Christopher & Natasha: News

FLOWER DEDICATION AND TRIBUTE TO BE READ AT THIS SUNDAY'S AGAPE SERVICES:

"To Christopher Barran. Thank you for your 5 years of loving service in CommonUnity Ministries’ Agape Road Show. Your sharing of your music, your smile and your open heart has uplifted not only the residents of the convalescent homes The Road Show has served but all those who have worked with you as well. As you return to Canada please know you will be deeply missed by all."

In Gratitude,
Justine Linforth, CommonUnity Ministries Director

TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER BARRAN – by Cornell Christianson ALSP

"Christopher, I want to thank you for the 5 years of service you gave to your church, the Agape International Spiritual Center, and to this ministry, the Agape Road Show. Sunday after Sunday, you selflessly volunteered your time and talent to uplift patients at nursing homes throughout Los Angeles. And you didn’t just do the shows, you afterwards went room to room to sing to the bedridden patients like Delores Montgomery who so appreciated the love you gave them.

For years, you were the sole performer at Fireside Hospital. When Brentwood Nursing wanted us, and we had no one who could do it, you stepped up and took on even more responsibility. You have done over 50 shows just at Oceanview Hospital and touched many people there like Harold. You were an important part of the Agape Road Show expanding from one show a month to now 8 shows a month.

On Barak Obama’s Call to Service Day, you led 155 singers at Marina Care Nursing Home in a powerful performance of hope for a new America.

When your time comes to go to the afterlife, you will be greeted by thousands of people who appreciated the joy you gave them while in a nursing home.

You will always be a part of the Agape Road Show and we will forever love you."


WEST COAST ROAD SHOW – by Tina Daly ALSP

"The show at Oceanview Convalescent Hospital was a magical last show for Christopher Barran, our Co-Leader who served this ministry for 5 years. His Artist Visa wasn’t renewed and he’s returning to Canada this week to do great things and continue to spread love through his music. Over 15 performers turned out to pay tribute to Christopher and perform with him all his old favorites like “Blue Skies”, “Twist and Shout”, and “La Bamba”. CJ played guitar, JV on upright bass, Ron sang as did Christiana and our two new Prac Interns Susan and Connie.

I presented Christopher with a Certificate Of Appreciation from the Agape Road Show and read Cornell’s tribute letter to him (see below). Tears were shed. I almost couldn't get through the letter... Christopher will really be missed. I got very emotional and spoke my own words of thanks too. Even the patients told him how much they were going to miss him. It was very bittersweet.

Christopher ended the show with "Roses Love the Rain" since that was the first song him and I did together back at my first show. Then Christopher went to two other nursing homes (Fireside and Brentwood) to say goodbye in song to more angel patients, writing 'I by far am the one most blessed.'

What can I say! What an amazing night. The Celebration Party for the Launch of the ART OF MEN CD COMPILATION (At the Mint, Los Angeles, Wed August 26) went off, without a hitch. Out of the 35 male artists on the Double Cd compilation, 10 performed here in L.A to celebrate the launch. They flew in from around the world, including australia, the U.K, Canada, Florida and Colorado, plus some local LA artists.

Before 7pm, people were lined up outside the MINT in Los Angeles waiting to get in. It was a long line and I even took a photo. The tables ended up being packed. Before we even began the first act, it was standing room only.

We had everything in place. The Warrior Girl Music banner blazing behind the drum kit on stage, the artists were all in the room, drinks were being served, and the air was electric.

J.Walker and I entered the stage as co-hosts for the night. As Executive producer (me) and A&R relations (J) of the compilation, we were excited to do a tandem effort on introducing the artists, and it was great fun.

First up was Mitch Siegal who came all the way from Florida, with his wife (who celebrated her birthday as well), for this night. Mitch set the scene with a lovely Spanish guitar instrumental and then delivered lovely tunes to the captive audience. J.Walker then gave us a little poem ditty, “it’s 8 O’clock on a Wednesday, the Art Of Men crowd shuffles in…” He did his own rendition of the Piano Man, called the “Poetry Man”. Laughter arrupted and drinks started to be poured.

