ABOUT - BARRIE HART

Even before the age of 11 when Barrie began singing hymns with The Fairfax Presbyterian Church choir, music had been her joy – it was her safe place to express herself.

While growing up in Marin County, California, Barrie enjoyed the blessing of being exposed to some of the greatest artists of her time. Her major influences are such bands as the Allman Brothers and singer songwriters Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt.

Barrie began to seriously study voice with blues artist Sarah Baker during the 80’s. Barrie’s talent and passion soon convinced Sarah to invite her to sing backup vocals with her band, which included live performances at the Warfield, in San Francisco. The taste of live performance changed her life.

Sarah Baker introduced Barrie to Ashley Cleveland, who also became a major influence on both her music – but more importantly on her decision to return to the church.

Happily, the church wasn’t just singing hymns anymore.
The honesty of the songs and contemporary style of the music inspired Barrie to immerse herself and she began serving on the worship team at the local Vineyard church she and her family had begun attending.

Again, recognizing Barrie’s passion and talent for connecting with an audience, she was soon invited to lead the worship, and for the last 10 years she has been honored to be the Worship leader for the Vineyard Church in Marin County, California.

Her abilities have also given her the opportunity to teach contemporary worship professionally at other churches and denominations. Barrie has musically participated in a wide variety of spiritual events. One local program dear to her heart is the musical service she regularly leads at San Quentin State Prison. Her experiences have enabled her to hone her skills and given her a place to truly nurture her musical passion.

In 2006 Barrie decided to put together a band where she would have the opportunity to play in a variety of venues: Street fairs, local Farmer’s markets, wineries and some local pubs. This has given her a unique opportunity to blend songs of worship with those that touch on universal themes.

In 2007 Barrie was approached by a friend who wanted to back her in recording a CD of her songs of worship. Thus the beginning of “Whom shall I send,” Barrie’s freshman project.

As we enter 2008, Barrie continues to play with her band. And with CD in hand stepped down from leading worship in her local church in order to devote her time to leading worship in a variety of churches with Kingdom of Grace Ministries, continuing her San Quentin ministry and with an eyes towards travelling.

Over the years Barrie's passion and compassion has led her song writing to focus on her life experience on a very personal level. Barrie has the ability to reach across lines and speak to audiences in unique and powerful ways. Whether a song of worship or a song about the joy or the pain of everyday life, the invitation to join her on the journey is irresistible.