2010

[ 16.08.2010 ] Walnut Hill Community Church, Connecticut...
[ 14.06.2010 ] Acoustic Gospels UK Tour...

2009

[ 17.03.2009 ] New Canaan Society... Hot Springs, Virginia
[ 17.03.09 ] Maadi Community Church... Cairo

2008

[ 19.05.2008 ] Songs of Praise... Spain
[ 19.05.2008 ] Maadi Community Church... Cairo
[ 11.02.2008 ] Roots South... Talladega, Alabama

2007

[ 17.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour...

2006

[ 12.07.2006 ] Mongolian Worship Festival...
[ 08.03.2006 ] 2006 so far...

2005

[ 04.05.2005 ] Worship and Arts Conference, Portugal
[ 12.04.2005 ] Spring Harvest
[ 12.04.2005 ] Egypt
[ 15.02.2005 ] North America

>> Reports Archive >>

[ 16.08.2010 ] Walnut Hill Community Church, Connecticut

GRAHAM RECENTLY SPENT an extended period in Connecticut USA during July 2010. Based at Walnut Hill Community Church in Danbury CT, most of the period was spent in teaching and training within the church. Clive Calver, long time associate of Graham's and formerly chairman of the Evangelical Alliance is senior pastor there, and previously had Graham and team over in December 2009 for the USA leg of the "Dreaming of a Holy Night" events.

A keen aim of Walnut Hill is to take the Gospel into the community, with plans to plant new churches in local areas with little evangelical church presence and particular social challenges.

Arising out of the visit came an opportunity to do a concert at the local Federal Women's Prison, where the church has been regularly participating in fellowship groups under the guidance of the prison chaplaincy.

Bassist Simon Dennis (Acoustic Gospels Tour) was able to join Graham on this occasion, combining a short New England holiday with a trip to Boston, meaning that the Acoustic Gospels repertoire was able to be used. About 300 women enthusiastically joined in both song and applause, clearly enjoying both the music and message.

This was followed a couple of days later with the duo doing an Acoustic Gospels event at Walnut Hill itself, where 600-plus gathered in the main auditorium for a further presentation of the gospel characters and events in songs and links from Graham, though without percussion contributions from Terl Bryant. "I'm missing the percussion on this one!" was heard from Graham in a stage whisper during sound check! Many folk had brought friends and neighbours who were not usual participants at Walnut Hill events, and the church was delighted with the response. "It really was an outstanding time!" said Graham, referring to the whole visit.

[ 14.06.2010 ] The Acoustic Gospels UK Tour

Graham at Hawarden, Wales. Photo by Phil Harman. Used by Permission.

Click here to visit the Gallery for more images from the tour

St Peter's Church, Morden [ Wednesday 28th April ]

THE ACOUSTIC GOSPELS Tour kicked off last night Wed 28th at Morden in South London. Tickets had sold well, but additional sales at the door meant extra seating had to be put out. Graham was in fine form, with the linking of songs presenting challenging images of the Gospel events.

Volcanoes permitting, percussionist Terl Bryant had only returned the night before from a tour abroad, and with several new or re-born songs from Graham, the whole band were at full stretch in keeping things in good shape! However, it bodes well for the following venues, and as the tour progresses, Graham's freedom with the format – which he clearly enjoyed - should allow for some great moments of creativity.

St Deiniols, Hawarden [ Thursday 6th May ]

ST DEINIOLS AT Hawarden is the site of a thousand year old church. On the night, Graham's Acoustic Gospels tour drew an audience from a wide local area, with 25% more folk turning up than prior ticket bookings suggested, resulting in a well nigh full house. With last week's first night nerves laid to rest, and an intimate feeling created by the compact stage area's proximity to the audience, the band handled the new material well, the acoustic format allowing plenty of dynamic moments. Terl Bryant, clearly enjoying the format, contributed some very expressive moments to underscore the drama of the lyrics. Developing from last week's themes, and speaking with conviction, Graham's song links were clearly impressing, and the local organisers delighted with the event. Compassion had a number sign sponsor forms, and many order forms were filled for the "Best of Graham Kendrick" CD, due out any day now!

Walsall Independent Evangelical Church, Walsall [ Friday 7th May ]

ADDING TO THE variety of venues, the Acoustic Gospels tour arrived in Walsall yesterday at the Bath Street Centre. A former Territorial Army complex, the church based there has a major community role with a Christian junior school housed there during the daytime. A really intimate atmosphere developed during the concert, with Graham linking songs with personal observations of how the Gospel story related to his own father's life. The new songs continue to develop with each performance, and with only a short journey to Yardley for Saturday's event, the touring party were grateful for a more leisurely start the next morning.

Yardley Baptist Church, Yardley [ Saturday 8th May ]

A HIGHLIGHT OF each evening is Graham's closing of each first half with the presentation of the work of Compassion in protecting children around the world. A challenging video is shown, with children formerly rescued by Compassion, telling their personal stories of hope rising from despair.

More visual images follow after Graham's explanation of how to respond, with the singing of Beauty For Brokenness overlaid. This has clearly touched many people, with many signing up on the spot.

A bonus has also been the arrival, by courier late on Friday, of the "hot off the press" Best of Graham Kendrick double CD. At Yardley Baptist Church the audience clearly showed their musical enjoyment by buying many copies, as well as other recordings of Graham's more recent catalogue. Organiser Ivan Jackson, a long time supporter of Graham's work, was delighted with the evening. Responding to tour organiser Simon Dennis' enquiry, he said," I'm delighted we had a full crowd - it was a great evening!"

