COEUR d’ALENE — He's not Santa Claus, but Rusty Jackson does have a remarkable beard and a love for Christmas.

"For me, those Christmas classic songs, like 'White Christmas' by Bing Crosby and 'Blue Christmas' by Elvis Presley, they just remind me of growing up and hearing all those songs every Christmas," he said Tuesday. "They bring back memories for me."

The Post Falls singer and songwriter will bring his classic country Western flair to the stage Dec. 7 during the Classic Christmas Music concert at Lake City Center.

"We're going to do some of the classics — 'The Christmas Song' by Nat King Cole, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' by Judy Garland,'" he said. "We'll also do 'Jingle Bells' and 'Joy to the World,' things people can sing along to."

Jackson, whose style is close to that of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, will be joined on stage by Coeur d'Alene performer Chrissy Summering, who has a musical theater background, as well as other artists.

“Chrissy sings like Barbara Streisand," Jackson said. "It’s amazing."

Jackson said the best part of the concert is that all the proceeds will benefit Lake City Center. The center is a nonprofit that serves as a hub for local seniors as well as a community venue.

"We’ve actually rented the center out to do shows. We did one in June called the 'History of Country Music,' and one in October," Jackson said. "We’re just really thankful for that facility and really thankful for everything they do for the community."

The Classic Christmas Music concert will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d'Alene. The show is for all ages.

Info: 208-667-4628