CB Radio Wire

"GET GABE TO MALAWI" I & II

2009-03-16T14:40:00.006-04:00

I am playing 2 shows to help raise money for my good friend Gabe...I hope you can make it out!!!

Our good friend Gabrielle Romano is returning to Malawi for an 8-week internship with Children of the Nations!!!

All CD sales and "donations" will go to Gabe so come hang out with good friends, listen to some music, and lets GET GABE TO MALAWI!!!

*Monetary donations can also be sent by check to:
2549 Maitland Crossing Way
Unit 11302
Orlando, FL 32810

or...

You can donate through the COTN website!
http://www.cotni.org/opportunities/8
Intern Code: MA_IGR609

*If sending a check, please make it out to Children of the Nations. Please, also in the memo area of the check put in Gabe's intern code:
MA_IGR609

SHOW I
Date:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Time:
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:
Urban Flats (Winter Park)
Street:
601 S. New York Ave.
City/Town:
Winter Park, FL
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70439074480&ref=nf

SHOW II
Date:
Friday, March 27, 2009
Time:
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:
Cup O' Soul
Street:
711-A Orange Ave.
City/Town:
Winter Park, FL
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=60562930754&ref=nf

Wedding Website...

2009-03-03T17:19:00.011-05:00

This is a great way for friends and family to learn more about "our big day". Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://thejohnsonburnswedding.com/

Falling In/Falling Down

2009-02-20T17:18:00.006-05:00

Falling In/ Falling Down is a song that I wrote for Christy. (There is a LIVE version of it on my MYSPACE...the studio version will be on my next record)

I wrote this song on piano because I wanted it to be different from all of my other music; I wanted it to be unique like the love I feel for Christy.

The song is about how we, having both been destroyed by love in the past, feel about being together. I wanted to write down exactly how it feels to be with each other now, armed with the comfort of knowing that we are through with heartache - we are both finished falling in and then out of love; falling down and being hurt.

Falling In/Falling Down

I was knocking on your door

You were brave enough to let me in

These guarded hearts were sore

From the beating in our chests

Heavy with the weight of days gone wrong

Added with pain of oh, so long

Worn on our faces

I can see now we’re done taking turns

Falling in and falling down

We’ve both been here before

Wearing winter all year round

When love is frozen to the core

It won’t make a sound

But I hear cracking in the ice

So I wait around

And take the good advice

Of a friend I have found

Won’t it be nice?

I can see now we’re done taking turns

Falling in and falling down

MEET THE GROOMSMEN...

2009-01-28T17:43:00.006-05:00

MEET THE GROOMSMEN
I have the honor and privilege of introducing the men that will stand by my side on the most important day of my life. Meet THE GROOMSMEN…

THE BEST MAN: Marco Secchi
Marco has been my friend since we were kids playing little league together, growing up in San Jose, California. Our friendship grew in high school but I can honestly say that we have grown much closer in recent years, keeping in touch by phone, email, and occasional visits, regardless of the 2,500 miles we live from each other. He has been a friend, an adviser, and source of strength throughout my life. I always know that Marco can bring me up with a joke (He’s a funny man) or bring me back to reality if I need it. I couldn’t be prouder of him and all that he has accomplished in his life. I feel honored to have such a great man stand next to me at my wedding; he truly is the Best Man for the job.

THE BROTHER: Scott Burns
There is a handful of people in this world I would give my life for and one of them is my brother. Though we were never close in age the bond you have with a brother can never be broken. Like Marco, my brother lives thousands of miles away in Las Vegas, but this always gives Christy and I an excellent excuse to go visit. I am so proud of my brother. He has been through tough times in his life but has always come out on the other side, holding his head up; the epitome of strength. I have always looked up to my brother and I love him with all my heart. It means the world to me that he will be at my side when my beautiful bride comes down the aisle.

THE PILOT: Chad Johnson
Chad, Christy’s brother, has become more than just “my future brother in law”; he’s become my friend. Had it not been for Chad dragging Christy to Underground Bluz “that night”, Christy and I would have never met. Since that time I have formed a respect and close friendship with Chad and he has also been an inspiration. Watching him as he graduated from college and eventually working hard to become a pilot. Accompanied by a great heart he is, hands down, one the funniest people I know. (Perfect Uncle Material) I think it’s only fitting that he now gets to watch his only sister walk down the aisle while standing beside the man that has become his friend and will become her husband.