Today the band head for St. Lawrence's, near Chesterfield where a sell out - with a waiting list for tickets - means there are high expectations of another great event

St Lawrence Church, North Wingfield, Chesterfield [ Sunday 9th May ]

A GREAT SENSE of expectation was clearly evident at North Wingfield! Tickets had sold out over two weeks prior, and a huge waiting list ensured a capacity crowd. It was amazing to set up the equipment adjacent to a Saxon font in the ancient church building, with other mediaeval relics lending a rich atmosphere to the evening's proceedings. Even the church door was nearly 400 years old!

This contrasted with the fresh and lively work of the ministry team there, led by local organiser Charles Beresford. They'd clearly pulled out all the stops (there's a musical metaphor!) to get people from the local parishes to attend, rather than drawing on Chesterfield itself.

Contrasting with the ancient buildings, Charles and his team have introduced fresh beginnings in the parishes since he arrived there a few years ago. A former mining area, this part of North Derbyshire presents pretty tough community situations, with considerable social and financial deprivation affecting the local populace. Graham's presentation of the Good News of the Gospels through the songs and presentation reminded people of the challenge of new life through the unique claims of Jesus.

With great confidence now in even the newest song material, the music had a particularly atmospheric feel, the musicians working off each other to given expression to the melodies and lyrics. The acoustics were amazingly good for such an old building, and the band are very grateful to Dave Warner, sound engineer, who has set up such an excellent technical rig. We wish Dave all the very best as he now leaves the tour to get married in just a few days time. A great team player, and willing to tackle any aural challenge with a constructive and positive approach, Dave will be replaced by Peter Lozinski for most of the remaining dates. We look forward to welcoming Peter for his first booking at Castleford on Thursday 13th May!

Graham was also pleased to announce that the Tour will be recorded live towards the end of the current schedule of dates. It is hoped that this recording will become available in due course. Apart from buying the freshly recorded double CD "The Best of Graham Kendrick", due out later this month on general release, many people filled in request forms for the proposed Acoustic Gospels recording, once it eventually appears. Keep watching the web site for future news on this!

Acoustic Gospels Tour – Wantage [ Tuesday 18th May ]

Graham Kendrick Skiffle Group surfaces?

MUSIC LOVERS BEWARE! Shock horror story for the Acoustic Gospels tour is now the emergence of the GK skiffle group! Graham says he remembers his grandfather telling him about skiffle - the musical craze of the fifties. He's far too young to remember himself, of course!

So with Terl Bryant on washboard, Simon Dennis on banjo and Graham on a ukulele-sized mini acoustic, the second half of the evening at Wantage kicked off with a rendition of a new song which Graham has specially written for upcoming events. For those of you planning to visit the Big Church Day Out, more will be revealed in due course!

It certainly made a fun moment at the Wantage Civic Hall on Tuesday night, where the full audience really responded again to the evening's overall musicality, as well as to the work of Compassion and the more serious parts of Graham's re-telling of Gospel events in song.

A comment heard several times so far during the tour is, "I didn't realise what a good guitarist Graham actually is!" The Acoustic Gospels, of course, is an exploration of his roots as a more-than-competent guitar picker, mixed in with the story-songs that explain his personal take on the gospel itself. Usually finishing with "Crucified Man" - it has the line "I've placed my hope in a crucified man" – Graham introduces this by saying,"This song explains in summary my personal commitment to the Man in the Gospels."

A great evening, then, at Wantage, ably organised by Paul Haynes and team from the Cornerstone Christian Centre, but leaving Terl wondering if he'll ever work again now he has been revealed as a closet wash-board aficionado.

The next few days takes the team to Worcester, Notting Hill, and Stroud before two nights in Clitheroe, where it's hoped to get the performances recorded for possible release in the future. That would certainly seal Terl's musical legacy!

Acoustic Gospels Tour – Castleford, Muswell Hill and Leicester [ Thursday 13th - Saturday 15 May ]

SLIGHTLY DISCONCERTING TO find that the end of this week has already brought us to the halfway point on the tour!

The last 3 days was a blur – an early start and a long drive from the South Coast area (for most of the Tour party), up to Castleford, West Yorkshire, then back to Muswell Hill in North London, before heading back to Leicester's Salvation Army centre for Saturday's event. Long drives home, and getting into bed between 2am and 4am Sunday morning.

Three very different venues and audiences saw us first at Five Towns Christian Fellowship in a housing estate in Castleford, a fairly low, modern building, with a lot of friendships renewed in an evening of warmth and enjoyment. Then to St James in Muswell Hill. Striking views over London from here, in a 100 year old Anglican church with rather nice acoustics. Rebuilt in the fifties after wartime bomb damage, the church has had a strong history in recent times of music events to reach the community, and an especially enthusiastic and varied crowd demanded an encore at the end of a memorable evening, with many people signing child sponsorship forms for Compassion.

Different again at Leicester, in the Salvation Army centre, right in the heart of the city. After the evening, David Howarth, local organiser, said,"This has been a really great and memorable evening for us – we've really appreciated it!" It was good to remember that the Salvation Army itself was started out of a concern to demonstrate the practical love that Christ taught, mostly among people facing many difficulties in life.

