Rufus Tree is a modern rock band containing members from both the Milwaukee area and the Chicago area. Some of their musical influences include Switchfoot, Lifehouse, and Pearl Jam. Rufus Tree has had the privilege of opening for bands such as the Normals, Sonicflood, and Dove Award winner Mitch McVicker. Their unique blend of instruments, such as; mandolin, harmonica, accordion, hammer dulcimer, jaw harp, and e-bow have helped them create a unique sound in the Christian indie-music scene. Where did the name "Rufus Tree" come from? Well, Rufus, in Greek, means “red.” The color red can signify many things, with the most apparent possibility being blood. This paints a striking picture of a tree covered in blood, possibly the tree that Rufus’ father Simon carried up the hill to Calvary. As Mark 15:21 says, “And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry His cross."