June 20

June 20  

On the road from Baku to Kudamir, Azerbaijan…about a 3 hour drive…countryside’s like desert land with mountains in the distant…we’re told this is the most traditional culture in Azerbaijan, strict and possibly unresponsive audience…we’re asking God to open their hearts and mind for He is the creator of ALL THINGS!!!!
I pray that we bring the people of Kudamir joy and comfort through the GOOD NEWS we’ll bring to them today….

Well y’all it’s ALL GOOD!!! The creative arts theater was jam-pack with Azeri’s…it was hot and humid, but the audience gave a rousing applause, clapped their hands, danced and some even sang “Down by the Riverside” as we sang.  One of the local teens asked to sing one of his songs which turned out to be an American song…as he played his guitar we accompanied with acoustics…

We handed out percussion instruments to the kids as they eagerly came to the stage to join in…as we slowed the tempo, we joined hands in front of the stage and swayed to the music…then, we “jumped” as we closed the concert with “Love Train”!

It’s a Gospel Journey y’all…   Spirituals then we take the to church quartet style interject inspirational then it’s a Gospel Party!!!!  HE NEVER FAILS!

  

June 17

June 16

We’re off to Khachmaz, Azerbaijan….a 2 hr drive from Baku, Azerbaijan…press is traveling with us all day to cover GOSPEL MUSIC!!!!!  We’re spreading the good news y’all….workshop and concert

Once again, everything was phenomenal!!!!! During the workshop the students of music clapped and danced to Gospel music…their smiles are priceless!!!! They asked if we we’re surprised that Gospel music was accepted in Azerbaijan.  The truth is…we are not surprised because music is universal and filled with emotion…we give Gospel music from our heart straight to every human heart!!!  Check out the impromptu jam session with Melvin and Castro on the “Tar” (Azerbaijan equivalent to guitar). The children share “mugam” music and tradition dance with us….you can feel the emotion, gentleness and joyous rhythms…different but the same…

Khachmaz officials received great reviews of the workshop and have decided to let us perform in the outdoor park named the Shekhsiyyetler Museum (The Great Person Park)…Time to sound check…time to spread the good news…check it out!!!!

June 15

Good morning Baku, Azerbaijan!!!!!!  This morning we’re LIVE for 1 hour as special guests on the Azerbaijan morning show “Beginning of the Nsw Day” locally known as Yeni Gun….giving the some “Cooling Water”….check out the Rahman Band accompaniment….next fundraiser for the orphanage….the kids had a great time…keeping beat on the percussions, tambourine, and drum sticks!

Next, Improv with Baku Music College Students…

June 14

Russia it’s been great….we look forward to coming back!!!  Next stop, Azerbaijan…

June 13

Rest Day

June 12

Back to Moscow….it’s a bullet train…let’s go…we have a special day ahead…exchanging cultural music with the group Karagod folk ensemble then off to a Rehabilitation Center for those with spinal injuries…

Karagod was fun….the Rehab Center life-changing….God, I shall not complain!!!!! So many times we take things for granted…imagine being confined to a wheel chair in a country where there is no accessibility for wheel chairs…no elevators, no lifts, no ramps…you’re confined for life….yet, you’re able to find joy and encouragement through music…GOSPEL music….hearing these patients simply sing “I Love You” filled our hearts…..

June 11

June 11

Off to Tver, Russia for concert at Tver Philharmonic….we’re told over and over that Russian audiences are reserved and mild-mannered; yet everywhere we perform the Russians are singing, dancing, clapping…standing ovations over and over…we’re GRATEFUL for their appreciation and enjoyment of GOSPEL music!!!!

June 10

Full day…Workshop at the Moscow Conservatory and concert later at the Moscow International House of Music…reception sponsored by Goodyear

June 9…Moscow

Travel Day…back to Moscow… 

June 8 – Bryansk, Russia

June 8th -Bryansk, Russia

…experiencing the culture with an open heart and mind…check out fun photos…

DRUZHBA FESTIVAL

Sold out concert after sold out concert….the audience is great…each concert in the different Russian cities is full of hand-clapping, dancing and “Cooling Water”…we are blessed by the standing ovations and dozens of roses of appreciation…God moves in all of us each and every night!!!!! We are GRATEFUL!!!!!!