Light of Day Canada returns Thursday
Fundraiser for research into Parkinson’s disease feature Evan Rotella and Jarod Clemons
The light hasn’t gone out on Light of Day Canada just yet.
After taking a two-year hiatus, the Niagara Falls-based musical fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease research makes its return Thursday in an online format.
The Songwriters Circle series kicks off at 8 p.m. on the Light of Day Canada Facebook page with the trio of Evan Rotella, Jarod Clemons (son of late E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons) and headliner Bobby Mahoney.
It marks the first Light of Day Canada show for organizer Dave Rotella since Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes at Seneca Queen Theatre in March 2018.
Rotella, owner of Niagara Falls-based business Danima Creative Group, said the death of his father and other hardships prevented him from undertaking another concert last year. But a recent trip to New Jersey, where the Light of Day fundraiser originated with help from Bruce Springsteen, got him back on track.
“All it takes is a trip to New Jersey and you get the motivation back,” he said.
The comeback show was originally supposed to be in September with Niagara Falls country star Tim Hicks at St. Catharines’ Meridian Centre, until COVID-19 ruined everyone’s plans.
But seeing so many livestream shows in recent weeks prompted Rotella to bring Light of Day Canada back in a modified form. The format will see all three artists performing from their homes, while interacting with each other and viewers.
The format is a throwback to the first Light of Day Canada show (then called Light of Day Niagara) in 2007, with artists including Ron Sexsmith and Willie Nile sharing songs and stories. The concert grew bigger over the years, nabbing artists such as Blue Rodeo, John Cafferty and Steve Earle.
To date, the shows have raised more than $500,000 for various Parkinson’s causes and resources.
“We wanted to keep the Light of Day Canada name out there,” Rotella said. “It’s a tough time to donate and give money because not everybody’s working. We’re not expecting to raise a tonne of money but we want to keep the awareness out there.”
The series will continue with online events July 9, July 23 and Aug. 6.