Niagara’s Light of Day Concert
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Tickets are now on sale for Niagara’s Light of Day concert on November 7th at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines. It is a night of incredible music and one that makes a difference in the lives of people living with cancer and Parkinson’s disease in our region.
The event first started in 1998 as a 40th birthday party and fundraiser for music manager Bob Benjamin, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It has become a regular event and is now an annual festival in Asbury Park in New Jersey. One of the artists who has been an ambassador for the event is Bruce Springsteen, which is how Niagara Falls resident Dave Rotella first heard about Light of Day.
“I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan,” he laughs. “He has been highly involved in Light of Day, so when the opportunity presented itself to bring this concert to Canada, back in 2007, it just felt right.”
Growing up, Dave always saw his family give back to the community, and he knew it was something he wanted in his life as well. “Not only had I found a way to give back, but I found a way to do it through music, which I love.”
What started as a small concert in a Niagara Falls high school gym has grown into a much-anticipated event that has showcased artists such as Blue Rodeo and Ron Sexsmith over the years.
“This year, country star Tim Hicks is our headliner,” says Dave, adding that other special guests include Steven Page, Teenage Head and Miss Emily Band.
“We have a lot of great genres this year. It is an event for all ages and anyone who loves great music and wants to help patients in Niagara.”
For artist Tim Hicks, Light of Day is close to his heart. “Two things I love: hometown shows and helping my community,” he says. “The Light of Day show on November 7th hits both of those nails right on the head. I’m very excited to take part in this important event.”
Dave and his family experienced the importance of local healthcare first-hand when his father was diagnosed with cancer and lost his battle with the disease in 2018. “It is still hard to talk about all these years later,” he says.
“It was tough on all of us, but the team at the Walker Family Cancer Centre was amazing. When we learned that my dad would be able to receive his treatments locally instead of having to drive to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, it was such a relief.”
“The doctors at the Walker Family Cancer Centre were so good to my dad and us. The space is bright and comforting, and all of that made us feel well cared for during a really horrible situation. Their team gave so much to us, so after my dad passed away, I knew I wanted to give something back to them.”
When Dave suggested to his Light of Day committee to raise funds for the Niagara Health Foundation in addition to the local rehabilitation hospital, Hotel Dieu Shaver, the decision was quickly made. “Everyone on the committee has been impacted by cancer. Cancer and Parkinson’s are both awful diseases, so we want to do what we can to help.”
Light of Day is about raising not only funds but also awareness, he explains. “Bob Benjamin, whose Parkinson’s disease has progressed significantly since that first event in 1998, always says that the money is important, but the awareness is even more important.”
It’s a sentiment Dave brings to each event, ensuring that the organizations are represented at info tables and get the chance to share their message with concertgoers.
“It really is a night you will leave feeling good,” Dave says. “Feeling good because you will witness an incredible night of music and feeling good knowing that all proceeds benefit people here in our community. It is such a meaningful and fun night – from the first note at 7pm to the grand finale when all artists come together on stage to sing the song Light of Day to finish off the show.”
Tickets for this amazing concert are on sale now at the Meridian Centre box office and on their website. As a Niagara Health Foundation supporter, you can use promo code 2026LOD to receive $10 off on ticket purchases. We hope you will join us for this unforgettable evening of music and making a difference.
Niagara’s Light of Day Concert
Tickets are now on sale for Niagara’s Light of Day concert on November 7th at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines. It is a night of incredible music and one that makes a difference in the lives of people living with cancer and Parkinson’s disease in our region.
The event first started in 1998 as a 40th birthday party and fundraiser for music manager Bob Benjamin, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It has become a regular event and is now an annual festival in Asbury Park in New Jersey. One of the artists who has been an ambassador for the event is Bruce Springsteen, which is how Niagara Falls resident Dave Rotella first heard about Light of Day.
“I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan,” he laughs. “He has been highly involved in Light of Day, so when the opportunity presented itself to bring this concert to Canada, back in 2007, it just felt right.”
Growing up, Dave always saw his family give back to the community, and he knew it was something he wanted in his life as well. “Not only had I found a way to give back, but I found a way to do it through music, which I love.”
What started as a small concert in a Niagara Falls high school gym has grown into a much-anticipated event that has showcased artists such as Blue Rodeo and Ron Sexsmith over the years.
“This year, country star Tim Hicks is our headliner,” says Dave, adding that other special guests include Steven Page, Teenage Head and Miss Emily Band.
“We have a lot of great genres this year. It is an event for all ages and anyone who loves great music and wants to help patients in Niagara.”
For artist Tim Hicks, Light of Day is close to his heart. “Two things I love: hometown shows and helping my community,” he says. “The Light of Day show on November 7th hits both of those nails right on the head. I’m very excited to take part in this important event.”
Dave and his family experienced the importance of local healthcare first-hand when his father was diagnosed with cancer and lost his battle with the disease in 2018. “It is still hard to talk about all these years later,” he says.
“It was tough on all of us, but the team at the Walker Family Cancer Centre was amazing. When we learned that my dad would be able to receive his treatments locally instead of having to drive to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, it was such a relief.”
“The doctors at the Walker Family Cancer Centre were so good to my dad and us. The space is bright and comforting, and all of that made us feel well cared for during a really horrible situation. Their team gave so much to us, so after my dad passed away, I knew I wanted to give something back to them.”
When Dave suggested to his Light of Day committee to raise funds for the Niagara Health Foundation in addition to the local rehabilitation hospital, Hotel Dieu Shaver, the decision was quickly made. “Everyone on the committee has been impacted by cancer. Cancer and Parkinson’s are both awful diseases, so we want to do what we can to help.”
Light of Day is about raising not only funds but also awareness, he explains. “Bob Benjamin, whose Parkinson’s disease has progressed significantly since that first event in 1998, always says that the money is important, but the awareness is even more important.”
It’s a sentiment Dave brings to each event, ensuring that the organizations are represented at info tables and get the chance to share their message with concertgoers.
“It really is a night you will leave feeling good,” Dave says. “Feeling good because you will witness an incredible night of music and feeling good knowing that all proceeds benefit people here in our community. It is such a meaningful and fun night – from the first note at 7pm to the grand finale when all artists come together on stage to sing the song Light of Day to finish off the show.”
Tickets for this amazing concert are on sale now at the Meridian Centre box office and on their website. As a Niagara Health Foundation supporter, you can use promo code 2026LOD to receive $10 off on ticket purchases. We hope you will join us for this unforgettable evening of music and making a difference.
