteen of Freehold, who passed away in 1998.

MORE: Why the Light of Day matters 

“Parkinson’s, body fluid buildup, diabetes, psoriasis and an array of ailments too numerous to mention, along with a life of nightly smokes and six-pack seances, had left him severely limited physically,” Springsteen wrote.

Parkinson’s is a  chronic and progressive neurological condition that affects movement and muscle control, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation website, www.pdf.org. Doctors are not sure of the cause, and for now, there is no cure for the estimated 1.5 million to 2 million Americans who have Parkinson’s.

“The work toward a cure is proceeding “slower than we would like but it’s not like we’re not within sight of the finish line,” said Robin Elliott, president of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, to the Asbury Park Press earlier this year. “We’re beginning the home stretch but it’s still a long way to go. It’s looking like a long slog, but a group like the Light of Day gives hope.”

MORE: Fans worldwide come to Light of Day

A headliner for the Main Event at the Paramount has not been announced. Light of Day shows will take place at the Stone Pony, the Saint, the Wonder Bar, the Langosta Lounge, McLoone’s Supper Club and the House of Independents. An Asbury Underground art gallery crawl in downtown Asbury Park is set  for the afternoon of Saturday, Jan 14, said founder Pat Schiavino. There will be shows Friday, Jan 6 at the Outpost by the Burbs in Montclair and Saturday, Jan 7 at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia and the Asbury Park events begin with the “Cover Me” show, featuring Jersey cover bands, Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Stone Pony.

Clarence Clemons’ birthday will be recognized on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Cutting Room in New York. Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, Ben Arnold, Joe D’Urso, Jeffrey Gaines and Eddie Manion are part of a Light of Day Europe 2016 in November and December.

Visit www.lightofday.org for more info.

Chris Jordan: cjordan@app.com

____________________________________

The SPL Rocks!

Prego che tu stia danzando con San Pietro alle porte perlacee del cielo





Pulled up to my house today
Came and took my little girl away!
Giants Stadium 8/28/03



Oats

Original Post

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×