rufus harris

Back in 2002, we established 4thFridays w/ rufus harris having no idea of what it would

develop into. It was created to be a venue where my group could perform regularly.  And it was also fashioned to serve as a showcase to feature other diverse artists who are Christian - but not only musical artists.  4thFridays showcases: fine artists, photographic art, poets, comedians and dancers.  We had no idea that this vision would enlarge into what it is today: Christian Artists and Musicians Project (A.K.A. The CAMP).

We at The CAMP encourage the artist no matter the genre to perfect and to share their talent.  Our goal is to enrich the community through the arts.  Our vision is solid.  Our path is sure.  Our service is needed.  However, we can not do this without your help.  We invite you to carefully look at what we are doing and join with us in prayer, volunteering and financial support.

rufus

and cool.  One could say his live performance was equal to that of a studio recording, a real treat for those who attended indeed.  Excellent !!!

Paul Dozier

Executive Director, Rufus Harris then rolled out the purpose of The CAMP to attendees.  A five-minute promotional video was also used to walk audience members through the five facets of The CAMP.  These included:  4thFridays, Institutional Ministry, Festivals/Special Events, Media, and Artist Resources.

Board President, Denise Strong then presented The CAMP's goals for 2006 and explained how donors can help the organization realize its goals and

Denise Strong

even expand upon them.  Volunteers have, and will always be, welcome.  Many of those who attended recognized the need for The CAMP's unique and complete approach to promoting and assiting non-mainstream independent artists; while, at the same time, providing spiritual enrichment to communities through the sharing of the arts.

On a lighter note, one unanticipated topic of discus - sion that night was Rufus and his fitted tuxedo. 

Rufus Harris

Throughout the night, heads turned and comments such as, "Boy, you clean up well" and "Hey, look at you" rang out.

wearing a tux for the CAMP.

Gala Attendees

The success of the first gala-fundraising event can be attributed to the dedication and devotion of the many volunteers and members involved with the CAMP.  Special committee members included: Denise Strong, Mildred Sheats, Marvin Sheats,Michael Brewer, Michelle Burns and Matt Beaudry.  

The Executive Director and Board would like to extend both a special thanks and kudos to all who helped to make our first Gala a success.  A special thanks to Betty Mullen - affectionately known as "The Cake Lady" for making the "too good to start my New-Years resolution now" cake!

The CAMP received a great write up in The Oakland County Press that ran the day of the gala.  The story outlined the founders of The CAMP, the musical background of Rufus Harris, and the goals of the organization.    

Click or browse to read the article:

http://www.thecamponline.org/op120705.html

Newsletter October Highlights

Good Music, Good Coffee, Good Company

What can we say? 
Oh yeah! 
Ladies with fun hairdos ROCK!!

Our guests in October were Crisi and Angel

in two Prison Ministry Christmas campaigns on December 18^th at Thumb Correctional in Lapeer and Macomb Correctional in Lenox.  Denise Strong and Shannon Gaston from Prison Fellowship coordinated the event.  Over 100 men were in attendance at each program.

Prison Training Workshop

Six local artists shared music and poetry with the inmates a week before Christmas.  Artists on the roster included:  The Mad Prophets, Rhonda

Welsh, Amy Timbers and Rachel Brown, William Reynolds and Rufus Harris.  The speaker was an attorney named David Kramer.  He shared a meaningful parallel with the inmates. Just as he defends his clients, he explained how Christ is our advocate and defends us.  The lineup of artists was diverse and the inmates were happy to have the team there.  They were open and receptive to the message of Christ.  Another campaign was held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Sunday, January 15th.  This time, Rufus shared several tunes with the inmates at Thumb Correctional and poetry was shared by Shannon Gaston.  The CAMP is scheduling at least two more events in the spring and one in the fall teaming up with some national acts. The collaboration between The CAMP and Prison Fellowship began back in 2000 when Operation Starting Line - one of Prison Fellowship's affiliates contacted Rufus to go into facilities in Georgia, Lousiana and New England.  When he returned to Michigan, he

realized that the same could and should be done on a local level.  He contacted the local chapter of Prison Fellowship and began recuiting, auditioning, and training artists for prison ministry in Michigan.

Media

Just Radio.NET - an Internet radio station - was launched in January of 2005 and after only a few months on the air received a nominated for a "Best Of" award by Live365.com.  That was an honor - especially considering JustRadio was one of thousands of Internet stations on the air.  The radio station is heard in over 20 countries and is steadily growing in popularity.

Public Service Announcements:  The CAMP, in conjunction with Prison Fellowship and Red Letter Records, produced a public service announcement illustrating the positive effects of Prison Fellowship on the lives of prisoners.  Shot in Downtown Pontiac, the PSA featured local artist Beth Stalker, Noel Stalker, Arnold Nevels also known as DJ N-tangibolz and Rufus Harris.  There are plans in the works to air the PSA in Michigan and in different states throughout the country.

Artist Resources

The CAMP will be offering workshops and seminars focusing on ministry-related subjects and the business of music.  Topics will include everything from songwriting to recording.  Also in the works, are plans to connect artists and venues so that artists have respectable places to play and venues have access to diverse and gifted acts.

Festivals and Special Events

The CAMP seeks out partnerships with existing festivals and organizations to offer communities diverse Christian entertainment.  We assist in bringing together a variety of gifted artists who provide engaging and inspiring performances. Plans are underway for the first CAMP Music festival to be held this year.

Woodward Crossing

The first Woodward Crossing show of the year was held on January 13^th.  New jazzy/pop artist -
Kelly Eldridge took the stage as well as jazz artist -

(Page 4)

Kelly Eldridge w/ Marlin Baker

Paul Dozier (Sorry for the tiny picture)

Rufus was invited to play at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Milford.  The event began with a march down Main Street and then a luncheon and program afterwards.  The event was presented by the Huron Valley Diversity Council.  The group received information about The CAMP and wanted to include the organization in the celebration because of The CAMP's belief in diversity in the church.  Attendance at the event was far above expected.    Rufus shared three songs at the luncheon and received numerous compliments about his music and message.

Upcoming events: