Special Friends of CFU – Pato Banton
One of our favorites of all time is Pato's narration of "The Words of Christ" which are available as a free gift from Pato to all of our listeners!
Special Friends of CFU – Pato Banton
By Susan Lyon
This month we're sharing the ministry of a special friend and CFU supporter, Pato Banton. Everyone loves Pato. His generous spirit and sincere heart shine through every time he smiles. The CFU team connected with him at the Parliament of the World's Religions again in Chicago last month. Minister Pato Banton is a Grammy nominated reggae legend, with a four-decade career earning him a place in the British Music Hall of Fame. His youthful enthusiasm and love for God lights up any room! Pato is being discovered by new fans all the time and one of our own CFU creative writers just recently heard Pato's music for the first time and he loves it!
Pato received a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless community work to reduce gun crime. His journey has increasingly transcended the music business into arenas of youth outreach, teaching in schools and colleges, writing new curriculum for children with learning disabilities and Global Spiritual Ministry.
Recently, Pato and his wife Antoinette Rootsdawtah were both presented with the prestigious Unity Earth "Keepers Of The Flame" Award, appointed as "Goodwill Ambassadors of the Golden Rule" by Ambassador Mussie of the United Religions Initiative.
Pato describes himself as a (BrotherFriend) and relates the experience of his recent tour with his beautiful wife Antoinette...
“Spreading The Good News Tour”
Our mission was to share The Good News and promote The Urantia Book to thousands of people at free concerts during our musical tour across California. Both myself & Antoinette had been working on this idea for quite a while, but lacked the resources to make it happen. With the funds made available through the Mustard Seed Grant, we were able realize our vision.
Our initial goal was for just me, Antoinette, and a technical assistant to travel to a few cities doing a simple performance that would allow us to reach the people through our inspirational music, while also sharing the Gospel of The Good News. But when our band heard about the tour, they all wanted to be involved and because of the buzz that was created on social media, other venues and promoters reached out to us and we ended up doing much more shows than we anticipated with most of them being free! We also sent out email invitations to all 48 Study Group Leaders across California alerting them about the tour and inviting them to join us for a good time and service opportunities during the concert, at the Prayer Circle after the concert or at the Merchandise Booth where inquisitive souls are exposed to The Urantia Book and ask questions of whoever is attending the merch table. It was great to have fellowship with those who responded, attended and supported our mission in their own unique and special ways. We are eternally grateful to all of you!
Upon reflection, I can honestly say that the tour was a huge success and we even surpassed our expectations! All the concerts were well attended and some were even sold out! Yes, free tickets go fast! LOL! Most of the shows were Family Friendly so parents were able to bring their children for an early show and it was awesome to see the excitement on their faces when we invited the kids to join us on stage. There was singing and dancing, big smiles, lots of laughter, tears of joy, warm hugs, high fives, thanksgiving and prayers. The feedback and loving appreciation that we received from the crowds of people was overwhelming at times, but we realized that there’s a lot of people in this world that just need a hug, a little positivity and some loving energy in their lives right now.
Finally, I’d like to report that over 30 books we gratefully received from The Urantia Foundation and were placed in the hands of excited Truth-Seekers! Amen!!!
One Love Always,
Pato Banton (BrotherFriend)
Like "The Golden Rule" or "The Good News", when "The Spirit of Ubuntu" is fully embraced, it's like an inner spark emerging as a living flame that leads to loving service. Pato Banton 💖
Pato Gets the Party Started!
A review by James Woodward 4-25-23
Sacramento is crazy for Pato Banton and Swabbie’s Resort is where his fans love to party with the reggae legend.
The outdoor venue situated right on the Sacramento River is the perfect place to relax, have a beer, eat the best fish tacos, and groove to the authentic reggae music that Pato and his band are famous for. Still an energetic performer after decades of world touring, Pato energizes the crowd with his crazy dance moves, stage mastery, and unique vocal delivery. His fans know the words to the catchy originals and sing along, and sometimes he yanks them up on the stage to perform with their musical hero.
The young ones in the crowd are never overlooked as Pato loves to bring them onstage to sing and dance with him. There are prizes and fun for the kids as he playfully teases them while encouraging their best moves.
The message of peace and love is always front and center at a Pato Banton show, along with the spiritual message that we are all the children of Our Heavenly Father, making us all spiritual brothers and sisters. Without preaching, Pato manages to instill a "God Vibe" that is infectious, uplifting and welcome to all ages. Since the beginning of his career many of his songs have focused on righteous behavior and the best attitude, reminding us to “Stay Positive!” and "Never Give In" The band is always tight, featuring the multi-talented Antoinette Rootsdawtah on backing vocals and keys, and performing her own amazing songs. Rounding out the solid crew is Gavin Thompson on bass guitar, Antoine Richardson on drums and Ben Lowe on lead guitar. Every show is unique as Pato enters an instinctive zone of crowd sense, serving up just the right tunes from his extensive and Grammy-nominated repertoire. The synergy between performer and fans is some kind of musical magic!
As he often does, Pato wound up the evening with a joyful and reverent prayer circle, joining hands and everybody expressing what’s in their hearts, giving gratitude to Jah for life and love. I’ve seen many Pato Banton shows, but the natural setting and appreciative fans at Swabbie’s make them the best! Mr. Banton always gets the party started and continues to keep it real for us. “Go Pato!”
Pato's wife Antoinette is Tour Manager, Music Director, and handles booking & social media. Antoinette is a talented artist in her own right, and is very active with her own special projects and causes.
The Words of Christ – Narrated by Pato Banton
One of our favorites of all time is Pato's narration of "The Words of Christ" which are available as a free gift from Pato to all of our listeners! The CD collection is accompanied by Antoinette's lovely music. We know you will enjoy it!
Pato Banton is an Official Ambassador of The Golden Rule and Grammy Nominated Reggae Legend that has recorded and toured the world promoting peace, love & unity – and for many he has become a source of inspiration. patobanton.com
40th Anniversary Album
The following link leads to an amazing "40th Anniversary Album" which is another free gift for all of Pato's Fans, Friends and Spiritual Family who have supported his career over the years. Pato thanks everyone for all of the love, blessings, genuine friendships, fun and laughter, prayer circles and hugs that were shared throughout his musical journey. Enjoy all 22 tracks! One of my all-time favorites is Groovin (way better than the original). 40th Anniversary Album
We hope you will also take time to review and enjoy more of Pato's music and activities as featured in the links below... we think you will agree! He's absolutely wonderful!
www.youtube.com/OfficialPatoBanton
