Article Contributed by Falcon Publicity
Published on 2026-09-15
Following the recent news about a special New Year’s Eve show, Toy Factory Project, the all-star ensemble honoring the legacy of Marshall Tucker Band co-founder Toy Caldwell, announces their long-awaited Nashville debut with a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium taking place Monday, December 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 18 at 10 a.m. CT at [www.toyfactoryproject.com/tour](http://www.toyfactoryproject.com/tour); however, Toy Factory Project is offering an exclusive presale for their fans beginning tomorrow, September 16, with a Ryman presale kicking off September 17. Sign up for presale access code info via the band’s newsletter at toyfactoryproject.com.
Anchored by band leader Paul T. Riddle, powerhouse drummer and Grammy-winning co-founder of the original Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), Toy Factory Project brings together an unparalleled lineup of Grammy-caliber virtuosos: Marcus King (Guitar/Steel Guitar/Vocals, The Marcus King Band), Charlie Starr (Guitar/Vocals, Blackberry Smoke), Oteil Burbridge (Bass/Vocals, Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band, Oteil & the PeaceMakers) and Josh Shilling (Piano/Organ/Vocals, Mountain Heart, Wynonna Judd). For live shows, the band is joined by a leading pioneer of progressive bluegrass music, iconic fiddler/mandolinist Sam Bush (New Grass Revival, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett), and percussionist Jimmy Rector (Oteil & Friends, Anthill Cinema).
“There is no other experience quite like playing the Ryman Auditorium,” shares Charlie Starr. “As soon as the first note rings out, you understand why it’s so legendary.”
With only a handful of shows under their belt, Toy Factory Project has quickly generated excitement among the live music community. 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.”
Since then, momentum has only grown thanks to select powerhouse performances: a pair of shows in February 2026 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, and a limited run of dates in May, including sold-out back-to-back shows at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, NC, a show at Music at Maymont in Richmond, VA, and a festival appearance at DelFest.
In August it was announced that the band will perform a special New Year’s Eve show on December 31 at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. With tickets more than 75% sold ahead of the general on sale, the demand is high. A very limited number of tickets are still available at foxtheatre.evenue.net/events/TOY.
Toy Factory Project performing “Blue Ridge Mountain Sky” — Live at Maymont in Richmond, VA
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/vocalist Marcus King (Marcus King Band), bass virtuoso Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band, Oteil & the PeaceMakers), guitarist/vocalist Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and keyboardist/vocalist Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart, 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
Monday, December 28, 2026
Ryman Auditorium — Nashville, TN
Tickets on sale Friday, September 18 at 10 a.m. CT
www.toyfactoryproject.com/tour