Reviewing the tour to date, Graham said, "It’s amazing to think that something already approaching 100 children will now have a great improvement in their lives through the Compassion sponsorship scheme. Imagine if those children were all standing here in the room with us now!"

Of course, it is hoped that the music in itself has been inspiring, the Gospel stories given dramatic and lyrical freshness, and people touched to reconsider reading them afresh – or even for the first time – but the practical expression of Compassion care for people around the world seems to underline the relevance of Jesus' command to love our neighbours.

Graham's songs about Simon Peter have especially stood out in the tour. A brash, foot-in-mouth sort of person, he was beset by many failures of character, but experienced the really Good News of Jesus' total forgiveness after abject betrayal.

It's hoped to make a live recording of the concerts at Clitheroe, towards the end of the month, with possibility of this coming available in some form in the future. Now the band have to really get their chops together. "We might have reached halfway," said Graham,"But it's not downhill from here – we keep going up!"

Acoustic Gospels Tour – Worcester [ Friday 21st May ]

THE JOHN MOORE Theatre in Worcester's Kings School, which was founded in the time of Henry VIII, played host to the Acoustic Gospels Tour on Fri 21st. Sold out in advance through the event organisation team ably lead by Mark Smith, the performance was introduced by Tim Keyes, the current headmaster. We thanked him for making the well-equipped theatre available.

Working via a network of linked churches affiliated as JITC - Jesus in the City - there was a wide representation of local churches in the appreciative audience. We were also treated to special Limited Edition bottles of water on stage, specially labelled as The Acoustic Gospels Tour. These were prepared by GLOW - God's Light on Worcester, who do a kind of street pastor activity during late evenings in the city, giving out water to revellers. The bottles feature a text from John's Gospel, with Jesus offer of Living Water.

It was good to see that the tour was used as part of ongoing ministry in the area.

On a hot and humid evening, the band managed to pull off some delightful light and shade in the songs, which rounded off with the crowd joining in on one of the concert's songs, Love Each Other.

Touring can take its toll on health, with much travelling, late nights, hot stages and erratic meal times, and as we head for the final week, we pray all will be fit for the final push! Saturday 22nd sees an earlier finish at Kensington Temple, in London's Notting Hill area, so with a shorter drive home and 2 days of rest (?!) we should be fit for Stroud on the 25th!

Acoustic Gospels Tour – Kensington Temple [ Saturday 22nd May ]

IN A TRULY multicultural setting, Kensington Temple lies in the heart of Notting Hill, West London, between Kensington and Bayswater. Sitting in the cool breeze under the leafy plane trees in the church yard, just waiting to offload the sound equipment, an amazing array of nationalities was walking by, with so many different languages overheard. Kensington Temple has recorded over 100 different nationalities attending its various acivities, and with many people who drop in to the church whilst holidaying in London, it has unique opportunities to build a bridge of faith into their lives.

Slightly different from the other concert settings of the Acoustic Gospels Tour, this evening saw Graham & co. occupying part of the regular Saturday Praise Party which is an ongoing event seeking to explain the good news of Christ and give opportunities for worship as well as new faith commitment.

Dave Wellington and Gabriel Chan topped and tailed the event with firstly some worship music, and then to close with a challenge to faith from John’s gospel. Graham's song programme, slightly abbreviated for the required timings, lost nothing of the gospel stories impact, allowing Gabriel to pick up on some of the particular characters and events as he wrapped un the evening.

As we celebrate Pentecost at this time, we trust the wind of his spirit will blow through the remaining dates of the tour and energise the audiences through the acoustically heard gospels to renewed life.

Acoustic Gospels Tour – Stroud [ Tuesday 25th May ]

The Georgian architectured Subscription Rooms in Stroud played host to the Acoustic Gospels on Tuesday 25th. Graham felt much at home, as it was actually in Kendrick Street! What with the Kendrick Street Deli, and the Kendrick Hall as well, it was starting to look like a take-over bid.

Ignition Gloucester were behind the event, an efficient team having been put together by local man Phil Coysh. Another great night ensued, the music and Graham's introductions being the vehicle to blend old and new story songs from several decades of his catalogue.

The band later decided that Tewkesbury Travel Lodge gets "best in class" award for actually having a good breakfast, plus refreshments available on midnight arrival! An early start the next day to get up to Clitheroe was helped by the M5 and M6 being on their best behaviour, permitting arrival to be unfrazzled and fairly refreshed in the beautiful Lancashire moorlands.

Acoustic Gospels Tour - Clitheroe, The Grand Venue [ Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th May ]

TWO NIGHTS OF full houses at the Grand permitted a good opportunity for the planned live recordings of the Acoustic Gospels Tour. Using the excellent and well equipped recording facilities, Peter Lozinski, the tour sound engineer, was very pleased with the way the two evenings went.

Nothing, however was permitted to interfere with the natural presentation of the evenings programmes in song, meaning that no re-takes were envisaged. This enabled Graham to concentrate on giving the audience his planned presentation of the Gospel characters and events. A very encouraging response at the end seemed to show that the audience appreciated very much the content of each evening. "It'd really taken me back to what the heart of the Gospel is all about," said Peter, one of the attendees. "I'd been losing sight of what it was all about. I didn’t know of this side of Graham's song-writing, but it's been a real inspiration."