THE MUSICIAN: Alex Eastman
One of the first friends I made here in Orlando has become one of my best. I have a special connection with Alex, not only because we are both musicians, but because he has played Bass Guitar on all of my music. That may not seem important to some people but the bond you create with someone through making music is unlike anything else, and I cherish it. Music aside, he’s also a great human being, with a heart of gold and extreme sense of loyalty towards his friends. I’m proud to have a man like Alex, that helps me do what I love to do, stand up for me on my wedding day.

THE PRODUCER: Jason Gloria
Last, but certainly not least, is a man that I have grown to respect immensely. Jason was my producer first, helping to make every song of mine sound the best it possibly could. When you hear anything I record you are also hearing Jason. His skill at his craft and his love for music is unparalleled. You can’t help but form a deep friendship with someone that helps you create, and it wasn’t long before I began introducing Jason as one of my best friends instead of “my producer”. There are only a small group of people that can make me laugh out loud days after having said something funny; Jason is one of those people. Jason has made me a better songwriter and musician and I am forever grateful. I can’t imagine myself recording music with anyone else, and when you feel that close with someone, you want them to be by your side on the most important day of your life.

Dirty Jim (Ever want to to kill your boss?)

2009-01-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

If you have ever worked a job that you didn't like, or hated with every fiber of your being, it was mostly due to the fact you were not paid enough to deal with your boss. You know the type: Someone that you are far more qualified than yet they are somehow in charge of you...they call you names, belittle you, and abuse their power. A few years ago I wrote a bluegrass song titled, "Dirty Jim" to help convey the frustration that most of us feel in this situation. The song has been welcomed with open arms by most. The only gripe some have with the lyrics is that there are a few cuss words. This is tough for me because although I feel for the sensitivity of those with "little ears" and tender sensibilities, the frustration I felt towards this particular boss evoked, artistically, certain emotions and therefore the cuss words I used in the song were born. Why am I even explaining this? Because I love the song and I love to play it live but I am also a person that does not like to offend anyone. (Particularly people that like my music) Of course if I spot a child in the audience I quickly turn on the PG rated version, which is not nearly as fun. I hope that people can see why I used the words I used and realize that all language can be used to express emotions. I also feel strongly that had you worked for this man you would see nothing wrong with the cussing, and in fact, you would suggest that there should be more. Below is a video of me playing this song LIVE @ The Social. If you would like to hear the studio version go to my MYSPACE PAGE and have a listen. This song will be available on CD sometime later this year.

"Dirty Jim" by Chris Burns

Now gather round' my friends
And I'll tell you all again
The story of how we killed Dirty Jim
Dirty Jim was our boss
Everyday he would get sauced
And then wold get quite cross
You don't talk back to him...
Oh, how we hated Dirty Jim

He was cold and he was mean
The blackest eyes you ever seen
Every word from his mouth was a threat
And there's a story that's been spread
That will fill your heart with dread
When you're alone in your bed
He set his own Ma' on fire...
Just to light a cigarette

I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate this bastard
I think I'll bury him instead

We came up with a plan
To dispose of the man
Ideas were filling to the brim
There shouldn't be a fuss
There's one of him and four of us
And if he starts to spit and cuss
We'll tear him limb from limb...
and end the reign of Dirty Jim

I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate this bastard
I think I'll bury him instead

Well, the time had come at last
And it all happened so fast
Dirty Jim was tied upon the ground
And I know it seems absurd
But I never even heard him
Him say his last words
But maybe that's because the only sound...
Was that concrete pouring down

I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate that fucking bastard
I think I'll bury him instead

One year to the day
An investigator made his way
From the new police department down the street
The evidence was slim
In the case if Dirty Jim
With no hide nor' hair of him
All he could do was walk the beat...
The answers right below his feet
The answers right below his feet
The answers right below his feet

There's NO TEXT like the Holiday's

2008-12-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

“Happy New Year’s Everyone!” “OMG!!! HNY!!!”

I wanted to get this thought out before New Years for a couple of reasons. 1) In case I may offend anyone we can simply say that it was something that I had written last year and it is now far behind us. 2) Because I can already feel the onslaught of anxious text messages preparing to launch, filled with good tidings and well wishes.

Here is the deal:

I know you’re excited about the holidays and you want to share your excitement with all of your friends, particularly the ones stored in your phone. The problem is that everyone else is doing this too. So now, like clockwork, every holiday is filled with a slew of good cheer in the form of the IBTM or, Impersonal Blanket Text Message. You can almost hear the sigh of weary phone batteries being drained, absorbing the brunt of an unending stream of ones and zeros, beaming through the night like the Starship Enterprise. You may even have your message pre-written and saved as a draft just for New Years! This way you can watch the ball drop and all you have to do is hit send. (No one wants to deal with a nervous finger, shaking and sweating with anticipation, awaiting the exact moment to crush the send button, connecting all of your friends to your excitement simultaneously.) Look, I am guilty of this too…we all are. That is why I feel it necessary to take this moment, just before the New Year to ask, plead, and beg you…stop, for all of us.

