LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST Returns to New York City

With a goal of topping last year's record-breaking $555,000 raised in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018, presented by the Asbury Park Press, is returning to New York City on Wednesday, Jan. 10, forLIGHT OF DAY NEW YORK CITY for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation.

LIGHT OF DAY NEW YORK CITY, starring Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Johnny Pi's Punk Rock Pizzeria, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, and The King Sings The Boss will be held Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018 at The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., New York City. Doors 6:30 p.m.; Showtime 7 p.m. Tickets ON SALE NOW at $45 General Admission; $75 Gold Circle at www.thecuttingroomnyc.com.

The 10-day festival will bring over 150 music acts to 30 venues in three New Jersey cities, New York City, and Philadelphia, January 5-15, following holiday season tours of Europe and Canada.

Last year's event raised $555,000 - a record amount - to combat Parkinson's disease, topping the previous year record of $525,000, with the 17-year total approaching $4.5 million.

Gary U.S. Bonds made his breakthrough at 19 with the release of" New Orleans." The follow-up was the now-legendary party record "Quarter to Three" a number one hit with a spirit and energy that would eventually inspire and influence a generation. A rare distinction is that he managed to transcend the decades. His new friendship with longtime fans, Bruce Springsteen and Miami Steve Van Zandt led to a musical collaboration that resulted in Bond's Dedication and On The Line albums with hits "This Little Girl," "Out Of Work," "Jole Blon" and "Daddy's Come Home.". Billboard declared: "... his gritty and powerful vocals...even better than before...." Songwriter, singer, music legend, Gary U.S. Bonds & his RoadHouseRockers dish out hearty, historical rock, roll and rhythm & blues.

Sporting three of the original "four-ish" members of Dramarama,the band is having more fun than ever and exudes a confidence and ease that only can come through experience. With the addition 13 or so years ago of bassist Mike Davis (Rob Halford) and drummer Tony Snow (The Change, Glimmer Stars), original Dramarama members Peter Wood, Mark Englert, and John Easdale have really found their musical brethren. If you sawDramarama back in the day and thought they were good, now you'll be blown away, these guys are PHENOMENAL!* Every show is live, no tapes or tracks here! Every show is different, no formula, no set list.

Johnny Pisano - Johnny Pi to his friends and fans - never fails to attract attention, not easy to do when you're the bass player in a band fronted by ebullient rocker Willie Nile. But Pisano's Italian good looks and solid musicianship are augmented by some dazzling athleticism. His split jumps off the drum riser have obsessed photographers and caused audiences' collective jaws to drop in amazement. But Pisano also has a rich history with punk rock and recently released his first solo record, Johnny Pi's Punk Rock Pizzeria: Everybody Gets a Slice

Also just returning from Light of Day Europe, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, an Americana/Jersey Shore/Rock & Roll band, are a Light of Day fixture who, like Willie Nile, have played Winterfest every year since its inception. Their brand new 14th CD, Jersey Diner, features 11 songs written by D'Urso and three tunes penned by Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and Sandy/Harry Chapin.

The King Sings The Boss is Elvis singing Bruce! Two of rock's greatest icons beating as one. Graceland meets Badlands. Can it possibly get any better? There is always a phenomenal atmosphere as The King performs his favorite Springsteen songs, courtesy of Britain's Mark Wright. Expect a few surprise choices and a few Elvis classics thrown in for good measure This is one not to miss!

Light of Day WinterFest has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 17 years. In his recent autobiography, Born to Run, Springsteen revealed that his father suffered from Parkinson's Disease,

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 also will include shows in New York City (Jan. 10 @ The Cutting Room) and Philadelphia (Jan. 6 at World Café Live), with the rest being held at numerous venues in Asbury Park. They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park, where it still is primarily based, while growing to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 events at www.lightofday.org

Photo: Johnny Pi's Punk Rock Pizzeria