The next day Graham was up at crack of dawn to catch the train down to London for the official launch of the Very Best of Graham Kendrick double CD. Becoming available only during the tour, it was a very popular item in CD sales at all the venues where it was available, with quite a number of orders being taken for additional copies.

As a venue for music, the Grand is certainly state-of-the-art, beautiful lighting, fine PA, good refreshment facilities and an excellent staff making for a very enjoyable experience for audience and performers alike. We thoroughly recommend other musicians to add Clitheroe to their planned itineraries!

Acoustic Gospels Tour - Big Church Day Out – Leicestershire & Sussex [ Saturday 29th - Monday 31st May ]

SPREAD OVER 3 days, with something around 15,000 or more people attending, the BCDO was the tour's finale, taking place on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and the Bank Holiday Monday.

Appearing on the main stage to perform the soon-adopted BCDO's official theme song "Big Day Out", specially written for the event, Graham was asked what kept him inspired to keep writing and performing. "If you believe you have a mandate from God to encourage people in musical worship, you must also continue live out worship in your own life," he said. "I'm inspired that having worked for many years, there’s also still a great opportunity to encourage and create, to teach and serve the church. There's a lot behind me, but still a lot ahead to still do. It's not just about starting well, but also finishing well! And I've no plans to finish just yet!"

Using the Acoustic Stage adjacent to the Tea Tent gave Graham and the band good opportunity to present the Acoustic Gospels six more times over the three days, as well as doing the theme song on the main stage each day. Amongst the high tech performances of the key guest bands, the trio very much enjoyed the simplicity of acoustic guitar, cajon drum, hi-hat and 5 string banjo, the crowd enthusiastically enjoying the sing-along refrain. This then the unveiling of GK truly unplugged! Catch it on YouTube!

"Jesus celebrated at a wedding by providing wine when it ran out," said Graham, "so the Big Church Day Out allows us to express together our enjoyment in His presence!"

This brought to an end the month-long Acoustic Gospels Tour. With a lot of people signing up for the hoped-for live recording of the same, and the Very Best Of Double CD flying off the shelves, it has been a very encouraging time. Using a different concert format from what many know him for has given Graham opportunity to assess the impact and relevance of the style. So might there be more Acoustic Gospels in the future? "It's certainly been very enjoyable, and full audiences and a good response seem to show appreciation of the idea," he said, "But you’ll just have to wait and see!"

Special thanks go to the musicians, administrators and sound engineers who helped make it all happen, and to the local teams of organisers who arranged venues and got in appreciative audiences – without whom none of it would have made any sense at all!

[ 17.03.2009 ] New Canaan Society... Virginia

© Jeff Calenberg.

The New Canaan Society are a group of men who are committed to each other and to God. Spread out across much of the USA they meet in small groups regularly and then once a year they gather for a retreat. Graham and band (Raul D'Oliveira, Roy Johnson, James Parker, Andy Pressdee and Steve Thompson) were asked to lead the sung worship at this year's retreat held at The Homestead deep in the heart of Virginia. The 7 hour flight was followed by a 4 hour drive through forests (inhabited by suicidal deer) to probably the remotest place most of us had ever been to. The nearest town? 75 miles away! The NCS Retreat at the Homestead however, turned out to be well worth the ride.

450 men from a variety of economic, cultural and political backgrounds gathered for teaching, worship, food, comedy, community and relationship. Graham's song Knowing You is the New Canaan Society's theme song and this was sung several times over the weekend. Graham also introduced new songs Love Each Other and All For You and an adaptation of Charles Wesley's Forth in Your Name. In what was almost certainly a one-off performance and by special request, Graham sang Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer as part of the opening evening's entertainment!!

As we sat in Washington Airport awaiting our flight home we thought back over the highlights of the weekend. The hotel was stunning, the hospitality faultless, but the honesty, humility and love for Jesus of the members of the NCS was without doubt outstanding.

[ 17.03.2009 ] Maadi Community Church... Cairo

This was our fifth trip to Maadi in as many years but never have two trips been the same. After a week's teaching at a YWAM base in the desert Graham, Gabi and Andy Alonso were joined in Cairo by Raul and John-Pierre. Steve Thompson and Andy Pressdee were left 'stranded' at Heathrow airport overnight when their flight was cancelled and eventually arrived at the church centre 10 minutes before the first service. MCC Worship Director Mark Jaffrey joined the band for the evening on electric guitar and so began a busy 24 hours of leading, teaching, performing and eating. Many at the Maadi Community Church are now good friends and there is always some catching up to do over food!

Graham led 4 services in all and an evening concert, introducing new songs Love Each Other and Forth in Your Name. Can we come back next year please?

[ 19.05.2008 ] Songs of Praise...

It is not unusual to find Graham or at very least one of his songs on BBC's Songs of Praise but this particular recording was very special indeed.

Earlier this month Graham and band flew out to the Costa Del Sol for a day of recording and a unique evening concert in the grounds of the Castillo Sohail in Fuengirola. Hundreds of locals, ex-pats and tourists sang their socks off during the recordings and probably got a little burned too by the blazing sun that shone across the castle ruins for most of the day. 2 shows were recorded for the BBC featuring some very recognisable songs by Graham and some classic hymns. The first of the 2 shows will be aired on June 22nd.

The BBC very kindly provided free Paella for everyone in attendance that was cooked on a barbeque the size of a small house.

