Perhaps for one great night in honor of a quarter of a century of passion and purpose, the Light of Day Foundation is what organized to celebrate its 25th anniversary with an all-powerhouse lineup headlined by the iconic rock musicians Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik and Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. The event was held on November 12, 2024, at Asbury Park, New Jersey, and went to next-door music lovers and fans-for the cause that has been going on for years at the foundation: awareness and fund-raising for Parkinson’s disease.
An annual benefit concert that took its place in New Jersey as a staple music institution is when the intimacy and unforgettable music come together. It began with founder Bob Benjamin who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1998. The fight of Benjamin through music has been a powerful appeal for several artists of different calibers, including Bruce Springsteen and Joan Jett, to Michael J. Fox.
The headliners this year gave a new spark to the anniversary celebration. John Rzeznik, whose hits like “Iris” and “Slide” defined a generation, had brought their acoustic set on stage with such passion that every single word was sung along by the crowd. Rzeznik shared personal stories and praised Light of Day’s dedication, deeming it “a movement that transcends music and reaches the soul. “Brian Fallon only got the crowd into a frenzy performing such hits as “The ’59 Sound,” using grit and soul to get the audience moved emotionally, carrying the weight of the night. Fallon quipped: “It’s an honor being here, celebrating the people who fight for this cause with all their heart.
Throughot the evening, other guest performances and speeches highlighted the extent to which Light of Day was able to achieve results. The e-mail inbox was flooded with thank you notes from some of the prominent speakers, wishing to go on record to express their appreciation for a particular commitment from the foundation. A stunning tribute was paid for emotional tribute to Bob Benjamin for his unwavering vision that transformed a small concert into an international symbol of hope and resilience.
This musical milestone was but a further indication that Light of Day, on its 25th anniversary, had not only brought about its fair share of musical moments but also proved that music and community were something of great power in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. As faithful disciples, supporters left the event inspired, hopeful, and ready to continue keeping the light lit for another 25 years.