Randamen came up next. A full band headed that drove out especially from Colorado for the night, they packed a punch with their uptempo rock songs. Randy’s lead vocals and smile really increased the cheerful mood in the room. After Randamen, I did a little ditty, “Temperamental Angel”, acting as the female rose between the male thorns of the night. A bit of feist, a bit of male jilted love humor. It was a perfect segue for our next artist, Mark Bonner, who flew ALL the way from Sydney Australia just to perform tonight. He did a great job with his acoustic guitar and vocal performed songs, and one of the most humble artists I’ve met. He was also great with the safety pins earlier in the night, pinning our banner up on the wall! Thanks Mark!

Billy Moschella and his 3 piece band Serenity took to the stage and the drums lit up. Billy had brought a big crowd tonight and they were hooting and hollering before he could even say a word. They looked smart, sounded great and were a delight to watch.

As Christopher and Natasha Barran got ready, J. and I sung “Why I Cry” - a little hip hop and a little pop. That’s what we do. We got people thinking about how to uplift the kids in this world. Chris and Natasha have a very new age flow to their music. It’s very sensitive and melodic and it was a nice touch while everyone was dining. The one cool thing about the ART OF MEN cd is that all the male artists have a somewhat sensitivity to their music, which is great.

Now that the dining and mood music was done, it was time for some Action with a capital A. Alexen was up next and wow did he create a change in the sequence of the night. Head set on, shiny tight blue tee, and terrific dancers, Alexen performed a few dance songs that had everyone tapping their toes and gyrating their bodies. This boy is ready for the nightclub scene before. Great set. ALL the artists all night were terrific. Such a diversity. Wow.

J and I had another ditty to allow the next artist to get ready. From acoustic to dance to now full on heavy rock, we took the edgy turn to watch Paul Killion and band rock the stage, and Paul to down several drinks just to show us he was nasty. The guitars, the drums, the songs: it was a wall of sound and Paul will do well at the Viper Room, Whisky or Cat Club. He has the dark look and songs to go with it. Ending Paul’s set, a few of us hopped up and gate crashed to sing “Need More Green” that Paul, J. and Candace Kruse wrote (in 1 hour at a previous Songsalive! Songcamp). We jammed, we sang, we got the audience to sing,… we spread a strong message about the environment. It was so much fun.

And finally, as dessert was being eaten, and the mood lights flickered, we brought up the last act of the night, James Keen and his band Magazine Gap. They had flown all the way from London, U.K just for the night. Wow. What a voice. What a groove. What songs. James Keen is the next artist to watch. People were coming up to me and saying, literally, “I feel Iike I’ve just seen the next Sting”. Another person said to me “I feel like I’m witnessing the launch of the Beatles”. Another said to me “I feel so privileged to be seeing the rise of a new Dave Matthews band”. I mean, these guys are going to be big. People who were tired and were going to leave after the first song, sat with their jaws dropped until James’ very last song and note. No one wanted to leave.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by amazing artists. The Art Of Men Cd compilation launch was a huge success. All the artists brought fans. The Mint staff (Deana at the door, Chris on sound, Chloe “the” waitress, and all the staff), were exceptional. My team, Audrye Noble, Dave Harvey and Bill Flower, were fantastic in helping with stage management, artists and merch. Also to J. Walker for his extraordinary partnership in all I do.

It was a TEAM EFFORT.

Since starting with the Females On Fire compilations, and now the Art Of Men compilation, I truly can say COMMUNITY is everything. How we can all come together as artists and make things happen (SHAKE THIS WORLD) is so, so powerful.

Our compilation is now available to purchase on iTunes. Get it at http://www.artofmencd.com
thanks to BFM Digital (www.bfmdigital.com) for distribution. Thanks to sponsors Cd Netrom (www.cdnetrom.com) and Mastering Solutions (www.masteringsolutions.com), and Songsalive! (www.songsalive.org)

************
ABOUT THE CD COMPILATION: Produced by polymedia artist, gilli moon, the ART OF MEN CD Compilation celebrates 35 independent male artists and their songs dedicated to messages empowering human equality, communication and vitality - it is released by Warrior Girl Music and will be available to purchase for the first time on the night and worldwide on iTunes, and other digital stores. CD drops Aug 26. Sponsored by CD Netrom (CD Manufacturer) and Mastering Solutions. Distributed by BFM Digital. http://www.artofmencd.com ************

Agape Road Show -

Thank you for being part of the most open inauguration in our nation's history.