The evening concert began with local resident and one-time chart topper Yazz telling her story and then leading the crowds in worship with 'Indescribable'. Graham then took over and led us into the night with 'What Can I do', 'To You O Lord' and 'Amazing Love'.

It was a long, hot day but well worth the journey. Tune in on June 22nd for more!!

Click here for more images

[ 19.05.2008 ] Cairo 2008...

Around spring time for the last 4 years Graham and band have been the guests of the Maadi Community Church in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. In the first year, 2005, a small band of 5 plus Graham spent 2 days with the church leading 3 services and a evening concert. This year the band (increased to 8) and a 20 strong choir from City Gates church in Ilford, east London led 2 prayer events, 4 services, a packed evening concert, took seminars and workshops and even managed some sight-seeing.

Maadi Community Church is a thriving community that reaches out into all sections of North African society. Many have sacrificed much to be there and it has always been a great privilege to be a part of their worship calendar. This year Graham was invited to lead the special 'Africa Live' service for the first time. This is attended mostly by the local African communities and definitely has it's own flavour. The City Gates choir, led by Steve and Velveta Thompson were exceptional.

The band and the choir were also involved in a prayer conference across the desert in Alexandria, where thousands of christians from across the region had gathered to pray and worship in a big tent. Leading worship in a setting where most of the congregation speak another language is always a challenge and even more so when that language is Arabic! There was a lot of swapping of instruments and singers as 2 cultures stood with each other with the common aim of touching Heaven.

Once again it was good to meet with old friends, make new ones and talk about coming back next year!!

For more images click here

[ 11.02.2008 ] Roots South 2008...

ROOTS is a Salvation Army event and community of people who are passionate about discipleship and mission in the 21st century. ROOTS South is based in Atlanta, Georgia and this year was the third year that Graham and the band had been invited to lead the worship sessions. This years theme was 'Others - the last, the least, the lost'.

Atlanta airport became home for a while on the 17th Jan as a series of events involving snow, baggage handlers and traffic cops ensured that our trip was not going to be ordinary. ROOTS South is held just outside Talledega in very rural Alabama. The state doesn't see much snow but on this particular weekend it got a years supply.

It is always a special time at ROOTS and this year was no exception. There was plenty of time to rest in God's presence and be encourage and envisioned for the 'lost'.

The weather did have an effect on the conference as the planned outdoor evangelistic gathering in Birmingham had to be cancelled but that opened the door for an impromptu 'concert' by Graham and band which led to a powerful message brought by Captain Kelly Goldfarb.

[ 09.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour... The Final Leg

Graham and Raul rehearse at the Cambridge Corn Exchange.

Graham last visited Yeovil Community Church in 2001 during the What Grace tour and it was great to be back at Gateway again to see some familiar faces and enjoy their excellent hospitality and facilities. Some had travelled from as far away as Bristol to enjoy and engage in a challenging and entertaining evening. It was great to have Raul D'Oliveira back on percussion, flugel horn and trumpet as he had missed the Irish leg. Raul improvised a stunning lament on the flugel horn that accompanied a period of prayer once again. There was also a rare playing of Honour The Lord from Out of the Ordinary.

The final night of the tour was by no means an anti-climax as Graham and the band were privileged to be a part of a weekend of events that culminated in a night of worship at the famous Corn Exchange in Cambridge. Local worship leader Wayne Saunders had 'paved the way' earlier in the evening and Graham simply picked up where Wayne had left off.

Every evening on the tour has begun with a vocal/spiritual 'warm up' into the hymn Holy, holy, holy and ended with the prayer song Shine Jesus shine. What happened in between changed every night and hopefully reflected the needs and prayers of those present.

Jesus never said 'All good things must come to an end' but for now the Out of the Ordinary tour has. And as though the continuity was planned, the merchandise table took delivery of Graham's brand new Christmas CD Dreaming of a Holy Night. Hope to see you all soon!!

For more images from the tour click here

[ 09.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Irish Leg

Patrick was the first Bishop of at least one of the Cathedral's now named after him in Armagh.

The Irish Leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour began officially outside the UK as Graham and the band arrived in Dublin. St Patrick's Cathedral is a vast, ornate space and so a 'toned down' sound was appropriate and well received by those in attendance. It is almost the perfect setting for Graham's more acoustic moments and Crucified Man could have been written for such a night.

Driving north to Belfast we were struck by the beauty of the countryside and the serenity of many places we may have only heard of in news bulletins. The event in Belfast was in contrast to Dublin as the venue suited a bigger band and bigger sound. Once again the medley of Only You Deserve the Praise and O Lord the Clouds are Gathering led us into prayer and intercession for the youth of our land.

It was back to a quieter evening on Sunday for St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, where Patrick himself was Bishop in AD 444. Graham played a solo Crucified Man during Evensong and the band joined him later for a memorable evening.

[ 04.10.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The English Leg

Andy, Raul and Graham at Wrexham NEWI. Pic: Timothy Harman Used by permission.

With half the band rendezvousing in Essex at 9am and the rhythm section driving up from Wolverhampton, Harrogate seemed a long way way up the A1, especially on a Friday, but to say it was worth it would be an understatement for what turned out to be, once again, a very unique evening.

Most people attending this tour have not really known what to expect but have gone away very surprised at having enjoyed a challenging and entertaining evening. It's not really a concert and it's not a church service. This is how some described their Friday evening experience...

