Article Contributed by Falcon Publicity
Published on 2026-09-29
With only a handful of shows under their belt, Toy Factory Project has quickly generated excitement among the live music community. The all-star ensemble honoring the legacy of Marshall Tucker Band co-founder Toy Caldwell recently announced a small run of December dates, two of which sold out within weeks.
Now, announced as the final opportunity this year to witness the band’s magic, Toy Factory Project is returning to the birthplace of the original Marshall Tucker Band, Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a homecoming show on December 30 at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
The general ticket sale begins Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. ET at www.toyfactoryproject.com/tour. The band’s exclusive presale begins September 30.
Tickets for the band’s upcoming Ryman Auditorium show on December 28 sold out almost immediately, before the general sale, so fans are highly encouraged to sign up for presale access code information through the band’s official website or risk not getting to be there for the band’s hometown show.
Anchored by bandleader Paul T. Riddle, powerhouse drummer and Grammy-winning co-founder of the original Marshall Tucker Band, Toy Factory Project brings together an unparalleled lineup of Grammy-caliber virtuosos: Marcus King on guitar, steel guitar and vocals; Charlie Starr on guitar and vocals; Oteil Burbridge on bass and vocals; and Josh Shilling on piano, organ and vocals.
For live shows, the band is joined by a leading pioneer of progressive bluegrass music, iconic fiddler and mandolinist Sam Bush, and percussionist Jimmy Rector of Oteil & Friends and Anthill Cinema.
The band’s December run kicks off at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on December 28 and 29—December 28 is already sold out—followed by the newly announced Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium show on December 30. The run comes to an end with a sold-out New Year’s Eve show at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on December 31.
“I cannot wait to get back out on the road with this group of guys after all these months,” shares MTB founding member Paul T. Riddle, who still calls South Carolina home. “And to be playing at such iconic venues…I’m just so excited and grateful. No better way to close out the year, so please make sure you join us!”
Toy Factory Project guitarist and vocalist Marcus King is also a born-and-raised South Carolinian, hailing from Greenville.
“Having the opportunity to come back to South Carolina and play a show with this group of guys, man, there’s no better way to spend the holidays!” King says.
Their live debut at the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Festival marked a powerful introduction for the band, showcasing their electrifying musicianship and magnetic chemistry while feeding off an enthusiastic crowd and the sheer joy of playing together. Of the show, Rolling Stone raved: “The showcase became one of the most memorable sets in the 52-year history of the [Telluride] Rocky Mountain festival.”
Watch Toy Factory Project perform “Blue Ridge Mountain Sky” live at Maymont in Richmond, Virginia
Paul T. Riddle assembled the Toy Factory Project as a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate and MTB co-founder, Toy Caldwell. The group breathes new life into Caldwell’s timeless songbook, transforming personal loss into a vibrant celebration of Southern rock’s soul-stirring spirit. Far more than a supergroup, it’s a gathering of musical titans—each a legend in their own right—united to honor the melodies that have echoed through generations.
For the latest updates, follow @toyfactoryproject on social media or visit www.toyfactoryproject.com.
About Toy Factory Project
Toy Factory Project is an all-star Southern rock supergroup honoring the legacy of Marshall Tucker Band co-founder Toy Caldwell, led by original MTB drummer Paul T. Riddle. United by deep respect for the music and a shared passion for live performance, the ensemble brings together Grammy-nominated guitarist and vocalist Marcus King of the Marcus King Band, bass virtuoso Oteil Burbridge of Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band and Oteil & the Peacemakers, guitarist and vocalist Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, and keyboardist and vocalist Josh Shilling of Mountain Heart and Wynonna Judd to breathe new life into Caldwell’s timeless songbook.
It’s a gathering of musical titans—each a legend in their own right—united to honor the melodies that have echoed through generations, creating a collaboration of the ages and transforming each performance into a singular, can’t-miss live experience.
Toy Factory Project Tour Dates
December 28 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium — Sold Out
December 29 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
December 30 – Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
December 31 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre — Sold Out
Spartanburg Homecoming Show
Toy Factory Project
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
385 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. ET at ToyFactoryProject.com/tour.