As we begin the work of remaking America, we must draw on the common hopes that brought us together this week.

I'm counting on you to keep the spirit of unity and service alive.

We face many challenges. But we face them as one nation.

And we have seen, time and time again, that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Our journey is just beginning.

Thank you for all you do,

President Barack Obama

(Email from the Presidential Inauguration Committee following volunteer events organized by Agape Road Show on both coasts for Obama's National Day of Service)

Answering Obama's call to give service on Monday's National Day of Service and to honor Dr. King on his birthday, 155 volunteers came to sing to the nursing home patients at Marine Care Convalescent Home in Culver City. They filled the courtyard at the center of the nursing home on a beautiful sunny day. The patients were wheeled into the courtyard, and the windows were opened for all the bedridden patients in rooms facing the courtyard. Road Show Co-Leader Christopher Barran played guitar and led the songs, along with his sister Natasha Barran. A band quickly formed from people who showed up including Daveed, Edwin and Clay on guitars, Christo on percussion, while a saxophonist and clarinetist provided a horn section.

Agape's Rev. Dr. Maisha Hazzard did the opening prayer and led everyone in "We HAVE Overcome" and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". Natasha read a moving rendition of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The song "La Bamba" turned into "O-O Bama". Other powerful moments were the song "Amazing Grace", a song from Obama's father's country of Kenya, "Malaika", sung in Swahili, the song "Twist and Shout" with everyone dancing with the patients, a group of children singing "You Are My Sunshine" and another singing an African song. Road Show Co-Leader Catherine Yerly also assisted, and 101 people left their emails saying they want to give service to our ministry. This amazing event ended with the 155 volunteers, the patients and staff all holding hands and singing Rickie Byars Beckwith's song "Blessed Always".

Cornell Christianson
Director, Agape Road Show

Monday, January 19th, 2009
Marina Care Convalescent Home
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Community Service - 2pm
5240 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City CA 90230
USA

Culver City, CA. January 12, 2009 -- Barak Obama's call for a
National Day of Service on January 19 is resulting in plans for
events in California and New Jersey at hospitals and nursing homes.
Hundreds of volunteers are going to turn out and sing to the patients
in a display of giving service to change America called "Sing In
Service To Seniors".

In Culver City, California, an event will be led by Christopher
Barran. In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, the singing will be led by Cornell
Christianson at the Maple Glen Nursing Home, 12-15 Saddle River Road
at 2pm.

The National Day of Service will take place on the federal holiday
for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and the day
preceding Obama's inauguration as president. Obama is calling upon
all Americans to give service that day, following in the legacy of
Dr. King who is one of America's great social justice leaders.

"Renewing America's promise begins with each one of us making a
commitment to bring change to our local communities" says James Huff
on the website for the Official Presidental Inaugural Committee.

"President-elect Obama never asks more of us than he himself is
willing to give" says Huff. "He and Vice President-elect Joe Biden
will be joining thousands of volunteers in Washington, DC, on January
19 to honor the late Martin Luther King Jr. through service."

"We all have a responsibility to give service to our community" said
Christianson, the Director of the Agape Road Show. "And
President-elect Obama is asking us to make this the beginning of a
larger effort."

"Hopefully this will be more than just a single day of service," said
Maple Glen Nursing Home's Activities Director Anna Zakaryan. "It is
more important than ever for people to feel a shared purpose in
overcoming the great problems this country now faces."

About Agape Road Show:
The Agape Road Show is a ministry of the Agape International
Spiritual Center in Culver City, CA who's Founder and Spiritual
Director is Michael Bernard Beckwith. The Agape Road Show shares the
talents of volunteer singers, musicians and actors by offering caring
and uplifting entertainment in convalescent hospitals, nursing homes
and Veteran's hospitals whose residents are shut-in throughout Los
Angeles county and the New York City area.

Hi all! Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season, and are having a
Happy New Year!