First, admit that you have a problem. “My name is Chris and I…I, uh, well uh……I IBTM!!!” Second, challenge yourself to write and individual text message this year to a few select friends…make it personal. Trust me, no one is “feeling the love” when they receive these messages…in fact most people feel obligated to respond or worse, they feel like they should be doing the same thing! They begin flying through their phone, “selecting all recipients” or worse, they take the time to go through their phone, feverishly clicking everyone’s name just before they hit “send”. STOP!!!

Need a New Year’s Resolution??? Don’t be an IBTMer this year…take a moment and really connect with someone.

Just a thought…

The Only Living Boy In NY

2008-12-17T09:35:00.001-05:00

One of the biggest influences on my songwriting over the years has been Paul Simon. The Only Living Boy In NY is by far my favorite from his Simon and Garfunkle collection. (This song became popular again when it appeared in "Garden State".) I've posted the video here for you to watch. You can also find it on YouTube or on Paul Simon's MYSPACE PAGE.

His Version

My Version

Time to get connected---------}

2008-12-14T15:32:00.001-05:00

Over the last year and a half I have played everywhere and anywhere in the Orlando area and I have had a blast doing it. Thanks to everyone that purchased CB RADIO and those of you that have supported me by coming to my shows. I am currently working on a full length album which I am looking to release within the next few months. I am once again teaming up with my good friend and producer Jason Gloria. (Diatonic Productions)I am super excited. I will also be revamping everything (website/youtube/myspace/facebook/etc...) so stay tuned and get connected! The links below are the best ways to GET CONNECTED!

Thanks!

WEBSITE~
MYSPACE~
FACEBOOK~
YOUTUBE~
BLOG~
ROCK FOR HUNGER~
TWITTER~
DIATONIC PRODUCTIONS~

Visit Chris Here...

Chris' YouTube

Chris' Facebook

Chris' Blog

Chris' Twitter

Thomas, Jack, and Kathleen (Malawi Mission Trip)

2008-12-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

When friends and family ask me how my mission trip to Africa was I find myself at a loss for words. For those who know me, you may find that hard to believe. And still, months after being home I cannot fully wrap my head around the entire experience. I know that whatever I try to say or write will forever fall short of capturing the depressing, humbling, and inspiring feelings I had in Malawi. I will instead share my favorite story from the trip. A story that brings a smile to my face no matter how I am feeling. A story that not only confirmed my faith in Jesus but brought me home in a place that was not my own.

In Malawi my girlfriend, (now my Fiance) Christy, and I were working with Children of the Nations, a nonprofit organization that brings hope to the hopeless and gives children a fighting chance. Through COTN you can sponsor a child for less than a dollar a day and truly make a difference in his or her lives. Seeing this on TV never brought the importance of sponsorship home for me; in fact I used to change the channel.

All that changed for me in the village of Mgwayi. That is where I met Thomas, a smart, 11- year-old boy that I swear will be a teacher if not the President of Malawi someday. With his round face and glowing eye’s, you could see the hunger for learning inside this humble 8th grader. The entire time we were together he would call me, “My friend, Christopher,” while he was teaching me words in Chichewa. As we walked together, he would have one hand in his pocket while holding the other in the air like a waiter balancing a tray of drinks, as he would intently quiz me on the words he taught me the day before. I remember telling Christy that I would love for us to sponsor Thomas but after looking into it we found that he was not in the program. When push comes to shove all of these children need to be sponsored but COTN does a great job of putting into order the children that are in the most need. Although we were sad we couldn’t sponsor Thomas we felt good knowing that he was in school and had a family. Thomas and Me

I had an emotional goodbye with Thomas the day before we left. He came to see me play in the “big soccer game” even though the field was a great distance from his village. When the game was over I saw him standing by the sidelines looking for me. We walked all the way back to the COTN camp holding each other’s hand. With his free hand he made the motion of a plane and asked if I was leaving for America. “Come back soon, my friend Christopher.” I told him I would but only if he stayed in school. We embraced and as I entered the gates of the COTN compound I turned back to see him standing there; no shoes, torn shirt, wearing his Chicago Bulls cap, waving goodbye until I was out of sight.

