By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The annual Light of Day Winterfest, which has raised millions for the Parkinson’s Foundation, is coming to Asbury Park beginning Jan. 8 and continuing until Jan. 16.
The music festival has raised nearly $4.5 million since it began 17 years ago, to combat both Parkinson’s, PSP (progressive supra nuclear palsy) and other related diseases.
Light of Day executive director Tony Pallagrosi said this year’s festival will include 85 events over three continents.
The first event was held at the Stone Pony and raised about $2000, Pallagrosi said.
Since that time other cities, including Montclair, Philadelphia and New York have used the foundation’s blue print to hold events of their own.
“They are self run organizations who asked to be part of it and use our name and follow our blue print…using the awesome power of music,” Pallagrosi said.
Pallagrosi said one of the the organization’s goals is to open a storefront that people could visit for information, seminars, resources and musical events related to the Light of Day Foundation.
“It would be a headquarters where we could hold group meetings and a place that family’s of those with, Parkinson’s, ALS and PSP could go for information.” Pallagrosi said. “We can reach out to the community and the community can reach out to us.”
Funds from the event have been used to search for a cure, but this year a portion of the money raised will be used to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted in New Jersey.
The Light of Day Foundation has also invited Asbury Underground to produce the downtown leg of the festival.
According to Asbury Underground representative and founder Patrick Schiavino, “This year’s event, the fourth year running in conjunction with Light of Day, will feature some 60 performances by over 100 musicians, with the focus on original music, playing in 21 different locations downtown, mostly art galleries, cafes, shops and restaurants in which 15 will be displaying original art for sale by local artists.”
Pallagrosi said having the Asbury Underground involved has been a long time goal of his.
“For a number of years, my desire had been to connect what Light of Day was doing on the oceanfront with the downtown. Pat really helped make that happen in an efficient and effective way,” Pallagrosi said.
He also said the event now allows the audience and musicians to flow freely between each area and venue and says this has always been his goal for the eight day festival.
“Winterfest in Asbury Park will have more events than ever,” Pallagrosi said.
Visit www.lightofday.org for more information.
