MUSIC NEWS - Show organizers have announced the lineup for the ninth annual Light of Day concerts in Asbury Park, NJ. These shows benefit Parkinson's disease research and those who suffer from the motor system disorder. The shows, which this year will also celebrate the 50th birthday of Light of Day founder Bob Benjamin, will occur on November 1 & 2 in two different Asbury Park venues. The Light of Day shows are also well know for the frequent performances by Bruce Springsteen,
who has made surprise appearances at six of the last eight shows. Springsteen, who was on tour with the E Street Band at the time, was unable to attend the 2007 concerts, but performed the prior year. This year's opening night show, which takes place in the city's Paramount Theatre, will feature Marah, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, Jesse Malin, Willie Nile and Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan. Other acts will be announced "shortly," according to organizers. The second show, on November 2, is booked for historic Stone Pony nightclub where Springsteen launched his career in the early '70s, and will feature John Easdale from Dramarama, Boccigalupe and the Badboys, Jobonanno & The Godsons of Soul, Exit 105, Tom Vella and the Wayside and others "to be announced". A separate acoustic stage will feature more than 15 solo performances by singer/songwriters. Past performers at the shows have included Gary US Bonds, La Bamba, Max Weinberg, Soozie Tyrell, Southside Johnny, John Eddie, Pat DiNizio, Jakob Dylan, Lucinda Williams. The series of concerts have raised over $750,000 to fight Parkinson's. The shows are named for the 1987 film "Light of Day," which starred Parkinson's sufferer Michael J Fox (who performed live with Springsteen at one of the benefit shows) and featured a title tune written and performed by Springsteen. These are great concerts, for a great cause. If you're on the East Coast, make an effort to be part of this. Ticket information, here.
UPDATE 10/14/08- ADDED: John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls on November 1 and Matt White will bring his Vote For Love Tour to the Stone Pony on November 2 !
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