Tom Jackson hopes people will spread the love for Christmas with his new show, Stories, Songs and Santa Causes, Nov. 29, a new cross-country tour that stops by the Enmax Centre to raise money for local food banks and family services agencies.

“ Call somebody and tell them that you love them and then tell them to call somebody else  and ask them to tell them that you love them and I guarantee in five minutes the world will be a better place,” encouraged Jackson.

 He emphasized that  “Songs, Stories and Santa Causes” is not  the Huron Carol, his popular variety show that has raised  money for local charities since 1987 featuring a combination of up and coming and well known country and folk musicians singing in the Christmas season, but it is it’s spiritual successor.

“ We were stymied for two years because of Covid, so we recorded  a virtual show and gave it to the organizations so they could raise money,” he said.

The 74-year-old, whose philanthropic efforts have raised an estimated $250 million in cash and in-kind food banks and disaster relief since the 80s, began his national Stories, Songs & Santa Causes tour Nov. 24 in Edmonton and wraps it up on Dec. 16 in St. John’s.

“Last year we did 13 shows in western Canada. This year we’re going from Vancouver to St. John’s, Newfoundland,” he said, noting he is looking forward to performing live with long time musical director Tom McKillip and multi-instrumentalist John MacArthur Ellis.

“People will be 10 feet away. We’ll be able to see their faces,” he said adding it won’t just be Christmas songs.

“Most of the songs will be familiar and some won’t,” he said, adding  he is excited to involve the audience in the show  by getting them to sing along.

“We need to make people healthy and happy, so we’re bringing the happy and the hope. That’s the agenda,” Jackson said.

 “Stories, Songs & Santa Causes is about the why not the what. For us, the why is to make you happy, because healthy is happy, and happy is healthy. This show is designed to get you out of your funk, and for you to help us save lives. The ‘why’ is what separates us from others. Buy a ticket, save lives. Stories, Songs & Santa Causes is about giving a gift,” he continued.

“ It’s about remembering  the reason for the celebration,” he said.

“People are really glad to  see us. ”

He always enjoys playing with long time music director Tom McKillip and  is looking forward to playing with award winning producer and musician John MacArthur Ellis who has worked with a variety of musicians including the Be Good Tanyas, Colin James, Bruce Cockburn, Jim Byrnes, Doc Walker, Jeremy Fisher, Tom Jackson, Charlie Major, George Canyon, Doug & The Slugs, Barney Bentall, Ridley Bent, Leeroy Stagger, Ferron, Dan Mangan and Jane Siberry.

They have a lot of sties and experiences, They're are wonderful stories,” Jackson said.

“And all of the money raised stays local, he said, adding they have raised money for the Red Cross as well as a a lot of money for children focused charities.

“ Children need to be children and be happy. They shouldn’t

have to worry about going hungry,” he said.

He hasn’t started planning another Huron Carol tour.

 We’re planning a year ahead. So we’re planning some different events. Maybe television,” he said.

Stories, Songs and Santa Causes begins at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Enmax Centre.

 Tickets cost $62 and $74. 

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor