Bobby B., as his friends call him, has Parkinson's Disease. He was diagnosed with the ailment at the all too young age of 38 years old but it wasn't long before he was calling on his many musical friends to help him battle his predicament. He took the bad news and turned it into a good cause that has become known as the Light of Day concerts. The benefit, which raises money for Parkinson's Disease research to fund a cure, also doubles as an annual birthday celebration for the music manager and friend to so many talented musicians and songwriters. The concerts have occurred on the first weekend of November for each of the past several years and the 2004 event ballooned into a three-day celebration of music and Bob's mission.

Bruce Springsteen had appeared at each of the first four shows and this year was no different. The New Jersey rocker must have shared in Bob's disappointment after his highly publicized support of the Kerry campaign. Bruce was a main headliner of the Vote for Change shows and appeared with Kerry at several of his final campaign stops. The only real acknowledgment of the defeat was his playing of 'This Hard Land' and upon its completion saying quietly into the mic, "No Surrender", referring to the song that was Kerry's unofficial campaign theme.

Johnny Grushecky, Bruce Springsteen & Bill Toms together again!

But, it was a night to celebrate not to mourn, and the fans that gathered on Saturday were rewarded for their patience and faith. Springsteen took the stage after midnight to join in with Pittsburgh's Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers for the fifth consecutive event for a classic near 2-hour set that included: Everything's Going To Work Out Right, Long Way To Go, Strange Days, Have A Good Time, Idiot's Delight, From Small Things, Homestead, Johnny 99, Code of Silence, Atlantic City, Murder Inc., Talking To The King, Never Be Enough Time, Mustang Sally, This Hard Land, Happy Birthday (for Bob Benjamin), Light of Day, and Great Balls of Fire/Shout.

Even though fans have come to expect Springsteen's presence and performance the Light of Day shows have also become known for shining the spotlight on many other talented marquee performers and upcoming acts who come from near and far.

As in past years, there were two stages set up. The stage in the enclosed, outdoor tent featured mostly acoustic singer/songwriters. The main stage showcased bands and some solo artists. One big improvement from LOD4 was that smoking was only permitted outside and the club remained smoke free throughout the three-day event.

Hail, hail, the gang's all here! Grushecky, Springsteen & Toms provided scorching riffs!

On Saturday, the music started at five p.m. and ended around 2:30 a.m. The first musician to take the main stage was local favorite Mike Rocket. Mike and his bongo player crafted an animated set that included the witty 'Hey Bruce' a song about meeting the legend outside of the Pony. The drummer played a catchy beat as the two harmonized on the hook line "got a show tonight at the Stone Pony".

Mr. Rocket was followed by the energetic Exit 105. The quartet is intense, featuring soaring guitar leads, heavy rhythms and power-packed vocals. Their last song featured a quick jam giving each member a chance to strut his stuff. Exit 105, who also appeared at LOD4, continues to polish their act proving that they are a rock and roll destination that you can get off on!

Bob Benjamin and Bruce Springsteen performing the song Light of Day!

Gary Lucas' God and Monsters played a lively set. Gary is a world-class guitarist, Grammy-nominated composer and international recording artist. Gary and his band played a unique repertoire that blended country with rock. Lucas soared on the guitar as the others crafted jams ranging from rock-a-billy to improvisational. They also did a cover of Springsteen's 'Lonesome Day'.

Bobby Strange is well known for his soulful rhythms melding with folk melodies. Bobby has been nominated many times for Best Solo Artist by the Asbury Park Music Awards. Mr. Strange played on the second stage as minor adjustments were made on the main stage for the next act. Throughout the evening the transitions from one artist to the next was smooth. Repertoires were quick and contained and for the majority of the evening things ran according to schedule.

The next two performers on the main stage were female singer/songwriters. Jennifer Glass, who dazzled fans at LOD4, appeared this year with a full band. Jennifer on acoustic was in good voice as the electric mandolin, bass and electric guitar gave her songs fuller, richer textures and tempos. Dawne Allyne said "I am a local girl and these songs are from my heart". Dawne strummed her acoustic as her wide-ranging vocals carried stories that all could relate too. Her lyrics are personal, sometimes dark yet hopeful. Ms. Allyne sang a love song and reminded the crowd that broken hearts do heal.

Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan were wonderful as always. Every time we have seen them they are tight while leaving room for experimentation. For example, 'Noisy Guitars', a live staple for the band integrated a number of twists and turns including a guest harmonica player. Also during their set, they invited Lorenzo, a friend from Italy, to contribute harmonizing vocals. "It was a dream come true to be at the Pony," said Lorenzo.

Joe and Stone Caravan also played 'Rock and Roll Call'. Within the song D'Urso recounts how rock and roll has become a global phenomenon, having spread worldwide over the past 40 years. He sings about some of the major players of rock in the hook line – "Bruce is the Boss, Elvis is the king and Dylan is always the muse". The band rocked during this signature song, infused with subtle instrumental changes throughout.

Jobonanno & The Godsons of Soul are a high-energy band that artfully blends rock with soul and the blues. Joe got the audience to clap and sing along to his action packed set. Jobonanno and the band had the crowd swinging and swaying as best they could on the packed Pony floor.

Willie Nile, who appeared solo at LOD4, brought a full band for LOD5. His repertoire was filled with heavy guitar leads and some coordinated moves. Willie's set was spirited and edgy. He introduced 'Hard Times in America' as a party song. The lyrics were serious and insightful but the track did have an up-tempo beat. "I recently wrote this next song, which is dedicated to the people in Spain."

