'It's on, baby': Jane Lynch to bring Christmas cheer to Bonita Springs in Dec. 13 concert

Jane Lynch (middle) is joined by Tim Davis, Kate Flannery and the Tony Guerrero Quintet on the "Swingin' Little Christmas" tour.

When Jane Lynch comes to the Southwest Florida Event Center in Bonita Springs on Dec. 13 with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in tow, the audience can expect a unique blend of jazz and comedy in a pleasant marriage of new and old.

“It’s a Christmas show from soup to nuts,” Lynch said in a recent telephone interview. “It’s all Christmas music.”

The show, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” has its roots in the 2016 album of the same name. Tunes vary in cadence and comedy. The first song, which shares its name with the album and the show, has Lynch, Flannery and Davis join together with a tight three-part harmony for a classic, big-band sound.

Other songs, like “Hey There, Santa,” are more light-hearted and comedically driven, with lyrics written from the perspective of a girl asking for more than coal in her stocking: “Santa, dear, am I being clear? I’m asking for a little reprieve,” the jingle goes.

Songs dip to more somber tones, like a moving arrangement of “The First Noel” blended with “Canon in D,” showcasing the wide range of expertise the vocalists share. Every song is infused with smooth rhythm and the larger-than-life sound of the Tony Guerrero Quintet.

The band has its moments to shine, too, like with an instrumental rendition of “Silent Night,” and the smooth sounds ooze like honey from the performers' instruments.

Though some of the songs are new, they carry the feeling of being fresh out of the era of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams, the likes of which Lynch said inspired her, as Christmas was big in her household growing up.

“We all have the same music taste,” Lynch said of those she performs with, and they all share a deep mutual respect. “I’m a lucky girl. I’m with some of the best people in the business.”

Performing for a live audience is a far cry from performing in front of the camera, like Lynch’s time performing for Fox’s musical comedy-drama show “Glee.”

“They’re right there, and they’re so a part of it,” Lynch said, noting that it’s a 70-minute experience between the audience and the performers.

“It’s a different show every night,” she said.

And Lynch enjoys each song.

“Of course, I love them all. How do you love one child more than the other?” she said. However, she does particularly like the titular song and “We Three Kings,” among others.

Though Lynch said she misses her dogs — including her Instagram-famous pup with hypothyroid, Arbuckle — she loves the experience of doing the show. She hopes that the audience leaves with some joy in their hearts.

“I hope they’re tapping their toe and excited for Christmas,” Lynch said. “It’s just a terrific way to usher in the holidays.”

For those that do attend the Christmas show, she has a message:

“It’s on, baby.”

'A Swingin' Little Christmas'

What: A bit of jazz, a bit of comedy and a whole lot of fun. Actress Jane Lynch is joined by Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet for an evening of music and laughter.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 13 (Doors open 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs.

Also: Tickets are $43-$65. Food and beverage minimum.

Info:swfleventcenter.com or 239-245-9910