What in the Toy Factory?

March 27th, 2025

Dear Festivarians,

You've seen it since the solstice, and we've been coy for long enough now... It's time we stop toying with your hearts. We need to talk about Toy Factory Project!

We know, we know, it's been on the lineup for ages... You know the when (that they're closing out an already exquisite Saturday lineup), but we haven't provided any details on the who or what. Let us remedy that...

What is Toy Factory Project?

Paul T. Riddle, co-founder/drummer and Grammy Award winner of the original Marshall Tucker Band formed the Toy Factory Project in memory and celebration of Toy Caldwell and the music they made together.

Most songs are short lived. A few, such as songs by Caldwell, performed and recorded by the original Marshall Tucker Band, live on and on. Crossover hits like "Can't You See," "Heard It In a Love Song," "Searching For a Rainbow," and "This Old Cowboy," to name a few, earned the MTB a place in the hearts of millions, changing a generation, and becoming southern rock royalty.

Who is Toy Factory?

To live up to such high accomplishments, Paul's band needed to be exceptional, in it for the love of music. Well, he found the perfect folks. The band is: Paul T. Riddle himself, Marcus King, Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band), and Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart). Yowza! They've made noise about some special guests joining as well...

"What better place to unveil this project than Telluride?" - Paul T. Riddle

What better place, indeed! Saturday, June 21st of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is your first ever opportunity to see this group in action. What's better than a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness an unforgettable collaboration? We honestly can't think of a single thing.

And luckily, we have tickets and camping available so you can join us!

It's a true honor to provide the Fred Shellman Stage for such a constellation of talent to come together. Knowing that this momentous musical event is happening in Telluride fills us with immense pride and a deep sense of luck. We feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of music history in the making. Come join us for the ride!

Love,

Your Friends on Planet Bluegrass