On Sunday, January 19th, Asbury Park’s beloved venue came alive with an all-day music event featuring the next generation of musicians at the Stone Pony. As part of the 25th annual Light of Day Festival, this event showcased a diverse lineup of emerging talent from Asbury Park and the surrounding areas. Performances included house bands representing various rock music academies, along with intimate acoustic solo sets during changeovers. It was a celebration of youthful energy, musical skill, and the enduring mission of the Light of Day Foundation to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative illnesses.

As someone who has attended two of the academies featured in the lineup, covering this event felt particularly special. It was a full-circle moment -- having experienced firsthand what it’s like to be part of that local music community, I now had the chance to cover and photograph these rising stars.

Here’s a closer look at the acts that rocked the stage:

Rockit Academy (Lincroft, NJ) kicked off the day with its trademark blend of professionalism and showmanship. As one of the most prestigious audition-based music schools in the area, Rockit has produced alumni who are now world-class touring musicians. Their seamless setlist transitions ensured a nonstop showcase of excellent covers, captivating the audience from start to finish.

Angelina Bella delivered a stunning acoustic set, her vocals effortlessly commanding the room with a mix of finesse and raw emotion. Her stripped-down performance was a testament to her ability to connect with the audience on an intimate level.

Maddie Freeman, also a Rockit Academy member, impressed me with her versatility as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Seamlessly playing drums, bass, and guitar in different lineups during Rockit’s set, she demonstrated her range and skill. Her acoustic rendition of a Taylor Swift classic brought a playful and engaging vibe to her performance.

Rock ‘n Music Academy (Middletown, NJ) brought a wave of nostalgia for me, as I had attended their rock band camp about 13 years ago. Seeing how far they’ve come was inspiring, as they now showcase their talent at iconic venues like The Stone Pony. Led by their founder, Lee, the academy presented four house bands: Officially Tardy, Turbulence, Outer Limit, and The Radical Ratz. The last band particularly stood out, featuring a Chad Smith-inspired drummer who nailed the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ signature energy and power, while rocking a snapback and sleeveless collared shirt.

Dakota Diehl delivered unforgettable renditions of classics like Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” accompanied by JD Leidersdorff. While I was photographing at the back bar, her aunt excitedly approached me, thrilled that I was capturing photos of her niece and expressing her pride in Dakota’s performance.

Lakehouse Music Academy (Asbury Park and Red Bank, NJ) brought a mix of awe and charm with their two featured bands, Kings and Queens and October Man. Kings and Queens, with performers as young as 9 (I think), blew me away with their song choices. Hearing “Chop Suey” by System of a Down and “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin from these young talents was both adorable and impressive. October Man, a more established group, delivered polished classic rock performances that solidified their reputation in the local scene.

Connor Parente, hailing from Pittsburgh, added variety to the lineup with his unique style and captivating presence.

Octopus Music School was a new name for me, but they made a strong impression with a stellar performance. With locations in North Brunswick, Hillsborough, South Plainfield, and Middletown, they proved they could hold their own among the more established academies.

Unfortunately, I missed Krazyer’s set as I stepped out to catch a friend performing at the Wonder Bar. However, one of their band members handed me a band sticker later -- a small but meaningful connection. I knew what it felt like to be that young musician handing out free merch to strangers to promote their band, and I wanted to support that.

The 6 hour day was a remarkable showcase of young talent and a reminder of how music inspires and unites communities, families, and people of all ages. What a great event, for a great cause!