The twists and turns of life’s river can lead to some interesting shorelines.
Sometimes you hit the rocks and other times the beach. Sometimes on the same day.
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It all started Tuesday when I was out covering the dark and disturbing story of an abused horse north of Port Hope when I was reminded that on the way home there is a pastor from Nashville named Rev. Alex Seeley joining Rev. Ryan McVety and the band in the auditorium of Canada Christian College for The River Worship.
I was in need of some positive vibes. Something uplifting.
I found it.
For a year I’ve been hearing about The River, which combines the talents of music students, so I thought this was the perfect chance to take it in. It was obvious something special was going on here. The first thing I heard was the pulsating bass drum followed quickly by the sticks in the floor tom in perfect rhythm. Then comes in the bass with the power of a jet engine, which then kicked into the vocal chorus from the heavens.
Blast off!
The lights, the guitars and the crowd participation. But the singing was like it came from Angels above. Both lead vocals and wall of sound-style harmonies. The River Worship is pure power.
Nashville has the Grand Ole Opry every Saturday and Whitby has The River Worship every Tuesday. One is the church of country music while the other is the church of praise toward Jesus Christ. Now I can proudly say I have been to both.
The parking lot was full and there was a lineup of latecomers at the door ready to go in. I thought I will just pull up to the front and run in for a second or two to give it a listen and then head back to the city. But like Hotel California, this is a place you don’t really want to leave.
As it says on the internet, it’s “loud” and “not your grandma’s church service.” But there were grandmas there and close to 2,000 people of all ages. Free of charge, they come for the amazing music that includes some of the world’s top Christian performers such as stars from Maverick City Music like Maryanne J George and Ryan Ofei and Jonsal Barrientes, Jenna Barrientes and Isaiah Templeton of Elevation Worship.
The River’s band is led by musical director Jonathan Duarte is off the charts amazing. They come from all parts of the world and every one of them has a story to tell. You can’t keep your eyes off of sensational singers Philippine Kolanda, Juki Torrefranca, Tobi Oduntan, JV Felicio, Danielle Jolicoeur, Melanie Bautista, Gabi Seixas and Vera Ohonbamu, and the band of Daniel Joseph, Mark Etorma, Alex Estevez, Danny Rajan, Jonathan Stephen, Marcel Suhady, Dwain Bedminister, Jeremy John and Malique Bedminister.
The place rocks. I mean, really rocks. It’s a spectacle. Like a large arena show. But always true to the Lord and saviour’s name.
“It’s amazing experience being up on stage,” said Kolanda. “You can really feel the audience. This is my favourite place to be.”
She, fellow singer Torrefranca and all of the musicians take the jammed house through a such an exciting musical experience that the next week even more people come back. Thousands are expected for the final River Worship of 2022, which this time will be a Christmas show on Saturday, Dec. 9, that will celebrate the birth of Jesus in such a loud way they may actually be able to hear it in Bethlehem.
And maybe even along the shores of the River Jordan.
jwarmington@postmedia.com