Walmart stores Inc., the worlds largest retailer has joined forces with Omaha musician Craig (Thumper) Samuels in support of the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz "Toyz 4 Tunez" concert. The concert idea was created by Thumper about 3 years ago, and will become reality this Dec 2nd in Omaha at the Strauss Performing Arts Center on the UNO campus at 7pm. Toyz 4 Tunez is a smooth Jazz concert performed by Thumper and special guest saxophonist Ed Archibald where fans and friends donate an unwrapped toy for admission. The Toys then go to childrens hospital, the Child Saving Institute, and the Toys for Tots progams. A Short Meet & Greet session from the two well established musicians will take place shortly after the 1 hour and 45min show. In the form of Gift Cards, (not valued at press time) Walmart will donate one gift card to each of the recipients from the concert. "We think this is a great idea, and are honored to be included in this great event." Said the management team from one of the stores. A DVD of the performance will be recorded and manufactured to further promote the event. The DVD will be available to purchase for those who can make the show. The proceeds from the DVD will also go towards more toys, and to promote next years Toyz 4 Tunez concert. During the performance Thumper will introduce a custom made guitar named "Amber" in honor of Amber Harris, a missing girl found deceased in an Omaha park on May 12th 2006, the day he performed a benefit concert to help raise money to find her. Every year on May 12th Thumper will hold an outdoor concert in her honor.
