When Jeremy Buck formed “Rock for Tots” 20 years ago, he never imaged that the event that helps bring smiles to youth would continue to grow and become a South Bay tradition.
The tradition continues on the third night of “Hermosa for the Holidays” on Sunday, Nov. 23 when approximately 50 South Bay musicians perform before and after the annual tree lighting ceremony, which takes place between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. on the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza.
“I think ultimately it’s something that brings people together, and for a good cause,” Buck said. “It’s not about me, it’s about the community. It’s way bigger than me. Now I’m happy to steer the ship, but really, this has become like a tradition that everybody wants to be a part of, and I’m welcoming more and more people to be a part of it.”
Jeremy Buck and the Bang will hit the stage with guests beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the tree lighting ceremony with the Holiday All Star Band. More music follows from 7 to 8 p.m.
The music on Pier Plaza will be followed by an official after-party at Hennessey’s Tavern.
“Rock for Tots” donations will benefit the Beach Cities Toy Drive and the Harbor Regional Center Holiday Fund.
Buck grew up in in Indiana and was a frequent donator to Toys for Tots back home.
He drove across country in 2000 and arrived in the South Bay, where he formed Jeremy Buck and the Bang. The band started a residency at The Lighthouse Cafe in 2004, and released their first album the following year.
But Buck and his band wanted to give back.
“It started as a little idea with me and my band trying to bring in musicians and showcase them at The Lighthouse, and bring everybody together in the community, throw a big party for a good cause,” Buck said.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Toys helped the first year when it was called Christmas Carnival Concert. After a few years at The Lighthouse, the event has bounced around from Saint Rocke to other locations, but was virtual during the COVID pandemic.
During its 20 years, numerous musicians, including musical director Steve Aguilar, have been “sharing their gift,” Buck said.
“It’s really a tribe and community of musicians that every year are willing to help, same with the volunteers,” Buck said. “That’s why we’ve helped thousands of families through the Beach Cities Toy Drive organization. They do a fantastic job of collecting and distributing them to needy families.”
“The Harbor Regional Center, they work with families who have children with disabilities, who are hurting financially so that helps them through the holidays,” said Buck, through cloth donations and “putting food on the table.”
Buck said he continues Rock for Tots every year because of the “love and support that we get back from the community.”
Those interested can donate an unwrapped toy worth around $10.
Monetary donations can also be sent through the rock4tots.net website.
T-shirts, ornaments and mugs will be for sale at the event that will go directly to the charities.
Hermosa for the Holidays, which is celebrating its fifth year, takes place Nov. 21 through 23, and also features holiday shopping, a visit from Santa, other live music and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
For more information visit, hbchamber.net/holidays.