Last year, illness prevented Tom Treece from singing at the Monroe County Fair. In fact, he missed a whole year of performing.
But Treece has recovered and is appearing twice at this year’s fair.
From 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, he’ll sing solo in the Lutheran tent across from the 4-H building.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Treece and his contemporary Christian band, Cross Point, will kick off a week of free shows in the white entertainment tent at the northeast corner of the fairgrounds, at M-50 and South Raisinville Road.
“I came close to leaving for God’s great heaven last year, but thanks to the love and prayers of my wonderful wife, loved ones and the grace of God, I’m still here and blessed with yet another glorious opportunity to thank Him through our songs,” Treece said.
Cross Point includes vocalist Sherri Zub, bass guitarist and vocalist Mark Lewis, drummer Ed Keller, lead guitarist Eric Schatte and keyboard player T. Joseph Yoakum.
“I started the band with Mark Lewis and Ed Keller 18 years ago; Eric Schatte and T. Joseph Yoakum have been with me on and off during that time. Sherri Zub joined us three years ago,” Treece said.
Sunday’s concert will include a few guests and Christian and other songs performed by Treece and the band.
“As we are all born-again Christians, it is our joy to sing about our savior, Jesus Christ. After our set of hymns, the bulk of our music will be contemporary Christian music,” Treece said. “If we have time, we’ll add some country music, specifically some Jeff Tuttle songs to honor the memory of our dear departed fellow musician, or perhaps some good old rock & roll.”
Treece will open the show by singing solo.
“I’ll perhaps take requests before being joined by the band’s other two vocalists,” Treece said. The trio will sing hymns from their childhoods.
Two of Treece’s grandchildren also will join the band on stage.
“Presley Renee Carr, 9, who has sung with us the last four years, will again join us, as will her little brother, Griffin, 7, on guitar,” Treece said.
Pastor Roy Southerland from Lambertville Community Church, former pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, will speak.
“He will share a short, positive Gospel message, as he has for the past six years,” Treece said.
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Treece and Cross Point have performed at the fair for about 15 years.
“I am grateful the fair has allowed Cross Point to continue the Gospel tradition for opening night,” Treece said. “As a boy, my family would come that first Sunday evening to attend the church service. There would be singing, and a local pastor would share a Gospel message, and, most importantly, the service was intended to thank God for blessing the local harvests and to ask for His continued blessings.”
Although the fair concerts are free, Treece said they are still professional events.
“Fair concerts, whether in the grandstand, arena or free entertainment venues, are extremely professionally produced, which is critical for any band,” he said. “I also love sharing the joy of my faith with fairgoers through our songs, be it those in the white entertainment tent seats for our concert, or those simply passing by and giving a short listen as they go.”
