Stevie Wonder’s popular holiday concert will no longer take place after the music legend abruptly canceled the event.
The 26th Annual House Full of Toys benefit concert series had been scheduled to run from Thursday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 21 before Wonder said it would not move forward.
The popular event was supposed to include four shows at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Instead, Wonder announced on Los Angeles radio station KJLH — which he owns — and in a statement posted to Facebook on Dec. 17, that this year’s event is canceled.
The Grammy-winning artist blamed a lack of adequate planning after he decided to expand the event from a single show to a four-night concert series.
He told KJLH listeners, “I take full responsibility.”
Wonder’s statement on Facebook read, “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. So, because of that little time, I’ve decided to cancel all four shows.”
Still, he said he plans to help those in need in another way.
“I will this year put my money where my heart is by giving a substantial donation for the children for House Full of Toys,” he added. “Next year, we will again do House Full of Toys with the big idea and enough time to put it together.”
Refunds will automatically be issued to the credit card used to purchase tickets within 30 business days, he said
Normally, concert attendees are asked to bring toys or “unwrapped gifts of joy,” which are distributed through Wonder’s Los Angeles-based We Are You Foundation as part of its holiday outreach program, according to Ticketnews.com.
Wonder usually brings other musicians on stage at the annual event. Previous participants have included Jon Batiste and El DeBarge.
Wonder said he plans to bring the event back next year.
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