From the title, you might be thinking that Christopher has gone to the
dogs, or that Christopher IS an animal, both of which are true :) , but
actually it refers to his newest YouTube video. We have an amazing, cute,
funny, touching, fuzzy video for "SKIES ARE BLUE" on YouTube! Now, if
you've ever seen one of our concerts, you will know that usually we teach
this song to the audience, and get them to sing a long with actions. This
time, you are all off the hook, because instead of people, we decided to
have animals tell the story. This video is full of pictures of the cutest
animals you will ever see! The pictures are choreographed to match the
song exactly, and ends up adding a lot of humor to the song! Christopher
tends to watch the video over, and over, and laugh his head off! Take a
look:


If you like it, feel free to leave a comment under the video on the
YouTube page. And, please forward this link to all of your friends that
need a smile and a laugh!

Also, take a look at our other video on YouTube for the song "RIVER".
Thank you for the wonderful comments we have already gotten on this video.
We are so happy that this song is touching so many people in such a
positive way. This video is full of pictures of rivers, oceans, and
forests from around the world. It is truly beautiful. Check it out here:


Well, that is about it for now. Don't forget that we have our two newly
recorded songs available for sale on our website at
http://www.christopherbarran.com under the "Buy" tab. And we will be
contacting everyone soon to tell you about a concert we will be doing
mid-February.

Love to all! Have a wicked-awesome-super day!!!
-Natasha

"Bless My People" is a story about the shaman of a native tribe going to a sacred mountain top to have a vision quest in order to commune with the Great Spirit. His mission is to ask the Great Spirit to intervene with Mother Earth, to ask her for one more chance for humanity before she wipes us out in order to save herself as we've become so parasitic. I believe it is a Hopi prophesy that speaks of this.

In the music video I want to show scenes of people planting trees, Green Peace doing good work, recycling etc. Most environmental images just show how messed up the earth is. In doing so I believe it actually dissuades people from even trying to help as it seems completely futile and cannot be saved, so why even try? I want to show people that there are those of us who are taking better care of the earth and there's still time for us to turn it around.

I see myself in the video being merely the interpreter of the shaman as he speaks to the Great Spirit. I am playing beside a massive bonfire as a native tribe does a powwow dance around me. From very surreal imagery to very simple footage of people doing their part to save the earth.

I will involve many natives in the music arrangements, recording and music video to create authenticity. I have the blessing of the Native Church to record this song and to also record the sacred chants.

Bless My People - Christopher Barran

Great Spirit bless my people

I fear my people will not survive
As wicked winds change the tides
Mother Earth lets her fury fly
I pray to you to hear our cry

Great Spirit bless my people

Risen together my sisters and brothers
To end this shame we’ve caused our mother
And end the pain that we’ve caused you
To our world we will be true

It is with great joy that we announce the release of our singles,
"Malaika", and "Prince and the Gypsy". These are the first two songs
that Christopher and I have recorded together! We worked with our
amazing producers, John O'Kennedy, and Barry Fasman. Barry previously
won Producer of the Year in England! The four of us made a wonderful
team, and I believe it shows in the amazing quality of these singles.
Just wait until you hear them!!!

http://www.christopherbarran.com https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=1855515
Our first song is "MALAIKA". Those of you who are used to seeing us
play live will recognize this favorite! The story of this song goes
back to Christopher's visit to Africa. This is what he says:

"I first heard "Malaika" while I was on a music tour in Kenya,
Africa. I immediately fell in love with the soulful melody. The
Swahili lyrics spoke to me in the way that truly inspired songs
always do, whether or not one intellectually comprehends the meaning.
One morning I returned to my room/tent after breakfast and was totally
enchanted as I heard several Kenyan women singing "Malaika" as they
made up the room. I asked them what it meant and they explained to me
that "Malaika" means angel, and that the lyrics were about a young
man's struggle to come to terms with the fact that he could not marry
his true love, as he didn't have enough money to pay her dowry. I was
so moved that I asked them if they would sing it into my tape
recorder. They graciously gathered around and treated me to one of
the most beautiful impromptu performances I'd ever heard. Whenever
Natasha and I perform "Malaika" it is received in the most beautiful
way. The melody and lyrics of this traditional Kenyan folk song can
truly touch one to the core of their very being. I hope you feel as
moved as I did when I first heard this lovely song. Enjoy!"

