For the 2026 holiday season, NYS Music has once again partnered with venues across the state to bring holiday cheer and live music, while brightening the spirits of children most in need, with Jam for Tots.
In the spirit of giving and supporting those most in need in our local communities. Jam for Tots partners with local music venues across the state, bringing live music fans together for great shows while collecting toys to brighten the spirits of children statewide.
Since 2012, Jam for Tots has been held across New York State and the Northeast, where fans are encouraged to bring along with an unwrapped toy for a child (under 13) to drop in the donation box. These toys will be brought to local charities within the venue’s community, to ensure that these toys brighten the day of children within the local area.
Shows for the 2026 holiday season will be hosted by venues across Upstate New York, including Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse, Lark Hall, Putnam Place, Babeville, The Stanley Theatre, Stewart House, The Strand Theatre Hudson Falls, The Pub (Philmont) and Bearsville Theatre. We gratefully thank these venues for their support of this worthy cause.
2026 Jam for Tots Shows
Nov 19 – Open Mic – Reifenberg Brewery, Valatie
Dec 3 – John Pinder Open Mic – Stewart House, Athens
Dec 5 – Cosmic Charlie Brown Christmas – Bearsville Theater, Woodstock
Cosmic Charlie Brown Christmas featuring Jason Crosby, Celebrating the Music Of Vince Guaraldi and the Grateful Dead will perform at the Bearsville Theater Lounge on December 5 with a matinee show featuring Jason Crosby, joined by a stellar ensemble of improvising musicians to reimagine the beloved music of Vince Guaraldi. Anchored in the timeless charm of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the performance begins in familiar territory—warm piano melodies, swinging jazz rhythms, and the nostalgic spirit of the holidays. From there, the music begins to expand, weaving in improvisational explorations inspired by the Grateful Dead. The result is a joyful, genre-blending take on Guaraldi’s iconic themes, which open up into expansive jams and playful musical interplay.
Both a loving tribute and an open-ended exploration, the show captures the innocence of Peanuts, the spirit of jazz, and the improvisational energy of the Dead. It’s a holiday experience that’s nostalgic, soulful, and just a little bit adventurous—a Charlie Brown Christmas trip through the cosmos.
Dec 6 – Junior Jerry Jam with Big Martha – Babeville, Buffalo
Junior Jerry Jam’s annual Holiday Shakedown will feature music from Big Martha: Buffalo’s Premiere Allman Brothers Band Experience. Come out December 6, and celebrate the holiday season at Babeville. 🛍️Come out and dance your way through wonderful vendors and start or continue your holiday shopping with our Buffalo creatives! There will also be activities and fun for the kiddos and maybe even a special visitor 🤫🎅🏼. ⛄️As always, JJJ events are family friendly and fun for all ages. Doors at 11:30, music at 12.
Dec 11 – Luke Weiler & Josh Anderson – The Pub, Philmont
Dec 11 – Hayley Jane Band & Organ Fairchild – Lark Hall, Albany
These two bands collaborate on a unique co-bill show with full sets from both artists. Hayley Jane pulls inspiration from a variety of styles, including 60s + 70s rock + pop, musical theater, folk, blues, soul, psychedelic, funk + bluegrass, bringing the charisma, humor + passion to move an audience.
Organ Fairchild craft their organ-trio-meets-rock-band sound — described as “adventurous, vital and alive” by Glide Magazine — by synthesizing influences ranging from Soulive and Medeski Martin & Wood to The Grateful Dead, Steely Dan and the Meters.
Dec 12 – Rob Beaulieu Band & Quantum Cosmic – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs
For this show – bring an unwrapped toy ($10-20 value) and get in for free! Two powerhouse bands from the Capital Region connect for this spectacular night of music. The evening kicks off with Rob Beaulieu Band (Tony Perrino – Organ, Vocals; Sherry Waite – Vocals; Mike Newman – Bass; Dave Spadaro – Guitar; Chad Ploss – Drums, Vocals and Rob Beaulieu – Guitar, vocals). RBB was formed during the pandemic with people Rob had been playing with on and off for years. An ongoing journey, Rob splits his time between RBB and Raisinhead, playing shows all around the Northeast.
Follow RBB will be Quantum Cosmic, featuring Sam Doyle (drums) Michael Lashomb (guitar, Annie in the Water), Matt Richards (keys, Annie in the Water), Ted Grey (guitar, vocals, Raisinhead) and James Woods (bass, The Switch), a collection of telepathic musicians who gather to play deep music, bringing fans on a journey of improv, funk, world and rock grooves.
Dec 12-13 – Tony DeSare – Strand Theatre, Hudson Falls
Tony DeSare performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality. Named Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. Tony will perform Holiday songs and special requests
Dec 13 – Sal Valentinetti – Stanley Theater, Utica
Journey into wonder as Sal Valentinetti, where extraordinary experiences await around every corner! This event promises to be a celebration that combines innovation, entertainment, and community spirit in perfect harmony. There will be an atmosphere where memories are made and stories come alive, ensuring every guest experiences something truly remarkable. This is more than just an event; it’s a journey into the extraordinary!
Dec 20 – Tato for Tots – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse
The legendary Pat Tato will once again host an afternoon Open Mic at Funk n Waffles for the kids, wrapping up this year’s series of Jam for Tots!
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