Armed with horsehair bow, The cellist reaches down through, Vertical teachings, Through horizontal stratagem, Discovering subtle, powerful sound itself, Spreading life in its natural state, Floating in songs disciplines compiled, Colliding far above the, Serpent’s judgment, Above digital, electric lies, Acoustical sound resonates across time, Penetrates false bravado, Like the point of a dagger, Buried to its hilt and twisted, Acoustic sound binds us all together, Fuses us into one culture, Indifference and prejudice shudder, Confused, They try … [Read more...] about
Arts
Queeny King performs at SQ
At age 8, singer-song writer Queeny King sang in a Soviet Union prison. In March, she performed at San Quentin State Prison. Dressed in black bell-bottom pants with buttons along the side and wearing a black blazer with a shiny brown blouse, King put on a look that, on its face, could have been interpreted as belonging to rock, goth, punk or the pop genre of music. It became obvious none of that was her once the music played and she started singing. King’s song Run for the Hills opened the early evening performance with DJ Kraig (Frank Tyler) … [Read more...] about Queeny King performs at SQ
Solitary Watch offers inmates photographs beyond a gray wall
The day he learned his solitary confinement would be extended, 17-year-old Benjamin Van Zandt killed himself in a New York prison. To bring awareness and bridge the gap between the public and those in isolation, an advocacy group held an art exhibit in a Unitarian church in New York, showcasing photographs requested by and produced for prisoners in segregation, reported Newsday. “Viewers are able to see not what incarcerated people see, but what they envision—the vivid and varied thoughts, objects, images that all minds produce, independently … [Read more...] about Solitary Watch offers inmates photographs beyond a gray wall
Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ
There is a way to change anger and fear to love, singer-songwriter Neda Boin told an audience of San Quentin prisoners and outside guests. For her, it came after completing A Course in Miracles. Boin came from the Netherlands to release songs from her new album, The Light Has Come, at San Quentin State Prison. About 100 guests attended the February concert held in the Catholic chapel. Boin told the audience that A Course in Miracles: Mastering the Journey from Fear to Love changed her life and inspired her music. “It’s been about feeding … [Read more...] about Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ
Art Prison Program
California prisoners are learning art behind prison walls and it’s transforming their lives, reports the New York Times. They are creating artistic scenes with bright color and light on murals at prisons like Salinas Valley and San Quentin state prisons. “I don’t have much of a legacy,” said Jeffrey Sutton, who is serving 41 years for armed robbery. “This is something positive that helps me focus on getting out.” The mural program is part of a new initiative by the state of California that offers prisoners classes such as Native American … [Read more...] about Art Prison Program
ART PRISON PROGRAM
California prisoners are learning art behind prison walls and it’s transforming their lives, reports the New York Times. They are creating artistic scenes with bright color and light on murals at prisons like Salinas Valley and San Quentin state prisons. “I don’t have much of a legacy,” said Jeffrey Sutton, who is serving 41 years for armed robbery. “This is something positive that helps me focus on getting out.” The mural program is part of a new initiative by the state of California that offers prisoners classes such as Native American … [Read more...] about ART PRISON PROGRAM
Artistic Ensemble Showcases Its Talents
A prison chapel served as a theater to dance, sing, rap and use spoken-word for an inmate performance, called Site Unseen. The audience of free people and men-in-blue walked across a makeshift stage and sat side by side to enjoy San Quentin’s Artistic Ensemble. “Prisoners, equality is not important to them … they like their plight. Like Prisoners, they like their plight,” expounded Chris Marshall at the Jan. 24 performance. His commanding voice echoed as the audience found their seats. “I’ve been in this room hundreds of times and each time … [Read more...] about Artistic Ensemble Showcases Its Talents
Shakespeare troupe brings on comedy and drama
Energy was high and humor flowed like good ale when performers in costume of Old England mixed with the audience at the San Quentin Protestant Chapel prior to the performance of two plays. The Shakespeare at San Quentin troupe held performances of Measure For Measure on May 12 and Richard II on May 19. Like Hamilton, these characters from the deep past were brought to life with a modern twist of music and dance, plus lots of jokes and sword fights. On Oct. 19 and 20 the actors will perform original skits based on the lessons learned in … [Read more...] about Shakespeare troupe brings on comedy and drama
SQ inmates’ victory lures the biggies of internet podcasting
The CEO of a major podcasting network, along with other executives, took an eventful trip from the East Coast to meet with the incarcerated men who defeated more than 1,500 entries from 53 countries in a storytelling contest. PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman and Radiotopia Executive Producer Julie Shapiro entered San Quentin State Prison for the first time and met Earlonne Woods and Antwan “Banks” Williams. Previously, the executives had only met Nigel Poor, the co-host and producer of the show Ear Hustle. Poor represents the trio beyond the prison … [Read more...] about SQ inmates’ victory lures the biggies of internet podcasting
SQ artists on display at the Smithsonian
By Rahsaan Thomas A group of incarcerated men with no architectural experience, created design ideas for a better America that were displayed in a museum overlooking New York’s Central Park. “It’s surreal. It’s something to be proud of,” said Noah Wright, one of the four incarcerated designers of the Genesis Project. “Sitting in here, you don’t expect that people want to hear what you have to say. It’s a new and exciting feeling.” The Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt Museum exhibit displayed more than 60 design ideas about building a better … [Read more...] about SQ artists on display at the Smithsonian