Our second song is "PRINCE AND THE GYPSY". This is an epic ballad
describing our Great Grandparents' love, many generations ago in
Poland. Yes! This is based on a true story! Our Great Grandfather was
the first-born son, first in line for his father's title, lands and
fortune. However, he fell in love with the serving girl. His parents
told him that if he married her, he would be disowned. What did they
do? Listen and find out! (Of course, the fact that we were born
should give you a hint at the choice they made!)

We have set up some sample audio clips of our new songs on our
website: http://www.christopherbarran.com for you to listen to. Just
go to the tab entitled "World Inspired Music" to find the samples. If
you would like to download the full version of the songs, we have set
up a link to PayPal, where you can securely make a donation, after
which we will email you an mp3 of the full song(s). *Please leave a
message on PayPal as to which song(s) you are requesting (click "Add
special instructions to the seller" before hitting "Donate Now".)
Don't forget to leave your e-mail address with PayPal as well.

I want to share with you an amazing day that Natasha and I had
performing here. We were invited to sing at a five star hotel called
the Mandarin Hotel in Makati, a very wealthy city in greater metro
Manila. Manila has fourteen million plus people. This place was like
a palace, opulence fit for a king. There was a special event going on
for the crème de la crème multimillionaires and dignitaries of the
Philippines. Our music was very well received and we made many new
fans.

From there we met Denie Heppner, an amazing Canadian humanitarian
missionary. She brought us to the orphanage/school/medical facility
that her family founded called Gentle Hands in Project Four, Quezon
City. Gentle Hands is in one of the most impoverished areas in the
Philippines, a real oasis of love and light in an otherwise hostile
and unforgiving climate. Below is the write up I did after Natasha
and I performed there. It was so trippy performing in two such
diverse environments in the same day. Bet you can guess where we had
the most fun!

Natasha and I had an absolute blast singing for the kids and staff at
Gentle Hands! We taught them "Skies Are Blue", which they all sung
amazingly with us, as well as several other of my songs and some
cover songs they knew. I got an e-mail from Denie, the founder,
saying that the kids are still singing "Skies Are Blue" all the time
and it's driving her crazy, ha, ha!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33407&l=e63e0&id=780849703
The staff there are truly Angels, working to save lives, educate and
heal 24/7, 365 days a year. As always, being in these places is so
heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. The miracle is that so
many little people are not only surviving, but thriving in spite of
such challenging circumstances. This is a result of the love and
support that Gentle Hands so generously provides. I got emotional
afterward when they showed us pictures of several children so
malnourished that it was hard to believe they were still alive in the
photos, let alone that any hope of recovery would have been possible.
As they introduced to us many of the same children shown in the
gruesome photographs, children that now appeared to be healthy,
strong and full of life, it was crystal clear that Gentle Hands truly
does God's work. The transformation was nearly impossible to believe.
The way they help these children to have a higher quality of life,
helping them to realize their potential and to teach them to help
others in turn, while also living in the same harsh, impoverished
environment is truly inspiring and humbling.

You are my heroes.

Natasha and I want to thank Denie Heppner and the wonderful staff and
kids for making it such a magical day for us. Most definitely the most
rewarding time I had during my visit to the Philippines. Mabuhay!
(Live long and prosper).

*If anyone feels inspired to donate money to such an amazing cause,
please let me know so I can connect you with Gentle Hands. This is my
third time being with Gentle Hands over the last ten years and I can
personally vouch for the amazing, life transforming work that they do
every day. They would appreciate your help so much.

After a year away, Christopher Barran returned to Oceanview Hospital where he had performed with the Road Show for several years. Beloved patient Harold had passed on, but many fans of Christopher were still there, including guitarist C.J. Pizarro. So the music jam was on, with
Christopher, C.J. and Lynn on guitars, me on string bass and singers Isabelle, Angela and Christopher's sister, Nikki. The patients smiled and clapped and played tambourine and shakers to the many uplifting, fun, loving songs. It was great sharing the music energy of our Agape group.

"Once again, I would like to thank you and the Agape group for the
wonderful performance our residents were privileged to enjoy this past
Sunday.Your music brightens up our whole week! We still cannot stop
talking about "Twist & Shout" with the three lovely ladies giving us a
show of a lifetime with their dancing! The Radio City Rockettes have
nothing over your group!! And we are still all humming Christopher's song
"Roses Love The Rain." Please let it be known that your talent, kindness
and generosity is greatly appreciated by all of us here at Fireside!! We
can't wait to see you again in November!!"

