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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T153000
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UID:77394-1768663800-1768692600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Light of Day Winterfest 2026
DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Music and Mission: Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Returns to the Count Basie Center \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs January unfolds across New Jersey\, the annual Light of Day WinterFest prepares to transform the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre into a vibrant hub of music\, camaraderie\, and philanthropy. The 2026 Main Event\, “Bob’s Birthday Bash\,” scheduled for Saturday\, January 17 at 6:30 p.m.\, promises an evening that celebrates not only legendary performances but also the ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative illnesses. Over the years\, Light of Day has grown from a small\, local birthday fundraiser into a globally recognized festival\, showcasing how the universal power of music can fuel hope\, awareness\, and action. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 lineup is a testament to the festival’s rich history of blending iconic acts with rising stars. Headliners include Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls\, alongside Willie Nile\, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds\, Dramarama\, Fantastic Cat\, James Maddock\, Remember Jones\, Williams Honor\, and Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan. Additional performances will feature Amanda Cross & Derek Cruz\, Matt & Eryn O’Ree\, Miss Emily\, and other special guests to be announced closer to the event. Each act contributes to the festival’s enduring mission: to raise both funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease\, ALS\, and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy while creating unforgettable musical experiences. \n\n\n\nTickets are structured to offer multiple ways for fans to experience WinterFest. The On-Stage FestPass package provides an intimate front-row experience with exclusive access to a private cash bar\, a coveted “Swag Bag\,” and admission to all WinterFest events in Asbury Park and Monmouth County from January 15–18. Platinum\, Gold\, Silver\, and Bronze packages offer reserved seating throughout the theater\, with options to combine access to multiple festival events or focus solely on the Main Event. Super Saver tickets provide affordable options for those wishing to enjoy the performances from the upper balcony. Each package balances access\, exclusivity\, and value\, catering to music enthusiasts with varying preferences and budgets. \n\n\n\nBeyond the music\, WinterFest embodies a deeper purpose. Over its 26-year history\, the Light of Day Foundation has raised approximately $7 million for research\, patient care\, and advocacy related to Parkinson’s disease and associated disorders. The festival’s roots trace back to 1998\, when Bob Benjamin\, a veteran artist manager diagnosed with Parkinson’s\, celebrated his 40th birthday with a small Red Bank gathering. That intimate event\, featuring local musicians\, sparked a movement that has since grown into a multi-day festival spanning New Jersey and beyond\, including performances in Europe and international venues where a portion of proceeds supports local Parkinson’s organizations. \n\n\n\nThe festival’s legacy is punctuated by unforgettable collaborations. Bruce Springsteen’s surprise appearances with Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers\, alongside performances by legends such as Southside Johnny Lyon\, Darlene Love\, Michael J. Fox\, Max Weinberg\, Lucinda Williams\, and Ed Kowalczyk\, have cemented WinterFest as an event where music and mission intersect. The festival continues to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists\, celebrating the cultural richness of the region while contributing to a cause with global significance. Fans interested in exploring the roots of this vibrant scene can discover more through Explore New Jersey’s coverage of local music and community traditions\, which highlights the ways artists and audiences come together to foster cultural and philanthropic growth. \n\n\n\nIn addition to performances\, WinterFest emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. From curated “Swag Bags” to premium seating and behind-the-scenes experiences\, the festival ensures attendees feel connected not only to the music but to the ongoing mission. Each ticket purchased\, each song performed\, and every audience member present reinforces a collective commitment to combat neurodegenerative disease through research\, support\, and awareness. \n\n\n\nAs Light of Day WinterFest 2026 approaches\, the stage is set for a celebration that is both exhilarating and purposeful. From the soaring vocals of Johnny Rzeznik to the soulful rhythms of Willie Nile\, every note contributes to a larger symphony of hope. The festival remains a shining example of how music can transcend entertainment\, serving as a conduit for healing\, community\, and lasting impact\, ensuring that Bob Benjamin’s vision continues to resonate in New Jersey and around the world.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/light-of-day-winterfest-2026/
LOCATION:Count Basie Center for the Arts\, 99 Monmouth Street\, Red Bank\, New Jersey\, 07701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Count Basie Center for the Arts":MAILTO:boxoffice@thebasie.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T173000
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DTSTAMP:20260403T152444
CREATED:20251023T170021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T170026Z
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SUMMARY:The Warped Tour Band
DESCRIPTION:The Warped Tour Band Brings High-Energy Punk and Rock to Starland Ballroom \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPunk rock enthusiasts and alternative music fans have a date to mark on their calendars as The Warped Tour Band takes over Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on Saturday\, January 17\, 2026. Known for their electrifying performances that capture the spirit of the iconic Vans Warped Tour\, the band promises a night packed with high-energy hits\, crowd favorites\, and a lively atmosphere that pays homage to one of the most influential touring festivals in modern rock history. \n\n\n\nThe Warped Tour Band is a curated lineup of musicians who have been part of the legendary Warped Tour circuit\, bringing together the best of punk\, pop-punk\, ska\, and alternative rock. Fans can expect a setlist loaded with anthems from bands that helped define the scene over the past decades\, delivered with the raw energy and passion that the festival was known for. The live performance will feature a mix of guitar-driven hooks\, driving rhythms\, and sing-along choruses\, recreating the feel of a summer Warped Tour show in a winter setting. \n\n\n\nPresale tickets will be available Thursday\, October 23\, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET using the code JERSEY\, giving dedicated fans early access to secure their spots. General tickets go on sale Friday\, October 24 at 10 a.m.\, and given the band’s reputation for delivering explosive performances\, early purchase is recommended. Starland Ballroom\, with its spacious floor and acclaimed acoustics\, offers the perfect venue to experience the intensity of a full-scale punk rock show while remaining up close to the stage. \n\n\n\nIn addition to the music\, the event is expected to bring together the community of New Jersey rock fans\, many of whom grew up following the Warped Tour across the country. The performance provides a nostalgic experience for longtime fans while introducing new audiences to the genre’s enduring energy and cultural impact. Attendees can anticipate mosh pits\, crowd interaction\, and the infectious enthusiasm that has kept Warped Tour music alive in fan communities for decades. \n\n\n\nFor more information on ticket availability and show updates\, visit Explore New Jersey’s music coverage. The January 17 performance at Starland Ballroom is set to be a standout night for fans of punk and alternative rock\, offering a full-throttle celebration of a festival that shaped a generation of music lovers.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/the-warped-tour-band/
LOCATION:Starland Ballroom\, 570 Jernee Mill Rd\, Sayreville\, New Jersey\, 08872\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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