Legendary Rock Band Blues Traveler to Headline “Party with a Purpose”

July 15, 2024 | Excitement is growing and the stage is set: Blues Traveler will play a can’t-miss performance at The Toy Foundation’s “Party with a Purpose,” taking place September 9 at TAO Los Angeles. Serving as the kickoff to The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview dedicated market week (taking place September 9 to 13), “Party with a Purpose” is the industry’s night of entertainment, networking, and fundraising in support of The Toy Foundation’s work to deliver the power of play to children’s hospitals.

Best known for their high-energy, improvisational performances, Blues Traveler is a perennial favorite, and 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the band’s smash-hit album, four. Tickets for “Party with a Purpose” are now available to hear John Popper’s indisputably recognizable vocals accompanied by his soulful harmonica solos; Chan Kinchla’s harmonious guitar riffs; a steady melodic bass groove from Tad Kinchla; transcending sounds from Ben Wilson’s fingers dancing on the keys; and all kept together by the rhythmic drumming of Brendan Hill.

“Music and musical play are incredibly powerful tools in supporting mental and behavioral health, and we want everyone to have access to this power,” said Blues Traveler. “We’re excited to support The Toy Foundation’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program in delivering the healing power of play to children and families in need while they’re going through one of the hardest moments in their lives.”

Blues Traveler has a longstanding passion to share their love of music with children and families in need, both in the communities they perform in and around the world. Similar to toys and play, music provides comfort, joy, and other emotional benefits that medical staff can use to improve the patient’s experience during their care.

“Party with a Purpose is an incredible way to kick off our LA Fall Preview market week,” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association™. “In addition to the exclusive performance by Blues Traveler, guests will network, have fun bidding on one-of-a-kind auction items, enjoy great food and drink, and more importantly, make a real difference in the lives of hospitalized children nationwide.”

As the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to bringing the gift of brand-new toys and the opportunity to play to children in need.

By the end of 2024, the Foundation’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants Program is expected to deliver the healing power of play to more than 500,000 children and their families. All proceeds from “Party with a Purpose” (from tax-deductible ticket sales and sponsorships, to the event’s auction proceeds) will help expand the industry’s impact on children and families, especially those living in economically disadvantaged communities.

In addition to purchasing tickets, companies can take a leadership role in supporting this program by purchasing an event sponsorship. To learn more, contact TTF staff.

The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview is taking place the entire month of September at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo. “Party with a Purpose,” produced by event company BCL Entertainment, will kick off the preview’s dedicated market week (Sept. 9-13). The entire toy community is also invited to The Toy Association’s complimentary Industry Networking Party at Otis College of Art and Design on Tuesday, September 10 and WiT’s Wonder Women Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Friday, September 13. Visit the LA Fall Preview website for more information.