Thanks so much--Linda Goldfinger and all the Fireside Residents

Today was one of my very favorite Road Shows ever! I was greeted by Linda, the new Activity Director who came in special on her day off to be with us. Several of the patients raved about what an amazing job this amazing woman is doing for them there. Compassion, dedication and joy exuded from her, what a gift she is to us all.

We had the dream team back in full force! Rebecca, Leslie and her daughter Kyara, Ron, JV and I rocked the afternoon away with our Fireside Angels! A new patient named Miguel threw down his walker and danced like he was on fire as we all witnessed the healing power of music in motion through and as us as the Agape Road Show!

I really missed you all and am so stoked to be back rockin' with the Road Show! Christopher

To my dear friends at Agape:
Thanks so much for performing at Fireside today, September 28th. Your music is exhilarating! Our residents enjoyed your music tremendously. You all played your instruments and sang with great passion and love, and our spirits were lifted. As I hope you know, even our residents that suffer from dementia benefit greatly from music, although they cannot show it. Many studies have been done citing improvements in memory, health and identity in Alzheimer's patients who listen to music. Actually, music is the one entertainment that brings all our residents together. And when the music is played from the heart, as your group played today, our residents reciprocate with great love. Thanks so much for sharing with us your great gift of music.
Sincerely, Linda Goldfinger Activity Director at Fireside Convalescent Hospital

After 9 months of being away in Canada, our ministry's Co-Leader Christopher Barran returned to the Road Show, bringing with him his talented sister Nikki. All of the patients were excited for the reunion, but especially Barbara, who cried out with joy when he walked in the room. Christopher sang some of his original numbers and Nikki did a rockin' rendition of "Black Velvet". We also had a great group of performances by Ron, me, and newcomers Rebecca Schaye and Rebecca Arvizu who all contributed with some solos and group songs. When the show was over, a patient told me that was her favorite show in the time we've been coming to Brentwood Nursing Home. It was a joyous occasion.

(Cornell's note: Much thanks to the leaders who stepped up and led shows for Christopher while he was away for 9 months: Tivoli Cousineau, Catherine Yerly, Leslie McGee and JV Smith.

I am proud to announce that I have just signed with Watchfire Music based in New York. Watchfire has begun a powerful promotional campaign designed for a new music era, which they are using to market my album, Song of the Angels. Watchfire Music will also promote and distribute Prince and the Gypsy when it is completed.

Watchfire's Mission Statement:

Inspirational Music - to brighten your life and enliven your soul

We are a trans-denominational music company.
We embrace all spiritual ideas but promote no religious theology.
Our Inspirational music spans all cultures, religions and people.

Many, many exciting things are happening to bring my music to an even larger world audience as a result of my new partnership with Watchfire Music. I will keep you updated as the magic unfolds.

*Please visit my page that's now up on Watchfire's site and download my songs or purchase my CD Song of the Angles. While you are there be sure to check out the other wonderful Inspirational artists and sign up for WF's mailing list to keep updated on all the new happenings of this cutting edge Inspirational Music community.

Hey everyone, I am please to tell you that my dad had his test today and they found the cause of his heart condition and what needs to be done. He is in great shape and has no pain or discomfort now or during the procedure.

The tests confirmed that the heart attack of 37 years ago is in fact the reason for his condition. The scar on the heart caused by the heart attack has created electrical issues in the heart.

The two options are meds to try to prevent further episodes or implanting a defibrillator in his chest which will give him one hell of a shock if his heart gets funky again. The doctors liken it to being kicked in the chest by a horse if it goes off. As fun as that sounds, it's obviously better than the alternative.

We are leaning towards the defibrillator as the meds have some serious side effects and are preventative only. They would not help him in an emergency. The defibrillator is life saving.

Could be another week or so in here if we decide to go with the
defibrillator and then recovery time outside the hospital. The blessing is that we now know the cause, how to treat it and that we're in an amazing
country like Canada where we have the technology to treat it. AND that they are paying at bill!

"Oh Canada, our home and native land........"

Thank you all so much for your powerful prayers.

