Stevie Wonder has announced the cancellation of his planned four-night run of the House Full of Toys holiday benefit concert, originally scheduled for Dec. 18, 19, 20, and 21 at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. The shows were set to mark the 26th edition of the annual charity event, which supports children, people with disabilities, and families in need.
In a promo video shared ahead of the concerts, the 25-time Grammy winner said he was “switching things up” by expanding the benefit from its traditional single-night format to four nights. However, Wonder later acknowledged that the ambitious plan came together too quickly.
In a statement read on his Los Angeles radio station KJLH, Wonder explained the decision. “A week and a half ago I came up with the idea of doing four nights at the Fonda Theatre to raise money for House Full of Toys. Big idea. Little time,” he said. “So because of that little time, I’ve decided to cancel all four shows.”
Despite the cancellation, Wonder emphasized that the mission of House Full of Toys remains intact. He confirmed that he will personally make a substantial donation to support the children and families the nonprofit serves and added that the concert will return next year with more preparation time. “Next year, we will again do House Full of Toys with the big idea and enough time to put it together,” he said.
Ticket holders are currently being contacted via email regarding refunds.Presented by Wonder’s nonprofit We Are You Foundation, House Full of Toys traditionally encourages attendees to bring an unwrapped toy or “gift of joy.” Over the years, the benefit has featured appearances from artists such as Lionel Richie, Queen Latifah, Jazmine Sullivan, Anderson .Paak, and Ella Mai. The 2024 edition, connected to Wonder’s Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart tour, included performances by Jon Batiste, Lucky Daye, and El DeBarge.