'Cell Phones in the Pockets of the Dead' started with a flamenco guitar groove before a heavy beat kicked in and Nile carried the tune with his rocking, sad storytelling resulting in an incredible juxtaposition of moods. Willy is an animated player yet precise in his music. Nile closed his set with a guitar heavy version of 'I Want To Be Sedated'. Joe Grushecky joined Nile for The Ramones classic as well as 'Heaven Help the Lonely'.

Jeffrey Gaines is a passionate singer songwriter whose music is infused with hope and faith. Gaines and his vintage Gibson faced a number of challenges. Jeffrey came on at midnight following a number of high-energy acts. He also had to deal with the anticipation that Bruce would soon be taking the stage with Joe Grushecky. Many Springsteen fans had arrived hours before the doors opened to get prime real estate at the Pony. They were tired and anxious to see The Boss. Jeffrey eloquently held his own. Gaines has a rich raspy, soulful voice and he is a captivating guitarist. His set included 'I Know a Man' and 'Hero In Me'.

Sonny Kenn, who Springsteen calls "One of the legends of Asbury Park", at LOD5.

The Light of Day shows couldn't happen without the energy and enthusiasm of Tony Amato, also know as Bocci of Boccigalupe and the Bad Boys. Bocci was correct when he named his CD It's My Turn Now because his audience has grown dramatically since the release of his indie debut in 2001. He and the band recently returned from a successful trip and tour of the UK. Bocci made such a splash that he has taken up residence in England to meets the needs of touring and recording. There were many fans of Bocci on-hand throughout the weekend from Spain, Italy and the UK.

Bocci's recently re-released It's My Turn Now CD features the guitar wizardry of Billy Walton. The band played tracks from the CD as well as a few covers. Bocci has had a number of organizational changes in the past year but the current line up is tight. Billy was blazing on the guitar, exchanging riffs with bassist Willie Paris. The horns and Bocci on the B3 are dynamic and Tim Moss on drums is always strong and steady. During 'Domino' Joe Grushecky came out sharing lead vocals to the delight of those in attendance. Boccigalupe & The Badboys ended their set with a rocked up version of 'All Along the Watchtower' enhanced with Walton wailing on the wah-wah pedal.

Steel Mill Retro featuring Vini Lopez on drums and Ricky DeSarno on guitar!

Sunday at LOD5 featured two acts that were a big part of Springsteen's past. Also, Springsteen's global influence as Asbury Park's musical ambassador seemed to be finally coming home to roost at this year's event in the form of young musicians who have been inspired by the Boss.

Sunday's opening act was Lorenzo Semprini from Italy. Semprini is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player who has been greatly influenced by Bruce and the Jersey shore sound. Lorenzo was able to connect with the audience and got them to clap in rhythm to his music.

We also met another extremely talented musician from Italy, Lorenzo Bertocchini, who was on-hand as a guest of Boccigalupe. Bertocchini told us he had seen Springsteen perform twenty-five times in Europe and the USA going back to the Born in the USA tour. Lorenzo has just completed his adventurous 26-track debut CD entitled, Whatever Happens Next. The singer/songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player offers acoustic folk rock stylings and stories about life and love as they unfold on two continents – in Europe and the USA.

It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years. Perhaps the Light of Day shows may evolve into an annual international musical exchange and showcase – featuring interpretations of the Asbury Park sound and American style rock by musicians from all over the globe.

Bob Benjamin, Joe D'Urso, Willie Nile and Bill Toms during the LOD5, night 2 finale!

Sonny Kenn and his band were extraordinary. They played a sizzling set of rock and blues that was both retro and modern. Springsteen states that "Sonny Kenn is one of the legends of Asbury Park". Sonny has influenced and/or performed with many of the musicians who are/were part of the Asbury Park music scene, including Springsteen himself. Kenn has a deep, soulful voice that is well suited to the blues. Sonny is a smoking guitarist and his fingers just fly over the fret like fire. His band added their own magic and textures to what can only be described as a WOW set!

Steel Mill Retro's history dates back to the late 1960's. Of course, Steel Mill was Springsteen's band in the years prior to his move to E Street. They bring that psychedelic, experimental jam style to modern audiences and showcase many of Springsteen's forgotten songs and extended jams to the uninitiated. Their set was power-packed with a full drum kit and bongo providing heavy rhythms enhanced by funky bass lines and wild keyboards. Searing guitars and Vini Lopez on lead vocals and drums complete the package. Their set included lots of spontaneous, spirited instrumentals one of which had a wonderful world tone and sound similar to Santana and other classic rock bands from the early 70's.

Additional acts over the three day event included Nick Clemons, Maybe Pete, Gary U.S. Bonds, Danny White, Jody Joseph, Jesse Malin, Pat DiNizio and La Bamba who played Friday evening and Rob Dye, Shane Fontayne, deSol and others who appeared Sunday.

Clockwise from top: Jennifer Glass, Boccigalupe and Billy Walton, Mike Rocket and Exit 105

It became apparent this year that the LOD shows are becoming a world-wide phenomena and the significance of the event's sun logo deepens. For as the sun sheds it light on all parts of the world the Light of Day shows have begun to shine their light world-wide. Hopefully, with continued participation from international artists, global media attention and increased financial contributions, Bob and company's efforts will pay off soon with a cure for Parkinson's Disease and other ailments coming along right on the horizon.

Bruce Springsteen sings This Hard Land at Light of Day 5.

Related Links: For more information on Light of Day and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- LightofDay.org | PDF.org | MDA.org

(Originally Published on November 08, 2004)