Light of Day Winterfest
SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN KICKOFF
Featuring: WILLIE NILE, DRAMARAMA, THE WEEKLINGS, JILL HENNESSY, & THE BILLY WALTON BAND
DRAMARAMA is a Los Angeles based alternative rock band always fronted by singer-songwriter John Easdale. The band was formed in New Jersey in 1982 and disbanded in 1994. The band formally reunited in 2004 following an appearance on VH1’s Bands Reunited reality show. Amid renewed interest since the Bands Reunited episode and a large-scale appearance at KROQ-FM’s annual Inland Invasion festival concert (attended by more than 78,000 fans), Dramarama has since been touring nationally. In 2005 they released a new, full-length studio CD titled Everybody Dies. The current band consists of original members Peter Wood (guitar) and Mark Englert (guitar) along with longtime members Mike Davis (bass) and Tony Snow (drums). Dramarama has recorded new material that remains unreleased as of 2015.
JILL HENNESSY is a Canadian born actress, model and musician best known for het staring roles in TV’s Law and Order (as Claire Kinkaid) and Crossing Jordan (as Jordan Cavanaugh). She began her musical career before becoming a model or an actress, busking on the streets of Toronto. She has recorded 2 albums “I Do” and “Ghost In My Head” (2009). Springsteen biographer and Sirius XM Radio DJ Dave Marsh wrote about “ Ghost In My Head”, “Jill’s raised her own standard, and delivered completely on things that were maybe only a promise on the first record. The songs are as deep and beautiful as always… Such a command of good songs! Brava!”
WILLIE NILE is a Buffalo raised American singer-songwriter. In 1980 Nile released his self-titled debut album which according to one critic remains “one of the most thrilling post-Byrds folk-rock albums of all time”. His early career was interrupted by various problems, but he eventually returned to recording and performing in the US and Europe, establishing himself as a respected singer-songwriter. The Buffalo News said that their hometown troubadour’s “Streets of New York” (2006), “House of a Thousand Guitars” (2009) and “The Innocent Ones” that included the blazing anthem One Guitar (2010); stand as “three of the finest recordings to ever straddle the worlds of “singer/songwriter” fare and good ol’street-tough rock ‘n’ roll”. In 2013 Willie released arguably his best album to date, “American Ride” followed by an album of piano centered recordings “If I Was A River”. On May 28th, 2015, at the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square, Willie joined Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, Roger Daltry and Billy Idol at the 11th annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert to honor Pete Townsend for his commitment to helping musicians with addictions. Willie Nile is an artist to be reckoned with, who is at the peak of his powers.
THE WEEKLINGS is an Asbury Park based quartet that perform original Beatles inspired power pop as well as lesser known Beatles material with infectious passion and enthusiasm. Consisting of Glen Burtnik (Lefty), Bob Burger (Zeek), John Merjave (Rocky) and Dave Anthony (Ramblin’ Dave) they have, as individual professional musicians and songwriters, appeared and collaborated with many high profile national artists.
THE BILLY WALTON BAND Fronted by former Asbury Jukes guitarist Billy Walton, The Billy Walton Band’s sound is a combination of hard blues reminiscent of Hendrix, Clapton and Vaughn mixed with a healthy dose of Warren Hayes and Derrick Trucks. Walton has always been an explosive performer with jaw dropping talent but with the addition of bassist William Paris, Richie Taz on sax, Ian Gray on trombone and drummer Johnny D’Angelo the Billy Walton Band churns out a singular brand of funky blues that has deep roots in both the jam band musical tradition as well as the Jersey shore Walton has cut his teeth on.
THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION utilizes the power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses such as PSP and ALS within our lifetime. The Foundation’s mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those illnesses, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.’s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day – the concerts and the organization – grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1996. Since its inception they have raised over $3.5 million dollars.
Show: Thursday, January 14, 2016 | Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 day of show | Showtime: 8pm | Doors: 7pm | General Admission |