His rich baritone voice seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Valley or there would be standing room only at his shows. And as word gets around, that’s exactly what’s happening. Ralph Kuster, who just closed his Christmas show at the God and Country Theatre in Branson, Missouri, just performed three shows at the Border Theater in Mission as well as some shows in local resorts for Christmas.

Kuster delivers a show that features the popular old Christmas songs, such as “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” that are dear to the Winter Texans. With some he mentions a little history such as “Jingle Bells” was first sung in 1857 and “”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was sung by Judy Garland in “Meet Me in St. Louis” in 1944.

He adds a little characterization by singing songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” in the character of Jimmy Durante. He masters certain mannerisms and intonations of Elvis’ style when he changes into a coat similar to one Elvis might have worn to sing “Blue Christmas” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” giving the microphone to people in the audience to sing part of the familiar words.

Kuster passes out a scarf like Elvis did in his shows and ends the Elvis tribute with the sentiment of “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyday could be just like Christmas?”

Switching gears he sings a medley of popular songs such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” Jingle Bell Rock” and “Feliz Navidad.”

Taking a short break from singing, he is completely believable as George Burns when he says, “Men! – whatever you do – don’t buy your wife a bathroom scale at Christmas Time! I did that in 1956 and Gracie had me in the doghouse for over two weeks! Hey men! Here’s another suggestion to get you into the Christmas spirit. Put some Christmas lights and a wreath around your doghouse… just in case…she sends you there too!”

He masters “I wish I were 18 again” honoring Burns. He ends the tribute to Burns with one of Burn’s favorite lines, “You don’t stop laughing as you get older; you get older when you stop laughing.”

Ralph also sings a number of popular favorites like “Holly Jolly Christmas” before switching to old Christmas hymns such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “The Drummer Boy”.

When Kuster ends the first half of his show with “The King Is Coming,” his rich baritone voice seems to ring from the rafters of the building, the sound is so rich.

The second half of his show is a country show and – he comes out dressed as a cowboy and opens with “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,” “Thank God for Kids,” “Scarlet Ribbons” and “Angels Among Us.”

Again the mood switches as he sings “Christmas in Dixie” and does a strong tribute to veterans with the songs “Where Were You?” and “God Bless America.”

He adds a bit of goofiness to the show with “Leroy, the Red-Necked Reindeer,” telling what happens on a foggy Christmas Eve when Rudolph is sick and calls his cousin, Leroy, to guide his sleigh.

Kuster gives a two-hour performance of popular Christmas favorites, tributes to famous singers and actors and old Christmas carols. He ends the show with a powerful version of “O Holy Night” that again seems to fill the auditorium of the theater.

Christmas is now gone, but Winter Texans can still catch up with Ralph Kuster at an upcoming performance this season. Go out and enjoy one of the best voices to grace the Winter Texan circuit in recent years.

Ralph’s upcoming performances in the Rio Grande Valley include the following:

January 4, - McAllen International Travel Show 1 and 4 pm
January 5 - McAllen International Travel Show 1 and 3 pm
January 11 – Victoria Palms Resort, Donna – 1:30 pm
January 19 – Mission Bell, Mission - RGV Entertainer’s Showcase – 9:40 am
January 27 – Valley View Estates, Mission – 7 pm
February 1 – Mission Gardens Resort, Mission – 7 pm
February 14 – Country Sunshine, Weslaco – 2 pm
February 14 – Texas Trails, Pharr  – 7 pm
February 17 – El Valle Del Sol,  Mission– 6 pm
February 22 – San Juan Gardens, San Juan – 6:30 pm
February 26 – Fun N Sun, San Benito – 7 pm
March 9 – Eastgate RV and MH Park, Harlingen – 7 pm