"very much appreciated the prayerful atmosphere Graham (with the aid of the Holy Spirit) was able to bring into a large conference centre!!!"

"I personally felt such a huge sense of Gods presence and was moved right from the moment of everyone standing up and singing the first song together".

Wrexham's NEWI venue shares it's car park with Wrexham Football Club and the early crowds were there for the win over Lincoln City but the evening crowds were encouraged to use the same kind of enthusiasm and celebration normally reserved for such sporting occasions. Graham's composition based on Psalm 148 is a call to worship and the trumpet sound is a call to celebrate. Creation's King is a further exhortation to give 'Blessing and honour to Creation's King' while What Can I Do calls us to make everything we do a 'Hallelujah'.

The sponsoring of over 120 children through Compassion this weekend was indeed a way of expressing that 'Hallelujah'.

This weekend brings the opportunity to pray in yet another nation as we go to Dublin before heading north to Armagh and Belfast.

[ 27.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Scottish Leg Pt II

Raul D'Oliveira has opened every evening's second half with his own composition 'Jesus Christ is Lord' Pic: Andy Pressdee

Following on from Dundee, the 'Scottish' leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour arrived in Dunfermline, and then on to Strathaven before taking a short drive just south of the border and along Hadrian's Wall to Morpeth.

The old Lemonade Factory in Dunfermline was completely sold out on Saturday night. A recurring event every night so far has been the chance to sponsor a child through Compassion International. The people of Dunfermline 'raised the bar' as the highest number of sponsors so far on this tour signed up to help feed, educate and bring the gospel to a needy child. Perhaps it was the video presentation or maybe the talk by Graham, but probably it was the exhortation by Pastor Jimmy to 'beat Dundee's total'. Competition is always healthy especially when saving the lives of kids is involved.

Another recurring event on this tour has been the second half performances by multi tasking horn player Raul D'Oliveira. Each night Raul gives a brief testimony about how a well placed Gideon Bible changed the course of his life and then sings Jesus Christ is Lord.

The last time Graham came to Strathaven the heavens literally opened and the town was flooded as the rivers overflowed and the Church was hit by lightening. On Sunday night God was moving powerfully through prophetic word and song and there was a special leaning towards being filled with the Holy Spirit as Graham shared of his own experiences closing with Shine Jesus Shine, where the lyrics flow river flow are especially relevant.

One visitor said later 'I haven't been to church since 1994, and was reluctantly pushed into Sunday by a friend - what a night! The way Graham spoke; the way Raul played the trumpet prayer - it was super. I have found God again.'

The final date of this leg found us in the beautiful surroundings of Northumberland in the town of Morpeth. The local Leisure Centre was transformed into a kind of indoor marquee and it was once again sold out.

The night rested heavily on prayer as Graham once again used Only you Deserve The Praise to lead a powerful intercession for the youth of our nation, which led into an impromptu Peace to You which in turn led into a release of joy.



One of the highlights of being in Morpeth was occured even before the event began. In the afternoon Graham and the band were joined by the pupils of St Roberts Catholic School who came to watch us set up and learn a little bit about how being in band works. They then sang to Graham Shine Jesus Shine complete with actions.

It's been said over and over again but it's true - every night has been different and unique - not feasting on yesterday's manna but looking for today's.

The quote of the tour so far has to be...

'The Out of the Ordinary CD has now replaced High School Musical 1 and 2 in our house and car..and it has to be played at full volume.'

Next stop: Harrogate and Wrexham this Friday and Saturday.

[ 21.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Scottish Leg Pt I

Steve Thompson, Carl McGregor, Raul D'Oliveira, Graham, Andy Pressdee, Mark Willis and Stuart Barbour outside the Caird Hall, Dundee. Pic: Ian Black

The 'Scottish' leg of the Out of the Ordinary tour began last night in style as the good people of the City of Discovery - Dundee - filled the Caird Hall. Once again there was celebration which turned to intercession and prayer.

'What an evening!!!!!!' exclaimed one happy attendee.

If you think you know Lord I Lift Your Name on high then think again! A, B, C, 1, 2, 3 etc... Every night so far has ended with the 'Shiney Song' as we've come to know it by, but always with good reason - to send us out into where the people are. 20 years on and there is still need for grace and mercy to 'flood the nations'. Tomorrow night Dunfermline and the Vine Church.

If you haven't bought yourself a ticket for a date on this tour yet you can do it by checking the dates and venues here

[ 10.09.2007 ] Out of the Ordinary Tour ... The Second Night

How much do you think you are worth. Pic: Andy Pressdee

The Out of the Ordinary tour rolled into Romford, Essex last night. The Salvation Army organised event at the Queens' Theatre was a sell-out. A percentage of the profits raised are going towards an education programme in Zambia.

It is becoming clear that every night on this tour is going to be unique. 2 nights in and both events have been quite different. Graham led the all aged crowd in joyful celebration once again but also gave time for reflection, prayer and personal challenge.

Trumpet player Raul D'Oliveira gave a short testimony and performed his own composition 'Jesus Christ is Lord' - a latin groove that challenges everybody's sense of rhythm!