"I've been down this road before, one too many times." In Christopher Barran's song "One More Door" Christopher asks us to explore the space between our willful intention and our desire to serve. Isn't it interesting that we find ourselves caught between our will and the will of grace? "Every failed attempt takes it's toll" to be sure, however every attempt gives us an opportunity to learn and grow until finally we harmonize with grace and the door opens effortlessly. Join us as we explore the relationship between effort and surrender. It is the relationship between the two that is the key that unlocks the door to your dreams.

Maria Kliavkoff

I want to thank all of you who prayed for my recovery from my snowboarding accident. I was overwhelmed when I barely crawled out of bed to find four hundred plus e-mails waiting for me! I was moved to tears when I read all of your kind words of love and support. Up to that point I was needing to take serious meds every four hours day and night for weeks. I was in such excruciating pain that I could barely function. The x-rays showed that two of my ribs were completely separated, not just cracked.

It was truly a miracle; from the moment that your prayers poured in I didn't need any more pain meds! I am nearly fully recovered and have been performing full blast again, thank God! I am doing everything again........................everything that is except snowboarding, ha, ha!

Hello everyone, how's your new year going so far? Mine has been super with one small bump in the road. Or should I say jump in the road.

I was snowboarding here in Canada and I had a blistering crash. I went to get x-rays and found out that I have two totally broken ribs and major bruising to my neck, back, shoulders, tailbone and chest. It's been a struggle just to get out of bed and extremely painful to sing.

I have always known that prayers/good intentions are very powerful. I am asking if you would send me good vibes/prayers that I may heal quickly. However that looks or whatever you would call it, it's all good.

I have a lot of great musical dreams to accomplish this year and I need my body 100% strong, healthy and whole to make em' happen.

Thank you for allowing me to reach out to you for support when I need it. C

I love you
I'll always need you
Always, like the roses love the rain


Christopher Barran (from the album Song of the Angels)

What a trip, it's a brand new year with unlimited possibilities! I have this incredible feeling that 2008 will be the best year ever!

As this new year starts, I am overwhelmed when I take stock of the many blessings I have in my life, have always had in my life. Sometimes I feel that I may very well be the most fortunate person who has ever lived.

I have always had enough to eat, a warm bed, my bills always miraculously get paid even when I forget that the money always comes and always will. I have gifts that I can use to make the world a brighter place. I am healthy, strong and vibrant. I have traveled the world sharing my music and will perform in several new countries including in Honduras this year. I am recording my follow up album to Song of the Angels that will be released this year. I am so blessed to live in countries where I am can express how I feel, stand up for that which I am passionate about, pursue my dreams and am free to create/allow the success that I desire. I am even grateful for the painful trials that I have survived, knowing that those experiences were fundamental to becoming who I am today.

I have learned that it's not all about me. I am here to serve, inspire and uplift others. I can honestly say that I now know who I am. My purpose here is crystal clear and I am one hundred percent committed to being my best from this moment forth. Excuses, small thinking and fears that derailed me in the past are no longer. You can expect great things from me this year, I promise you that.

The greatest blessing of all is knowing that I am loved and of my great capacity to love. Let me be one of the first this new year to tell you that you are dearly loved, adored and cherished. Let me also be a stand for you living up to your most magnificent potential, the greatest desires of your heart being realized and so much love that your heart can barely contain it! This moment is a brand new canvas to paint your greatest masterpiece yet.

Thank you all so much for being such an integral part of my life. Let's ROCK 2008, see you on the journey!

" I want to sing as high as the rainbow, paint on the sky this message of freedom. I want to sing the song of the Angels, paint on our hearts their message of love."

Christopher Barran (from the album Song of the Angels)

Only an adorable Scotty dog could upstage Robin Finck singing "This Little Light of Mine" or Christopher Barran singing "Roses Love the Rain". We had 8 performers and a dog at Brentwood Nursing Home, a great place to perform for patients who are eclectic, funny and really love our music. Leslie sang her original song "Change", which was amazing, and I sang "Crazy" and danced around the room with patients during Christopher's "Twist and Shout". Ron did some of his great Broadway tunes, newcomer Lynn led the room with "Summertime" while her Scotty dog worked the crowd and first-timers Alison and Nicole sang group songs. After the show, Robin, Christopher and I went room to room to sing to and pray with the bedridden patients. As usual, it was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It leaves my heart open wide, every time.

