We’re nearly one month into the Drill Hall RBC Stage concert series, and all we can say is: wow. Every summer, this space transforms—welcoming new artists, longtime legends, and unforgettable nights of live music.

Now in its fourth season, the Drill Hall continues to evolve, creating moments that stick with you long after the last note fades.

Up next is a performance packed with nostalgia, timeless harmonies, and songs you can’t help but sing along to. On Saturday, July 26, Rick Sheppard’s Drifters take the stage.

Sheppard is the last surviving member of the Drifters’ iconic 1960s lineup—and he’s keeping the spirit of the legendary group alive. We caught up with Rick ahead of the show to talk music, memories, and what fans can expect from this special evening.

We’re also excited to welcome Spencer Evans as the opener—a beloved Kingston musician known for his vibrant mix of jazz, funk, soul, and classic pop. With decades of experience and past collaborations with artists like Cowboy Junkies and Sarah Harmer, Spencer’s set is the perfect warm-up for a night of timeless hits.

Keep reading to hear from Rick himself and get ready for a night of feel-good classics at Base31!

B31: You’ve been part of The Drifters legacy since 1966—what does it mean to you to carry on the music and memory of such an iconic group all these years later?

RSD: “Looking back on my life, I have been performing since I was 9 years old. It was a privilege and an honour to be hired personally by the late great George Treadwell, manager of the 1960’s Drifters Group, who recorded on the Atlantic Records Corporation Label.”

2. We’re thrilled to have you at Base31 this weekend, what are you most excited about when it comes to performing in Prince Edward County at a venue with this much history?

RSD: “Reading the history of Base31 brings back old memories of my training as a member of the 504 Combat Military Police of the U.S. Army. I have not been to Prince Edward County and I am excited and thrilled to perform in the Prince Edward County area to a new audience.”

3. With songs like “Under the Boardwalk” and “This Magic Moment” etched into music history, is there one track that holds the most personal meaning for you when you perform it live?

RSD: “I am a born entertainer. It’s in my blood and I love the audience participation when I perform ‘Save The Last Dance For Me.’”

4.. Your shows are known for being high-energy and visually dynamic—how do you keep the spirit of those original hits alive while still making the performance feel fresh for new audiences?

RSD: “I believe in my show and I am there to entertain all audiences worldwide, and I perform to the best of my ability. Over the years, I’ve learned to let my performance shine—through dance, voice, humor, and whatever comes naturally in the moment.”

B31: You’ve shared the stage with some of the greatest names in music—what’s one memory from those early touring days that still resonates with you?

RSD: “When I was 18 years of age, I opened the show for Sammy Davis Junior in Miami Beach, Florida. He said to me, ‘One day you will be a great performer.’ Years later, Frank Sinatra said to me, “When you walk out on that stage, you are in charge. It’s your living room, and they’re invited guests to your party.”

Still need tickets to the show on July 26? Grab them here!