[ 09.09.2007 ] The Out of the Ordinary Tour Begins

The Out of the Ordinary tour began last night at a sold out St John's Church (right) in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. There is a great sense of anticipation at the beginning of this tour of what God might do as we all gather together. Last night was a great start as songs of celebration (Psalm 148) led into intercession (Only you deserve the praise) and thanks (What can I do).

The evening included a special presentation by Graham for Compassion International giving everyone a chance to sponsor a child.

Every date on the tour is sponsored by Compassion International. For more details visit www.compassionuk.org.

[ 12.07.2006 ] Mongolian Worship Festival...

Sound of Heaven. Or: A vision comes true!

The aim; to worship Jesus, the King of all kings, over the nation of Mongolia drew 4,500 Mongolian Christians and Christians from other nations for three days to a venue outside of Ulaan Baatar, the capital city of Mongolia. On Wednesday afternoon, the opening day, they came from every corner – the young and the old, the poor and the rich, Christians from 70 different churches gathered together! Clouds of dust welled up when the big busses and packed cars made their way on rough roads.

For two weeks a team prepared the festival ground: they dug 40 provisional toilets, set up a camp site for 700 tents, and built a huge stage with a roof cover. And then it finally began – the soaring sounds of the Mongolian horse guitar announced the opening of the festival. After reading Psalm 148 in Mongolian and English the loud sound of the shofar filled the air.

Twelve horsemen on their horses appeared on the hill, accompanied by worship music and the sound of the shofar they rode down the hill. Suddenly they stopped and erected a huge cross, then continued their ride towards the stage where they placed their colourful banners. Walter Heidenreich opened the first Mongolian worship event and shared how he got this vision years ago: In 1996 God called the Lüdenscheid band Tengerin Doo to go to the Gobi desert and do a concert for him alone. Years later, Walter Heidenreich came across another band, whose members also did concerts in Mongolia aiming to strengthen the nation by drawing on their old Buddhist and Shaman roots. It was felt that God was calling us to keep the land that he had already given us.

Thus the idea was born to organize a worship concert with the young but fast growing church in Mongolia. Especially in the year of its 800th anniversary Mongolia is recalling on its culture and considering its roots – this it is time to worship and exalt Jesus in Mongolia, the only true God, both in the visible and invisible world.

The worship went on for 72 hours non-stop and was conducted by 17 Mongolian worship bands and several international bands: Graham Kendrick (UK), Andy Park (Canada), TNT (Germany), Sitos (Switzerland), Bridge Builders (Korea) and Tengerin Doo (Germany). There were alternately times of deep intimacy with God and times of abundant joy and prophetic proclamations. The presence and peace of God filled the whole campsite. In this atmosphere people got healed, delivered and were saved – and several received callings from God. Many Mongolians experienced God as their father in a very deep way, especially through the worship times conducted by Graham Kendrick and Andy Park.

It was exciting to watch the passion of the Mongolians; hour after hour they stood and worshipped - no matter the weather. Old ladies on crutches danced as passionately as the children did! Even during the night the worship wouldn’t stop but ring throughout the valley. Approx. 15 years ago the church in Mongolia had no songs, no music, and no voice to lift it up to God – today there is a vast variety of songs and musicians! Today we don’t need to sing any more on their behalf, but together we can worship our glorious Lord and join into their songs. He made our dreams and visions come true!

Another highlight was the closing of the event with Tengerin Doo and Walter Heidenreich. The crowd was asked to turn toward the cross on the hill and everybody sang: “Majesty – forever I am changed by your love!” The 12 horsemen took their banners and carried them on their horses up the hill, accompanied by prayers of sending and blessing. Right now Mongolians and Western teams are travelling the nation of Mongolia and preach the gospel of Jesus. This young church in Mongolia will – according to its calling – carry the peace, healing and the love of Jesus to those nations where centuries ago Chinggis Khan spread fear and violence.

Click to see more photos and a video.

[ 08.03.2006 ] 2006 so far...

Graham at Roots, Atlanta 06 Pic: Andy Pressdee

We are only 10 weeks in to 2006 and already it has been a very special year. In early January Graham and the band flew to Atlanta for the Salvation Army Roots conference. Roots is well established in the UK but fairly new to America and so it was a priviledge to be involved in helping to develop this unique and ground breaking event.

Later in January Graham and Steve Thompson joined UK worship leader Tim Hughes in Edmonton for Breakforth Canada, the 'largest equipping and renewal conference in North America'. Following Breakforth, Graham and Steve spent some time with Grace Outreach Church in Boston Massachusetts before joining the rest of the band at Vision New England's Congress 2006. This is the 4th year that Graham has accepted the invitation to lead at Congress and every year has been special. Last year the event was the location for the Graham's recent CD USA Live Worship. This year Graham was joined by 3 local backing singers and well as new band recruits Ray Ashley (Trombone) and Julian Wiggins (Saxophones, whistles and flute).

Graham with Andy and Gabi Alonso and Jean Pierre Camparato

Shortly after returning to the UK, Graham flew to Egypt with Gabi and Andy Alonso for a week of training and teaching at a christian centre somewhere in the desert! This was followed by 3 days in Cairo with Maadi Community Church. MCC has three church services that were led by Graham and the band plus an open-air evening concert that was completely sold out.

