www.rufusharris.com

Here We Go...

The first show of the year can be at the least hectic and even stressful. The crew begins arriving at about 1:30 with the goal of opening the doors at 8pm. With so much equipment to transport to the Ford Center you're bound to forget something, right? Usually it's the little things like batteries; an audio cable or guitar stand - something you can do without or pickup at a nearby store. But two and a half hours before the show started, Rufus realized he had left his guitars at home - yep all three!! Considering he lives about an hour away - it's now rush hour - and couple that with the fact that his sound check was to take place in about an hour, this posed a problem. Another issue was the fact that he and wife Denise always arrive at the center in one truck pulling a trailer. Imagine fighting rush hour pulling that kind of weight.

Jeannine to the rescue! Jeannine, the house band's drummer most graciously and without thinking twice volunteered her SUV to Denise who had to trek back to the house to pick up the guitars and make it back down in time for the house band's sound check at 7:30pm. Well, she did just that and made it in record time. Guest Band - Zamar was just finishing their sound check and Rufus was able to run through a few songs. Of course, this delayed our goal of opening the doors at 8pm. It was more like 8:15. No exaggeration, a huge line had formed outside of Studio A. The natives were restless (we even had to throw out one lady who had slipped by security

); anxious to get in; get their coffee and their seats.

The January show ended up being the largest 4thFridays show to date - nearly. Our normal attendance more than doubled. Folks of all ages from all walks of life showed up ready to enjoy good music, good coffee and good company. Speaking of the coffee - our brewmister ran out! But I think most would agree - it was a fantastic show!

January Highlights

The Poet's Corner -First up was Tracy Price - our resident poet. As always, she passionately shared readings from Oswald Chamber's - Our Brilliant Heritage and Billy Graham's Hope for Each Day. The first piece by Oswald spoke of losing one's soul for Christ's sake in order to find it and the second by Graham dealt with being spiritually blinded by sin but how in Christ we have the light of life. Both readings were messages we needed to hear.

Next...rufus harris - It was kind of a VH1 Storytellers night. First the band played their first set which included My life, Look So Good, Love in What You Do, and Left with Questions. Then Rufus shared a few stories of his life growing up in Alaska, experiencing the largest North America earthquake, and seeing the aftermath of the Tsunami in Seward. He also shared how after almost 40 years, he caught up with his friend - Frank Jerue - a Native American who started him on guitar. The two are now regularly back in touch via email and by phone. He ended with a beautiful acoustic song called Face to Face which speaks of longing to see God face to face.

Then there was Zamar! First, we watched a video featuring Zamar saxist Marlin Lewis Baker sharing how they hope to reach people with their music. Then the band took the stage. Zamar was fantastic! (GOOD GRIEF! These guys just keep getting better and better.) They shared tunes from their latest release - Day of Joy. The band received two encores and a standing ovation. The crowd just didn't want them to leave. Their last song ended with a phenomenal drum solo by Zamar's Pete. The crowd hollered! These guys (including percussionist Johnny Ballard, keyboardist Careem A. Warren, guitarist Paul Dozier and bassist William Pope) really love Jesus and personify what it means to perform before the Lord.

rufus harris - After the raffle, Rufus and band came back up and drummer Jeannine commented that her drums were "still smokin'" from Pete's solo. Later the band introduced two new covers - secular tunes - Maybe I'm Amazed and We Don't Need Another Hero. Rufus explained how secular tunes when shared in context can be effective in pointing people to God.

It was a great show that ended with lots of people hanging out and fellowshipping afterwards.

Here's what's brewing for February 25th: We mix it up!