I had one of the greatest weekends in a long, long time! I attended the Independent Music Conference presented by IndieGate.com. I learned so much about how to create even greater success in the new music industry. Daveed and I played a powerful showcase on Sat. night that was received incredibly by the audience of our fellow musicians. I met so many wonderful and talented new friends which is always a blessing. I am so grateful to live here in Hollywood, in the center of all the amazing going ons in the music capital of the world. I feel so empowered and on fire about my music and all the opportunities I now have that are enabling me to reach an even greater world audience with my music. I will be doing much touring through the States and overseas this year and on into 2008. I am so stoked that my sister and musical partner Nikki will be moving here early next year to perform with us. Life is so good, as always!

Last Sunday's Road Show at Brentwood was really fun. Brentwood is a great place to
perform. The residents are eclectic, funny and they love the music. We had 8
performers this week, and quite the variety of styles. Robin started off the show,
and got the whole room involved with "This Little Light of Mine". Leslie returned
this week and sang her original song "Change", which was amazing. Catherine sang
Patsy Cline's "Crazy", and danced around the room with residents during "Twist and
Shout". Ron did some of his great Broadway tunes. Christopher led the crowd in
many of their favorites, including his beautiful music. His song "Roses Love the
Rain" always seems to bring someone to tears. We also had three (okay, well four)
newcomers this week. Lynn showed up with her adorable scotty dog. She led the room
in a rendition of "Summertime" while her scotty worked the crowd. Alison and Nicole
sang along in group songs, and had a wonderful time getting to know Barbara in the
corner of the room. Barbara is a big fan of the RS. She drew a picture for
Christopher this week, and asked Catherine to please have us come back more often.
Luckily, we are able to accommodate her request and start going to Brentwood every
month. The day continued with Robin going room to room, and Catherine and
Christopher getting into some quality conversations with many of the residents. As
usual, it was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It leaves my heart open
wide, every time.

Catherine Yerly

This beautiful afternoon all started with a conversation I had with Christopher Barran last Wednesday night after service at Agape. Both of us were lamenting the fact that, partially due to the Labor Day weekend, we had two weekends in a row without an Agape Road Show. I'm a fairly new addition to the road show, but it's quickly become one of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. So I said, (kind of kidding, but not really) "We should just randomly show up at a nursing home somewhere and start singing". Christopher jumped at the idea, suggesting Marina Care, because the Labor Day holiday was going to have them miss the month of September.

So, we show up at Marina Care unannounced on Sunday afternoon. The residents and staff were very happy to see us and we had an easy time attracting a crowd into the living room as we broke into "Blue Skies". We were told, however, that we only had about 20 minutes or so before the weekly church service was scheduled to take place in the same room. So we made the most of it, singing our favorite RS standards, being mindful of the time. Luckily, the preacher was a little late, so we had plenty of time to do a full pre-church "Twist and Shout/La Bamba" rendition, which is always a hit. I got some great chair dancing with Jerry during that number. When the preacher did show up, he was happy for the opening act and asked us to please come back to warm up his congregation anytime.

We decided to then go to a few rooms to sing to some residents individually. We stopped in to see Joan, who lit up like a Christmas tree when Christopher walked in the room. Christopher introduced me, and his friend Karen who was visiting Christopher from Canada. We sang some of Joan's favorites, which included the Swahili song Christopher learned in Kenya and me singing harmony on some of his original songs. After visiting with Joan for a while, we then went to visit Dolores. She again, was thrilled to see us walk into the room. Dolores is fascinating, and full of stories. She has pictures on her walls of her with Esther Williams, pictures and stories about John Travolta, Richard Dreyfus, and others. She loved everything we sang - she was such a fan, in fact, that she called one of her daughter's during our last number so she could hear us.

As hard was it was to pull myself away, I finally had to leave as I was running late for a gathering. But that euphoric feeling I got from spending a brief part of the afternoon with the residents of Marina Care lasted the whole day. I was still giddy from the experience when I got home that evening.
.............
I feel truly blessed to be involved with the Agape Road Show. I feel humbled, and so full of joy, each time that I go. Thank you for creating such a beautiful way to be of service.