Christy and Jackson

After learning that we could not sponsor Thomas, Christy told me about Jack. (Jackson) I saw firsthand the consequences of malnutrition in Jack. He is a 4 year old that looks like he’s 2. He didn’t talk at all but he crept into our hearts with his furrowed brow, baby cheeks, and his lips that seemed to be frozen in a constant pout. When we asked about Jack we were told that, unlike Thomas, we would be able to sponsor him and that we should meet his parents. We were both so excited. Upon meeting Jack’s Father, Gilibati (Gilbert) and Mother, Khricy (Krissy) we came to learn that Gilibati was the chief of Mgwayi. He just so happened to be doing concrete work in his house and having years of concrete experience, I was glad to help. Although there was a language barrier we could work together just fine and I felt a sense of pride rush through me as I helped out in the house of the child we would be sponsoring. Their house was built like all the others in the village, made out of dried mud bricks with dirt floors, although their house was bigger than most of the others we had seen, about 600sqft. After we finished working we said goodbye to Jack and his family. There were 8 children in all. From oldest to youngest: Matilda, Judith, Fikinla, Kingsley, Khricy, Precious, Jackson, and a new born baby that had yet to be named. She was a beautiful baby girl, only 3 weeks old.

Baby Kathleen

The next day we were told by Davey and Pike (COTN workers that put everything they have into getting these children sponsors) that there had been a mix up. Jack already had a sponsor. I could tell by looking at Christy’s face that we felt the same way. At first you are saddened to learn you cannot sponsor this child and yet you are excited that they are already being helped. We then asked Davey about the newborn baby we had met the day before. Davey asked us what her name was and we told them that she didn’t have one. He explained to us that in Malawi it is customary that the child be named by a relative from another village. With no cell phone or email this can take up to 3-4 weeks. Another reason for not naming babies is because the infant mortality rate is so high. Davey told us that he would go personally that day and get the baby registered into the program so we could sponsor her. He then told us that we may be able to name her. With no hesitation Christy and I told Davey that we would be honored if they named her Kathleen, after my Mother.

Mom and Me

This is where the story hits me the hardest. My Mother passed away from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on April 22nd, 2007, 4 days before I had met Christy. Christy was my rock through that entire time and it has always bothered us that she was unable to meet my Mother. To give you even more insight, I was raised Christian but I stopped going to Church and to be honest, after my Mom died, I lost my faith completely. It wasn’t until I met Christy that all that changed. She would tell me that she was going to Church and I would grumble and tell her to have a good time. She never forced me to go. She just showed me the door and let me know that it was always open. So I went to Summit Church a few times, and then a few more times after that. I found myself, for the first time in my life, feeling comfortable in a church. I felt like this place got it right and the more I dove in the more I got back. The more I walked towards Jesus the more the pain of losing my Mother disappeared. I found that, even though I still had many questions about Jesus and the church, my heart was open. Without Christy and Summit Church in my life I would have never gone to Africa.

We were able to sponsor that baby girl and her name is Kathleen Gilibati. Standing there under an African Sky, a little under a year and a half after my Mother had left this world, Christy and I found each other involved in a child’s life and her name was my Mother’s. Seeing Christy hold Kathleen brought me full circle. The woman I love was holding a child that we named after the other woman I loved. What had been a heart breaking ending turned into a heart breaking beginning. What broke God’s heart broke mine.

People often say that God works in mysterious ways and I never understood that before. Not until I went half way around the world did I learn what that truly meant. Kathleen’s picture hangs on our wall and we pray for her, hoping that she is blessed with a wonderful life. Through God, we were able to meet Thomas, Jack and Kathleen and they showed us that sometimes you have to leave your home to come home. You have to open your heart to what He wants you to see and feel.

Measured in Stories - God's Timing from Summit Church on Vimeo.

Check out these links and websites below for more info:

http://vimeo.com/2471559 (short video of the story you just read)

http://summitconnect.org/ (Summit Church, Orlando FL)

http://cotni.org (Children of the Nations)

CB RADIO WIRE

2008-12-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the CB Radio Wire and thanks for tuning in! I will be posting blogs here to keep you up to date on things...things like: Show Dates, Album Progress, Song Lyrics, General Information, Occasional Rants, Essays, Bubble Gum, Dinosaurs, Hula-Hoops, Refrigerator Magnets...etc. Anything goes here so please feel free to leave comments and questions anytime and I will do my best to respond. Thanks...

~CB

http://www.chrisburnscbradio.com/

www.myspace.com/chrisburnscbradio

www.youtube.com/dickwiseman

http://rockforhunger.ning.com/profile/ChrisBurns