Paul McKenzie- This is Paul's second time at 4thFridays. He first took the stage back in December of 2002 reciting letters from the Apostle Paul entirely from memory. This time he will sing and play guitar for us. Paul is a skilled vocalist, classical guitarist and song writer. His lyrics, voice and music will soothe and minister to you. For more information about Paul visit: www.paulmckenzieministries.com

Omega Force- We welcome this band for the first time to the 4thFridays stage. Their musical style is comparable to Kid Rock and POD. They creatively blend rock, rap and funk to form their unique sound. Their songs are about the end times, spiritual warfare, winning the war and being ready for Christ's return. Last year they opened for the rock band - Petra. They'll take the stage this Friday and share songs from their latest release - Nu Mission. Be ready to rock!!

And of course, the house band rufus harris will be there as well..

TRY NOT TO MISS THIS SHOW!

Coffee - Our brew mister invites you to stop by the coffee table to enjoy this month's featured flavor - Chocolate Kiss. Also enjoy popular Purple Passion Tea. And of course there will be de-caf and the 4thFridays' house blend for those who like it strong and robust.

Raffle - With paid admission, you'll receive a ticket for our raffle. The drawing is held near the end of the show. You can win music and coffee in a little canvas tote.

OTHER NEWS:
Special Thanks - go out to Christina Hoeinghausen for the wonderful and creative photos at January's show, and Chris Kokenos and Jack Wyatt for helping with setup and/or tear down.

On The AIR - It's here! Check out JustRadio.NET - a new Christian Indie radio station. You can listen to great Christian music while your work or play 24/7 by logging on to: www.justradio.net. You'll hear the music of 4thFridays' artists and more. Also coming soon - artist interviews, radio plays and documentaries. Reaching the World With Music that is Just. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Call us today. Also, thanks to all you who are listening and commenting! Along with us, help us get the word out about JustRadio.NET. Email the link to friends and family. Thanks!

Artists interested in radio play, send your CD with recommended tracks to the mailing address below. Projects will not be returned. See a complete list of artists who are currently featured on the radio station at: JustRadio.NET/justradioartists.

TheCamp - What is it? We've had that question. It stands for Christian Artists and Musicians Project. It is the newly formed non-profit organization (pending 501(c)(3) status) that presents 4thFridays every month. Also under TheCamp umbrella are: Prison Ministry Events, Internet Radio, Concerts/Outreaches, and Artists Resources. You will hear this name more and more in the upcoming year. And stay tuned for a new website currently underway.

Prison Ministry - Attention Artists - if you're interested in sharing your music and message in prison, contact us. If you're not an artist but would like to minister to the prison population, we need you also. Training is available. We are also looking for churches, organizations and/or individuals to sponsor teams for in-prison events. This would entail financing meals, mileage, housing, and a stipend. Call us at 248-886-0881.

Take Advantage of 4thFridays...

gold card Gold Membership Cards - Gold membership cards are available for those of you who wish to purchase your admission to 4thFridays shows in advance. Enjoy nine shows in 2005 plus the Jan. 2006 show for only $73. This offer is good through February 25. Pick up your cards this coming Friday at our merchandise table. Checks and money orders are accepted.

Silver Membership Card (for artists) - If you're an artist, take advantage of our Silver Card. This card entitles you to any six shows in 2005 for only $48. Silver cards will also be available at the merchandise table this Friday. These cards help us to help others and you too!

Want To Help theCamp?- Hey if you like what we're doing at 4thFridays and you would like to support it financially, send your donation to: The Camp 5119 Highland Raod #207 Waterford, MI 48327. Proceeds will support 4thFridays shows, prison ministry and the Internet radio station.

Help Indies - Christian independent artists have a lot to offer the world but face many obstacles. Too many abandon their gift because of discouragement and frustration. Want to help them get out there and fulfill their calling? Here are some very practical things you can do:

-Buy their music

-Go to their shows

-Request their music on the radio

-Ask for their products at music stores

-Encourage churches and other venues to book them (that includes Rufus)

-Suggest them as openers for headliners

-Contact them about starting a street team

-And most of all - pray for them

4thFridays was actually started by Indies and friends. So - on behalf of all us who are just trying to get out their, we thank you for your support!