One of the many ministries we support....

T.A.P.P. Ministry

Last Year michele and the band were able to raise money for two women to do missionary work in Africa. When these two women came back they brought more than stories of their trip. They introduced us to a new mission we feel God is calling us to support, and we want to do all we can to help educate others about the T.A.P.P. mission.

Most people are aware of the aids epidemic in Africa and how it has affected everyone, including children and even infants. The T.A.P.P (Tumaini AIDS prevention program) is a grassroots social movement. Tumaini is a Swahili word meaning "hope." The T.A.P.P. program "seeks to engage in longterm, holistic care with persons living with HIV and aids." The members of this program handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of recycled paper and sell them to help pay for food and medicine. The sale of these items creates an income for the members as well as the opportunity to start small business projects. Each bead invites you into the story of a person living with HIV or aids. The handcrafted pieces are beautiful and every time you purchase just one of the items you can feel blessed knowing you provided food for one family for an entire month! Through one of the women who traveled to Africa we have the ability to offer these beautiful items for sale at our concerts. Since this is a mission we wish to support, our ministry will not be taking any of the proceeds from the sale of these items. All money will go directly into the program. If you are interested you can ask for more information or check out their website at the following addresses:

tapp.futurehope@gmail.com or www.tapphope.org

A.W.L commercial- big blessings!

Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County: Michele was asked last year to come up with a radio jingle for the Kosciusko County Animal Shelter, and with Gods guidance, she was able to provide just what they needed. The radio jingle will be playing on several radio stations this year and you can hear it on the web site of the A.W.L.. as well. Although Michele and the band members lean towards jazz and blues style music with a touch of rock, they knew the majority of the people in the Kosciusko area love country so that is the flavor you hear in the jingle. The band was excited for the opportunity to record something together for the first time and they are proud of the quick turn around they were able to provide on the jingle.

You can listen at the link below.

New Drummer needed.......

Drummer retiring: Our drummer, Vic Bishop made the decision to retire and we are sill looking for a drummer/percussionist. If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them contact our office. Contact information is on the "Contact" page on this site.

We are looking for the following qualities:

1-Teachable spirit

2-Positive but grounded

3-Able to play jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, alternative, and a little bit of country

4-Willingness to play benefits and some gigs without monetary pay.

Back Up Guitar Player-Keith Prizer: You will see a lot more of Keith Prizer at our next few gigs, our regular guitarist is not able to participate in our current opportunities and Keith has offered to help us out when Jason is unavailable.

Joyful Jail !

Jail Ministry: Every year Michele and the band are given the opportunity by John Boren, the jail pastor, to share their gifts with the inmates. This year although the scheduling was a bit tight God was still in the details planning a night Michele said was "wonderful as usual."

We always go in hoping and praying to be a blessing and end up getting blessed beyond our expectations!

This year our bass player Chris and woodwind player, Rod Roman both went in with Michele, and she also invited Pastor Rob Barton from the church where she is the music/creative arts director.

Michele said when she invited Pastor Rob to join them, he asked to bring another young man who also had a great testimony.

John told Michele the jail was almost to capacity with more inmates than they had ever had, and many of them were really seeking God.

When Michele first learned she would get the opportunity to go back in, she found out she would be sharing the night with Mark Eckel, the "Splat Experience" artist. Michele said,"I was a little apprehensive because our gear takes up a lot of room and we were bringing extra people, and Marks gear takes up even more room! So, I was wondering where the inmates were going to sit I was also wondering if I would be covered in paint by the end of the night."

Mark went first with his incredible paint show, then the band and I did a mini concert, and last, I invited my pastor and his friend up to share and wrap the evening up with an altar call."

"You can imagine our excitement when we offered the opportunity to receive Christ in each group and saw many hands go up.! God is so good, and we were so blessed to have the opportunity to once again see how God can work in small spaces with our small gifts and make giant steps for His kingdom."

FUR BALL BIG SUCCESS. The Michele Payton Band was invited to perform at the

5th Annual "Fur Ball" this year. Their performance was exceedingly well-received and the Director of the AWL charity for homeless animals was ecstatic at the turnout, and the monetary gains to help the shelter. The band received many accolades during and after the event which is the largest event held by the not-for-profit organization each year. A silent auction and a live auction also spiced up the action. "I hope we can utilize this band again." said the director, "The music was appealing to almost everyone and that is difficult to accomplish. Michele and the group were excellent and we very much appreciated their efforts."