Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive
By Bethany Cook
What do you get when you cross family harmony, multiple award winners, classic cars, clash of clans and a beauty pageant winner? One might think that this is a crazy combination, but if you throw them all together and put them on a bus, you end up with the Southern Gospel group known as Sunday Drive.
With a wide variety of interests and talents, Sunday Drive is without a doubt one of the most interesting and entertaining groups on the road today. From Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon to going to a Denver Broncos game – and watching Peyton Manning throw touchdown pass number 500, this trio is always up for a good time and a lot of time on the road! They enjoy visiting new places and meeting new friends all across the country.
Brothers, Jeff and Dusty Treece, have been in the ministry full time for most of their lives. Jeff and Dusty’s family had a group called Cedar Ridge. Cedar Ridge was the first signed group with a top 40 song, “If There’s A Rocking Chair in Heaven,” for Crossroads’ Sonlite label back in
1986. Jeff and Dusty traveled for 10 years as the Jeff Treece Band, and when Jeff married Misty the name changed to Sunday Drive.
When individuals are looking to start a Southern Gospel group, one of the biggest things they
decide amongst themselves is their mission. While it’s quite obvious this family is full of laughter and good times, there is a seriousness that comes out when they begin to speak of the
heart and mission of Sunday Drive. For Jeff, Misty, and Dusty, their mission is simple – to be a light, sharing joy and hope in Jesus through music, message and comedy.
Jeff provides some interesting facts about the group as a whole, as well as individually. As far as the group, they have an impressive list of awards including: 2012 King Country Song of the Year, 2012 King Country Group/Band of the Year, 2012 King Country Entertainer of the Year, ICGMA Vocal Group of the Year (2011 and 2012), and ICM Vocal Group of the Year (2011 through 2014). They have performed at the Grand Ole’ Opry and on National TV. They have had the privilege to share the stage with artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, The McKameys, Big Daddy Weave, Tanya Tucker, Gene Watson, Stella Parton and many more.
Individually, Jeff, Misty, and Dusty are three talented and interesting individuals. Often told she looks like Marie Osmond and sings like Karen Carpenter, Misty has won several talent contests and beauty pageants. Misty is always looking for a new shopping experience and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also appeared as a host on an episode of Extreme Makeover.
Known for his humor and heartfelt stories, Jeff does most of the writing of Sunday Drive’s songs, and also plays keyboard. He enjoys listening to Enlighten on Sirius/XM Radio and going out to eat with his parents when he’s not on the road. Jeff also has a love for classic cars!
Dusty plays drums, has won musician of the year three times, and he loves the Tennessee Volunteers and his iPhone. When asked what other things he enjoys doing, the response was “playing clash of clans, playing clash of clans, playing clash of clans.” I think it’s probably safe to say he has an app for that too, since he also loves his iPhone. While I’m sure he’ll always have a love for clash of clans, in January 2016, Dusty will have a new love. His wife is due to deliver a baby girl, and no doubt he’ll be trading some clash of clans time for diapers, feedings, and precious time with his new baby girl.
In the midst of all the laughing and joking, it’s still clear that Sunday Drive has a heart for people and for the ministry. Jeff states, “The greatest accomplishment is when we see people come to Christ during a Sunday Drive concert. When they come for salvation, healing, deliverance, casting their cares at the altar or to pray for family members or friends – that is Kingdom impact and that is what we desire more than anything. We want people to leave a Sunday Drive concert changed, encouraged, and uplifted. We would like to reach as many people possible with our music and tell them there is hope, joy, peace, grace and mercy in Jesus. We feel Jesus is coming back soon and it’s time to be about the Father’s business.”
A few pastors have given feedback on their website about their services with Sunday Drive. These few references show just how amazing this trio is. The pastors describe the wonderful, quality music and how much regular church members and visitors enjoyed the concert. They talk about re-commitments, sensitivity to the leading of God and the lifting up of Jesus. This group walks their talk.
Recently, Sunday Drive had the opportunity to perform at Two Tree Island. This is an island that is on Lake Harding, and the only way to get to the concert that Sunday Morning was by crossing the water. Boats anchored down that Sunday morning for a great worship service. It was a unique experience for these artists, but they had a great time.
It’s clear to see that whether you run into Sunday Drive at a football game, a cruise ship, an island, or at a regular concert, they’ll welcome you with a smile and share a fabulous time. One of their songs “Happy, Happy, Happy,” truly describes each one of them, and they are leading souls to Christ along the way. Once you come into contact with them, you will leave sharing in that happiness!
Summer of 2015 has held a lot of experiences for Sunday Drive. From laying down tracks for their new album, performing at the National Street Rod Association worship service with over 10,000 cars there for the event, to Dusty finding out he’s going to have a little girl that will have him wrapped around her pinky. I see a great future for Sunday Drive, and I know that once you meet them, you’ll fall in love with them as well!
Be sure to jump in on a concert the next time that Sunday Drive drives your way. You’ll be sure to have a phenomenal time, and this family will truly bless your heart. Cruise on over to their
website www.jefftreeceband.com for the latest tour schedule and updates on their new album coming soon!
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