'Jingle' concert to benefit Little House Society

Tony Barton will be performing Jingle at the Genesis Theatre on Dec. 15 with partial proceeds going to the Little House Society non-profit.

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You can get into the Jingle spirit next Saturday (Dec. 15) while supporting a good cause, as singer Tony Barton and the Delta Youth Orchestra perform a Christmas concert at the Genesis Theatre.

Barton, a former member of the Blue Man Group, brings a Sinatra-Bublé swing style of old time Christmas crooning to Ladner.

"It has a dash of theatrical flair, because I come from a theatrical background," says Barton, a Point Roberts resident who originally hails from the Windy City. "So, there's a lot of surprises for the audience."

Barton will only drop hints about the surprises, but says the name of the concert—Jingle—sums it up.

"For me, that's what the holiday season is all about and it's all in us, that spirit," he says.

That spirit goes beyond just merry-making. The concert will provide $2 of each ticket to the Little House Society, an outreach centre committed to reducing and preventing drug and alcohol abuse.

Jingle will donate an extra $1 for each ticket holder who shows up in a Santa hat.

The idea even inspired a donor to match the Santa hat donations dollar for dollar. Barton says the donor wanted to remain anonymous in the hopes others would make a similar offer.

Barton met Jim Stimson, president of the Little House Society, several years ago at the benefit concert for Irene Thomas Hospice.

"I hope this will become an annual event for Ladner. This is something that is really homegrown," says Stimson, adding the performers, the charity, and the venue is all local.

Barton coordinated with maestro Steven Robb to have the Delta Youth Orchestra perform in the concert, featuring a six-string, five-horn, and four rhythm ensemble. Tracy Neff, Whitney Saip, and Jenny McLaren will provide the vocals.

"People ask me why I'm doing this. I think I'm supposed to do it," says Barton. "I'm just about sharing with people and entertaining and having a good time."

Jingle will be held at the Genesis Theatre in Ladner (5005 45th Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at Sharkey's Seafood Bar and Grill in Ladner, My Party Rentals in Tsawwassen, and Neilson's Lumber in Point Roberts. Doors at 6:45 p.m.