At the beginning of March Graham, Raul D'Oliveira, Tim Oliver and Simon Dennis led an acoustic evening at Bristol's Clifton Cathedral, Graham Raul and Tim then drove to Cornwall to join Jesse Doyle, Henry George and Andy Pressdee for an evening at Carnglaze Caverns. Carnglaze is a tourist attraction boasting slate mines and underground lakes. The cave also hosts weekend concerts. This was Graham's second visit to a sold out Carnglaze.

These are a few highlights from 2006 so far. There is more to come!

[ 04.05.2005 ] Report from Worship and Arts Conference, Lisbon, Portugal

Graham with translator Paulo Pic: Andy Pressdee

The 'Arte&Vida' Conference was held at the Centro Christao Vida Abundante (Abundante Life Church) in the back streets of downtown Lisbon at the end of April. Graham and 5 musicians (Jesse Doyle, Henry George, Tim Oliver, Andy Pressdee and Portugal's own Raul D'Oliveira) spent 4 days with the delegates leading worship, psalmsurfing, taking workshops, speaking, teaching and performing.

The conference was often intimate with Graham teaching and singing from the Psalms, reminiscing about his early days as a singer/songwriter and teaching from the scriptures.

Local hero: Raul D'Oliveira Pic: Andy Pressdee

The concert on the Sunday night was great evening as Graham led the congregation through a time of celebration (Psalm 148, God of Heaven, Forever), reflection (To you O Lord, Peter at the breaking of the bread, Thorns in the straw) and adoration (How great thou art, The splendour of the King, Whole world in his hands) culminating in the prayer song Shine Jesus Shine and Do Something Beautiful.

Once again it was a moving experience to hear those words 'Fill this land with the Father's glory' ring out in yet another country.

[ 12.04.2005 ] Report from Spring Harvest 2005

Pic: Paul Gabb pkgabb@hotmail.com

Spring Harvest is an annual event in the UK where some 40,000 people gather over 3 different weeks at 2 different sites, for celebration, teaching, worship, concerts etc... Graham has been a regular part of this event since it's inception 27 years ago.

This year Graham and the band were once again helping to lead in the Big Top every morning and evening at the Minehead site. As always, the worship was exhuberant, passionate and celebratory.

Graham introduced several new songs including I shall be clean again and Psalm 51 as well as new songs by Tim Hughes (Whole world in his hands), Chris Tomlin (How great is our God) and Matt Redman (Nothing but the blood). There was also the big band rendition of 'Be Bold' and the New Orleans Jazz version of 'Oh Happy Day'. There were many highlights, including an evening of 'Psalmsurfing' where Graham led about an hour of improvised singing from the Psalms.

[ 12.04.2005 ] Report from Egypt

Pic: Andy Pressdee

Graham and 5 musicians spent 3 days in Cairo at the end of February. A local church in a downtown suburb hosted 3 'services' and an evening concert. The church meets under canvas and attracts many people to it's gatherings. Graham and the band led around 1500 people over the course of 2 days and greatly enjoyed the freedom to sing and play.

Before flying home the band were taking on a whistle-stop tour of Cairo which took in the pyramids, a trip on the nile, a camel ride, 'Garbage City' where many of the city's poor live, and a visit to an amazing 10,000 seat church that has been built from a natural ampitheatre on the side of a mountain.

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and felt very priviledged to have been a part of this special trip and look forward to returning some time soon.

[ 15.02.2005 ] Report from North America

Pic: Phil Sheldrake

Graham and band of 8 musicians and tour manager have just returned from a 10 day trip to Canada and the USA. First stop was The Peoples Church in Toronto. The church was hosting their first conference on evangelism with guest speakers including Ravi Zacharias and Peoples Church pastor Charles Price.  Graham led worship at the conference, led at the 2 morning services and also led 2 evening ‘worship concerts’. The concerts were great nights of revelation, repentance and joy. Graham introduced several new songs including ‘Psalm 148 (Praise the Lord from the heavens)’, ‘Psalm 51 (Have mercy on me O God)’ and ‘God of Heaven’. The well below freezing Toronto weather did not stop many people from attending the events, helping to make them very memorable occasions.

Graham was also a guest on the Canadian TV show ‘100 Huntley Street’ where he performed 3 songs live.

Pic: Phil Sheldrake

Mr. Kendrick and the band were very pleased to be invited back to the Moody Bible Institute’s Founder’s Week in Chicago, Illinois. Last year was a very special occasion and this year’s return trip was equally so. Moody is an incredible organisation with an amazing history. D L Moody began founder’s week nearly 120 years ago and to this day the Moody Church venue is packed full of people who have come to hear the gospel preached and to worship. This year’s theme ‘Who Is God?’ was a great gateway for songs like the old hymn ‘How great thou art’, ‘The Servant King’ and ‘Knowing you’.

Graham and the band were again just one part of an amazing program that included choirs, soloists and orchestras. They were also privileged to witness the change of President’s for the Institute as Dr. Joseph Stowell stepped down and Dr. Michael Easley took charge. An historic moment indeed.

Pic: Bob Hanson

The final leg of the trip took the band back to Vision New England’s Congress ’05 in Boston for the third year in succession, where there were many opportunities to lead the large congregation in worship. Graham once again took the chance to introduce some new songs including ‘I shall be clean again’, ‘God of heaven’ and ‘Psalm 148’. With a team of speakers that included John Eldredge, Bart Campolo and Barry Black, Congress 05 was a dynamic, inspiring, Christ-centred conference that gave time and space to the Word and the Spirit.