Over the last 5 years, Connecticut funk-fusion outfit Kung Fu‘s annual Toys For Tots benefit at the storied Toad‘s Place in New Haven has become a cherished tradition in the Elm City music scene, collecting tens of thousands of dollars worth of toys for kids at the New Haven Children’s Hospital. While this year’s 6th annual event has moved dates from just before Christmas to just before Thanksgiving (November 19th, to be exact), the annual benefit continues to embody a sense of giving and selflessness around the holidays, as the band pulls out all the stops for the hometown celebration to benefit those less fortunate.
“We collect toys to distribute to kids at Yale children’s hospital on Christmas to brighten their spirits with whatever is ailing them,” explains guitarist Tim Palmieri, “It’s been getting bigger every year to the point that we rent a trailer just to deliver the [toy] donations. We are happy to spread joy and give back using our music as a catalyst for charity. Although not medicine, it’s still something that can help alleviate and bring cheer to those kids being in a hospital on Christmas Day.”
Last year, for the first night of their two-night Toys For Tots run at Toad’s, Kung Fu played a very special tribute to Curtis Mayfield‘s Superfly (1972) with Soulive‘s Alan Evans on vocals. You can watch full pro-shot video of the set below via LiveMusic420 (starts at 00:43:10).
The band a has a few surprises in store for this year, as they plan to pay tribute to some of the greatest hip-hop artists through the decades, with help from Sophistafunk‘s Jack Brown and more guests to be announced. The celebration will feature support from special guests The Alpaca Gnomes and Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Tickets are available now via the venue’s website and, as always, discounted admission prices are offered to anyone who brings a new unwrapped toy or book donation.
[Cover photo: Scott Harris]