Fast forward to high school, where the two former neighbours both sang in Lakeshore Catholic's choir. When Crawford needed someone to assist him with his growing list of entertainment shows, Lee was his choice.

"It was the right pick," said Crawford of his singing sidekick Lee. "We have the right chemistry."

That chemistry can be seen on stages across Niagara this holiday season, as the duo once again present Christmas Time with Joe and Ricki Lee, a two-hour musical and comedy variety show. Lee does the singing and Crawford does the entertaining.

"He doesn't let me tell jokes because I'm horrible," Lee said.

"But we do joke around with each other," Crawford said. "And I always have a little surprise for Ricki."

Last year Crawford tried to plant a kiss on Lee during a performance of "Baby It's Cold Outside." He said it had the audience in stitches.

The show is filled with songs, parodies, jokes and audience participation. Crawford said the show is geared towards family so "the young and young at heart" will all be entertained during the holiday season.

The first show is Nov. 29, and venues are in Welland, Niagara Falls, and Fort Erie.

A full schedule is at www.joecrawfordlive.com. Shows double as fundraisers for the various venues.