Come one, come all...  Join us this Friday, August 27th!

Listen to our commercial that is running on WMUZ go to: www.rufusharris.com
and click on the button and download.

coffee cupon the roof 
August 2004 Newsletter
Good Music, Good Coffee, Good Company
coffeecup

  July Highlights  
This show didn't require the usual heavy duty setup.  It was much easier since both of our special guests were solo performers. 

It was a "spiritual evening"  - but without Christian cliche.   Our guests shared from their hearts and their lives about a living everyday and practical relationship with Our Heavenly Father!  As a matter of fact, the whole show revolved around the True Star - Jesus.  
Some even called last month's 4thFridays the best show to date.   Attendees were served.

K
nowgood
- This witty rap artist delighted the crowd.  Knowgood, this time out shared a lot of great stories.  He talked about his life in the secular hip hop music industry, how God touched his heart while making a music video, and how he gave up a life of drugs, sex, violence and a whole lotta money - "stupid money".  He also discussed the influence of secular hip hop on suburban and urban kids and why Christian rap is so important. 

Knowgood is currently working on a new release called Mr. Usta (translation: who he used to be)- to be released this Fall.  We'll keep you posted on the dates of the release party.  In the meantime, check out his newly-designed website at www.knowgood.com.

Rhonda Hanson - was wonderful.  She came to us all the way from Tennessee - via Faithfest.  Due to her aching feet, she played her entire set on piano barefoot.  You don't get more down-to-earth than that!  (Just for clarification, she played with her hands not with her feet.) She, like Knowgood, shared songs and stories from the heart - how some of her early church experiences caused her to abandon the faith for many years hurling her into a life of drugs, alcohol, and failed marriages - but how in the end God pulled her out of it.  She also shared why Michigan is near and dear to her heart and how the believers here were instrumental in getting her to share her music again.  You can read her story online at www.rhondahanson.com.

As usual, rufus harris was jammin.  A very special thanks to bassist Ralf Patterson for helping out and Paul DiCarlantonio who filled in for Jeannine on the drums.



Studio A @ the Ford Center                                                                 Paul DiCarlantonio                                                     

Here's a look at what's coming up on August 27th:
Sam Dougherty - He's a country artist with a voice that's nothing short of heavenly.  A friend of ours in Marcellus, Michigan referred us to Sam a couple of years ago.  We sampled his music online and found his voice soothing and his lyrics beautiful.  Sam lives in Sherwood, Michigan.  His latest project is called Six Strings and God.  He says, "it's just the guitar and I following God's Holy Spirit."  He first appeared on our stage back in June of 2002 and we knew we had to have him back.  He describes his music as country with a contemporary flavor.  He'll share tunes from his latest release and some stories about prison ministry. Don't miss it!



Darryl Earl - An online newsletter - Sound Doctrine called this guy "ridiculously funny".  And
we certainly agree.  You'll be able to relate to a lot of the stories Darryl shares.  He is a frequent
performer at The Upper Room in Detroit and always keeps audiences laughing with his witty personality and down-to-earth humor.  Both young and old enjoy his funny stories of everyday life coupled with the Christian message.  Earl supplies just what our world needs - a healthy dose of laughter and spirituality to lighten up our lives.  You'll enjoy Sam and Darryl this week.


rufus harris will also share some great tunes on Friday.  We're really mixing it up this month so come on down and enjoy and evening of Good Music, Good Coffee and Good Company.

Mr. & Mrs. Knowgood (Gina)





...Some kid snuck in and won the raffle :)





 
 
 
 
OTHER NEWS:
Faithfest
- rufus harris along with a host of Christian Artists performed at last month's Faithfest.  This three-day festival featured everything from rock to rap.  If you missed this event, you really missed a treat.  You'll have to wait a whole year.  But you can check out the website to see all 70 plus artists who appeared at www.faithfest.net.  Congratulations to festival organizer Gary and Crystal Schippling for pulling off a great event!

 
Arts Beats and Eats Weekend - We are trying something new and exciting this year with The Bridge Church in Pontiac.   Since the church is located at the Lafayette Grand in the heart of Downtown Pontiac and the popular festival - Arts, Beats, and Eats happens every Labor Day weekend in Pontiac, the church thought it would be a good idea to setup an outdoor stage in the parking lot that Sunday (Sept. 5).  We have agreed to assist in providing the performers for this event.  As you probably know, Arts Beats and Eats does not feature a Gospel Stage although there have been Gospel Artists.  The Bridge Stage will feature various styles of Christian music including rock, rap, jazz, folk and more.  We need your help to make this event a success.   So come on out, bring some friends and your church and support this great event. 
Admission is free.  If you haven't been able to make it out to 4thFridays, you'll have an opportunity to hear some of those very same acts at this Sunday afternoon event.   The day will start with an outdoor church service at 10:30am and the concert will begin at 2pm.  The Bridge Church is located at One Layfayette between Saginaw and Wayne Road. 

Attention Artists - We invite Christian artists of all types to come out to see our shows - whether you want to perform at a future show or just check out what we're doing.  We'd like to meet you. 

4thFridays is presented by theCamp - Christian Artists and Musicians Project - a non-profit organization.  One of our purposes is to promote and showcase the independent Chrisian artist - especially Michigan artists.  So if you are an artist, we encourage you to come check us out and support what we're doing.  We need your help in order to make an impact.  Soon there will be news that will concern you directly.
Fundraiser - Stay tuned for information on our first annual fundraiser for theCamp in November.  Proceeds from this function will benefit all C.A.M.P. activities including 4thFridays and various other art related ministry. 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... by rufus
I've been a Christian for a little over thirty-years and I thought I had heard just about everything - or at least a version of most "spiritual" things and or teachings.  Basically I'm saying that - anymore - nothing really surprises me.  Well, recently I was surprised.  My pastor (Jack Wyatt) casually said something at the end of a message a few weeks ago that I had never heard quite so plainly before - maybe I hadn't been listening carefully enough(?)  If this is not new for you I apologize, but it is still good stuff.

Jack's message was about spiritual fruit.  He shared that spiritual fruit - just like natural fruit - if not used will just spoil and it will have to be thrown away.  The words that surprised me were, "the spiritual fruit are not for us, but for others".   Spiritual fruit is for the benefit of others!  Something to think about...  There is no way around it, Christianity is about giving one's life away.   What is your Christianity about?  God open the eyes of our hearts.

There are only three more shows this year so don't miss out!  Take advantage of our group coupon. 
Groups of four or more pay just $7 each.
4thFridays is presented by Red Letter Records and The C.A.M.P.
(Christian Artists & Musicians Project):

Come check it out
This month in Studio A
The Ford Community & Performing Arts Ctr.
15801 Michigan Ave.  Dearborn, MI
between Southfield & Greenfield Rds.
Doors open at 8pm/Show starts at 8:30pm
Admission: $10
Info: 248-886-0881
information@redletterrecords.com
-----------------------------
 Ford Center
the Ford Center for Performing Arts
-----------------------------
If you choose not to receive future 4thFridays e-mails simply click below to unsubscribe.