Logo for Rose City Christmas CabaretThe Rose City Christmas Cabaret on Dec. 22 at the Olde Walkerville Theatre is a benefit for Sparky’s Toy Drive.

Cabaret to mobilize chops for children’s charity

UWindsor students and grads will put their talents in service of the needy Saturday, Dec. 22, in a concert to benefit Sparky’s Toy Drive. Sponsored by Windsor firefighters, the charity helps to provide new toys for children at Christmas.

The second annual Rose City Christmas Cabaret will see the Coffee House Combo and the Border City Collective perform holiday favourites spanning a variety of genres from big band jazz to Motown and soul.

In addition to music alumni Austin DiPietro, Vanessa Harnish, and Marko Rozic, the program will feature current students Andrew Adoranti, Caterina Augimeri, Sebastian Bachmeier, Nicholas Baddeley, Natalie Culmone, Logan Fletcher, Kaitlyn Karns, Matthew Lepain, Sam Poole, Noah Renaud, Olivia Ridpath, and Mackenzie Walsh.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; donation of a toy of equivalent value also accepted for admittance. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Olde Walkerville Theatre, 1564 Wyandotte St. E.