Darren Criss Performed Annual Toys for Tots Concert!

The show was announced on Friday afternoon and fans were quick to make plans to come in to get the chance to see Darren- who hasn’t had a public (solo) concert since last year’s Toys for Tots show at Joe’s Pub. While many fans were local, several traveled from out of state, including a group from Toronto who arrived at 10am on Saturday to claim their spots on line.  Before they were allowed into the barricaded area for the show (which was actually a crosswalk at the intersection), the group of fans wrapped around the building, and a large number of fans were across the street to watch from afar. Despite the chilly rain, approximately 500 devotees came out to share the holiday spirit, and around 1700 tuned in via a fan’s livestream.

Darren took the stage a little after 5pm and stood underneath a red umbrella as he performed five holiday classics.  His friends, Charlene Kaye and Clark Baxtresser, who some may know from the Starkid tours, joined him for two songs. The setlist consisted of: Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, White Christmas (with Charlene Kaye), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Chipmunk Song (with Charlene Kaye and Clark Baxtresser), and The Christmas Song. During the final song, the microphones cut out, but like a champ, Darren sang louder and turned it into a singalong as he strummed his guitar.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Mxoq_FVgk]

eBay and Toys for Tots is accepting toy donations through their website this year and eBay will match every toy donated through the site. Go to http://giveone.ebay.com/toysfortots/, select a toy, and they take care of the rest.