Trio aims to ‘reflect the Lord’s glory’ at triple-billed concert
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
A trio of men who originally started singing together to provide music for a Christmas banquet 20 years ago wants to celebrate, and they’re inviting the community to join them.
Reflections Trio, which features tenor Brian Evans, Ron Evans as lead, and Ralph Sider’s baritone voice, hosts “Notes of Grace” this Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Uxbridge Baptist Church (UBC), beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will also welcome guests the Master’s Four, and The Watchmen.
Reflections Trio: from left, sitting: Brian Evans, former pianist Jim Wagg. Standing: Ralph Sider, Rob Evans. Photo from YouTube.com
The concert will feature a wide range of gospel music — traditional, contemporary, southern, and the songs will likely be familiar to the audience.
“It’s going to be a wonderful night of music,” says Brian Evans. “We do new music, but the older hymns, too. It’s a blessing to us to be able to sing like this.”
In 2005, Bert and Eileen Geer, who were part of the seniors ministry at UBC, asked Brian if he could put together a program for the Christmas banquet later that year. Brian recruited his cousin, Ron, and Sider, along with Jim Wagg, who had played gospel music on the piano his entire life. Ruth Baker now collaborates with the Trio on piano.
“We put together a program, and did it, and kind of enjoyed it,” laughs Brian, “and we’ve been doing it ever since!”
They’ve been asked to play many venues over the years, from churches large and small throughout the township, including Pine Grove Church, to smaller events like the annual Prayer Breakfast, and at residences like Reachview and Butternut Manor. They’ve also raised their voices in song throughout Ontario, similar to their two guest groups. Master’s Four has been together for over 40 years, and claims that it is one of Canada’s leading quartets. The Watchmen boasts the longest history, having formed in 1968. The group has also travelled extensively — they were even featured on a gospel music cruise — and has earned several awards from the Canadian Gospel Music Association.
Reflections Trio can also be found on local radio — it has a program called “Hope Today” on 105.5 HitsFM. “Hope Today” can be heard every Sunday morning between 8 - 9 a.m.
Their YouTube channel, Reflections Trio, also features a wide array of their music, from old standby hymns to Christmas music.
All proceeds from this Saturday’s concert will go to support the Canadian Bible Society and Shareword Global (formally known as Gideons International in Canada), which is a Christian charity that aims to improve access to religion.
Tickets, which are $25 for general admission ($20 for ages 20 and under) are available through starticketing.com, or by calling 905-852-3184.
Notes of Grace, Saturday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St. W., Uxbridge.