Marystown musician partners with youth choir for fundraiser

MARYSTOWN, N.L. — Barry Delaney is raising more than just Christmas spirits with his upcoming holiday concert.
The local singer/songwriter has partnered with the Burin Peninsula Youth Choir on a fundraising effort to help them get to the Atlantic Festival of Music this spring in London, Ontario.
The trip has an estimated price tag of $110,000 for travel and accommodations.
“I always wanted to do a concert with a choir,” explained Delaney.  
For the last number of years, he has held a Christmas concert performing selections of his Christmas CD Let the Bells Ring. He approached choir director Amanda Hollett in May with the idea of the joint performance.
“I said … ’I’d like to do my Christmas concert, but I’d like to incorporate the Burin Peninsula Youth Choir.’”
The youth choir will also be doing several selections on their own. 
“It's going to be a great experience for me, and hopefully for them,” said Delaney.
Burin Cinema is the venue for the Dec. 19 concert. 
Delaney hopes if all goes well during this show they will be able to work together on more events in the future.
"With any first show, you got to try to get out the cobwebs. If it's successful (and) there’s good reviews about it, I’m definitely interested in doing a show for St. Patrick’s Day.”
Delaney said is excited to have the full sound of the choir backing him during the acoustic performances.
“I think it's going to be an experience like none other. I think it's going to be so full,” he said. "There’s not band there to overshadow (the vocals), I’m playing (guitar) by myself and having the choir there — it's just going to create a mood, a Christmas feeling. 
"People can sit back and enjoy the sounds of the season … not to sound corny, but I’m hoping people will leave with Christmas in their heart.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased at Extreme Pita in Burin or in Marystown at The Family Workshop.