‘Tis the season for giving, and no shortage of worthy causes and events to that end. A “Toys For Tots” Benefit Show will be held at the Stephen Sikora American Legion Post in North Tonawanda (950 Payne Ave.) on Friday (Dec. 21). The toy drive and concert features performances by local rock bands STEMM (pictured), the Sycos, From This Day, It’s A Trap, Theurgist and Crantangerines. Admission is either $5, five cans of non-perishable food or one new, unwrapped toy. All proceeds and donations will go to Toys For Tots of WNY (toysfortots.buffnet.net) and the Tonawanda Food Pantry. Doors open at 6pm, and this is an all ages event.

Former Canisius College student and Golden Griffins’ basketball star Brian Dux suffered a terrible car crash in Britain in November, and has been hospitalized with critical brain injuries ever since. Brian was playing sports professionally at the time of the accident, after delivering an MVP performance leading the Guilford Heat to win the British Basketball League Cup final last January. Brian’s parents—honorary members of the Buffalo music community—have struggled to support him through this ordeal, as expenses mount for the care of their 26-year old son. Friends and fellow musicians Five to One are turning this Friday’s (Dec. 21) gig at the Sportsmen’s Tavern into a benefit show for Brian. Admission is free, donations welcomed. Music starts at 5:30pm and will be followed by the Stone Country Band, featuring Paul Zittle & Carl Eddy, at 9:30pm

It’s not only the season for benefit shows, but for reunions and homecomings galore. Hometown rocker Fred Shafer, formerly of the band Klear, returns to Buffalo this weekend for “Fred Shafer Live” at Nietzsche’s on Friday (Dec. 21) along with his touring band, the Sunseekers, and special guests 28N. He is currently in support of his new recording, The Fred Shafer EP, and is fresh off of recent tours supporting national acts Collective Soul, Emerson Hart and Staind. Shafer’s strong and soulful songwriting fuels the new album, with tracks that move between rock anthems, sentimental grooves and catchy pop tunes. Add the now veteran performer’s stage experience, commanding live presence and enthusiastic local fan base to the mix and audiences should expect a terrific show.It all starts at 10pm.

Consider this a public service announcement... WITH GUITARS! This Saturday (Dec. 22) marks the sixth annual Joe Strummer/Clash Tribute Show, starting at 9pm at the Mohawk Place. Spearheaded by fanatical Clash lover Chris Malachowski immediately following Strummer’s untimely passing in 2002, the concert has carried on each year since and seen some of Buffalo’s finest musicians—particularly those owing a debt to that punky, reggae rebel rock—assembling to play the impenetrable music of Joe Strummer and the Clash. Also on board for the event are local DJs and there’s even a raffle for official Strummerville gear, including T-shirts, flags, buttons and more. The cost is a mere $7 and all proceeds go to the Strummerville Foundation for New Music. This time, it’s up to you to heed the call up.

Eleven years of insanity will be marked by Buffalo based rock/reggae/blues/funk quintet Crumbs of Insanity when they return to Nietzsche’s on Saturday (Dec. 22) for their 11th Annual Christmas Concert. This year’s “Crumb Cake Jam-Band Freak-Fest” will of course feature the band’s unique interpretations of songs by the Grateful Dead, Phish, Bob Marley, the Allman Brothers, Santana, the Doors and many others, as well as hits from their three self-produced albums (1989-1994). Original members Carl Bishop (vocals), Dave Rapp (vocals), Chris Vasi (guitar), Mark Chamberlain (bass), Mark Freeland (drums) and Jim Slagle (rhythm guitar) will be joined this year by special guest Dr. Bombay. The show starts at 9pm.