Noise for Toys at the Mucky Duck

Each December, the Mucky Duck opens its doors for a night that helps put real gifts in the hands of children who might otherwise have none. Our annual concert in support of the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program brings Houston together with one purpose, to make sure every child ages 1 to 12 has something waiting for them this season. Admission is one unwrapped toy, a simple gesture that reaches far beyond the room and straight into the home of a small child who will now have a gift under the tree because you showed up.

The Marines and Toys for Tots volunteers work with steady focus to place every gift where it matters most. Watching our hallway fill with toys is one of the true joys of the season. The gifts stack higher and come in every shape you can imagine. One year we had fourteen bicycles leaning in a row, other years it is soccer balls, storybooks, dollhouses, puzzles, and teddy bears. Before long the gifts spill out onto the front porch, turning the entrance of the Duck into a holiday scene all its own. It feels like a moment when the whole community quietly agrees that every child deserves to feel included and cared for.

When you walk inside the Duck it simply feels like Christmas. It is not the tree and it is not the lights. It is the feeling inside the room, shaped by people who come together for something larger than themselves. Music begins at 6 PM, and the night unfolds in the spirit of generosity and Texas songwriting at its best.

Featured Performers

Kimberly M’Carver 5pm
A Texas songwriter known for clear vocals and finely crafted storytelling.

Sundance Head 5:30pm
Sundance Head, son of the legendary Roy Head, has carved his own indelible mark on the music world. A winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Sundance has captured the hearts of many with his powerful voice and authentic storytelling.

Libby Koch 6:pm “…like a bowl of gumbo and a mug of Shiner Bock at the end of a hard, rainy day…. Her music makes you want to persevere on the off chance that the new morning might yield an unexpected creation.

Matt Kirk of the Gueyfarers 6:30pm
From bottle boy at Gruene Hall to frontman of the Gueyfarers, Matt Kirk proves grit, heart, & TX roots make for sweet success | Magazine | herald-zeitung.com

Tony Kamel 7pm
His shows, both solo and with a full band, showcase his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and compelling story teller – engaging with the audience, playing guitar and clawhammer banjo for a performance beyond some dude simply singing his songs.

Sarah Golden 7:30pm
“Golden’s accessible, effortless sound is highlighted by insightful biographical lyrics …  Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle

Russell Willingham 8:00pm
Houston-based artist Russell Willingham blends Americana storytelling with the warmth of neo-soul and R&B, drawing on a deep love of vintage electric guitar tones and classic songcraft.

Shake Russell 8:30pm
Shake Russell has been a defining voice in Texas music for more than fifty years. A celebrated singer‑songwriter and performer, Shake is known for his warm vocals, intricate guitar work, and heartfelt storytelling. His songs — including classics like “Deep in the West” and “You’ve Got a Lover” — have been recorded by artists such as Waylon Jennings, Clint Black, and Ricky Skaggs, helping cement his place as one of the state’s most influential and enduring musical figures.