---

Each January, thousands gather for the Light Of Day Foundation festivals in Philadelphia, and New York and New Jersey cities in support of the battle against Parkinson’s Disease, the incurable disorder that attacks the central nervous system, leaving symptoms of slow movement, loss of balance and tremors.

This year, the 17th annual Light of Day Winterfest – themed The Beat Goes On, features the return of renowned photojournalist Mark Weiss’ Charitybuzz Auction.

Weiss has donated 21 of his one-of-kind rock photos from the ‘70s and ‘80s, on sale through Dec. 15.  Included are iconic images of David Bowie, Van Halen, Prince, Guns N’ Roses, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, and images from Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 River tour.

“I never imagined when I was 16 and sneaking my camera into concerts, that I could make a living out of it, much less help out those in need by donating the sales of these photos some three decades later,” Weiss [at right] said in a written statement. “My career as a photographer has been a dream come true, and it’s time to give back.”

Known for his break-through 1978 centerfold shot of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in Circus magazine, Weiss’ album covers include Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry.

He launched his rock photo CharityBuzz auction in 2013 in support of Lunch Break, a food support and soup kitchen in Red Bank. It featured an art program with the Boys and Girls Club. Recently, Weiss utilized the auction to support Rockit Live Foundation’s live music education mission during their 2016 Gala.

“Whether helping the people in my hometown with life’s basic necessities or supporting the overwhelming battle against Parkinson’s, we all do whatever we can,” Weiss said. “I am honored to stand alongside the generous and talented musicians I have worked with for decades to once again help make this year’s Light of Day Winterfest an epic success. I have been humbled and inspired by Bob Benjamin’s story and by the powerful snowballing impact LOD has had for the last 17 years.”

Benjamin, an artist manager and music industry veteran, has been living with Parkinson’s since 1996, two years before he co-founded Light of Day with concert promoter Tony Pallagrosi and musician Joe D’Urso, according to organizers.

The inaugural fundraiser was held on Benjamin’s 40th birthday at the Downtown Café in Red Bank and raised $2,000. Last year, the Light of Day event raised a record $525,000, bringing its 16-year total up to a near $4 million.

Benjamin named the Foundation after Springsteen’s anthem by the same name. Springsteen’s surprise performances at the Paramount Theatre showcase is always anticipated, as he’s  popped up 11 times throughout the past 16 years.

This year the 10-day festival kicks off on Jan 6, bringing more than 150 performances to 30 venues in the tristate cities. Currently Light of Day events are underway across Europe. Locally, Light of Day showcases will be held across the city, including Bob’s Birthday Bash at the Paramount, and concerts at The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, House of Independents and at The Asbury.

Except for the Paramount show, tickets are available via the Light of Day website.

For more information about Mark Weiss, visit www.WEISSGUYgallery.com, and to bid on his iconic photos, visit www.charitybuzz.com/support/2911.

[Photos courtesy of Mark Weiss]

————————————————————————-

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---