Christmas Eve’s annual open mic night brought out “a lot of hidden talent in San Quentin,” said prisoner Ray Richardson. The prison’s Protestant Chapel served as the venue for over 20 original acts, including slam poetry, comedy, and musical performances, performed by new and familiar faces.
Emcee Jonathan “JW” Wilson opened with a reading of Will You Die For Me Black Man, a poem about the historical plight of African-Americans.
Angel Falcone, accompanied by Joe Mason on guitar, did a musical comedy bit, sounding something like Adam Sandler. Their ditty brought laughter throughout the audience as its esoteric prison jokes contrasted the benefits of obtaining a college degree with the frustrations of being incarcerated.
E. “Phil” Phillips’ slam poetry sifted through the chaotic and unpredictable aspect of living in prison.
One of San Quentin’s most-talented hip-hop artists, Henry “MC” Montgomery, returned this year with a new addition. He and his friend “Nate” entertained the audience with a peppy piece that painted an optimistic view of the future.
Cornelius “Dicky” Wigfall followed MC with an ode critical of materialism. Dicky’s encouragement for self-control resonated through the audience in Don’t Let ‘em Push Your Button.
Mike Tyler said he has been coming to open mic since 2004, but this was his first time performing. He read a poem inundated with seriousness and humor, called Where I’m From, in which he gave his perspective on growing up in rural California.
Adam Verdoux dedicated his musical piece to the teachers and administrators who venture inside prison to educate incarcerated students. Its bright rhythmic sound was reminiscent of a Disney instrumental in the movie Fantasia.
Troy Williams recited a poem he wrote while in county jail, prior to his conviction. As Williams read, the audience listened quietly to the sad words of estrangement of a father from his child.
Antwon Brown’s poem, Forgive Me Not, gave insight to how corruption influences youngsters and can lead them to be incarcerated.
The hit of the night came from one of San Quentin’s most-talented musical groups, Neu Dae, which features Richard Napoleon Brown, Rico Rodgers, Darryl Buckhana, and Darryl Farris. They treated the audience to two new gospel songs, I Heard Your Voice and I Can Feel Jesus
Jimmy Carlin read a philosophical poem that chronicled building of the Watts Towers in Los Angeles.
G. Wesley’s poem was a birthday present to his sister, Teresa, who supports him “100 percent.”
Humphrey read a poem that described how Islam saved him and made him right with God, which allowed him to “let go of the bad things that led me to prison.”
D’Lafayette’s poem, “Through the Words of Our Ancestors,” brought perspective of thought and belief systems.
A new arrival at S.Q., Williams, read a poem about self-understanding and recognizing himself and the meaning of his life.
Gary “Malachi” Scott did a hip-hop piece, I Gotta Be Me. It communicated the message that self-image and self-esteem are derived from the individual, not peer pressure.
Rafael Colex dedicated a poem to the innocent people in prison, who must go through the same trials and tribulations that the lawfully imprisoned must endure: “What are the origins of human kindness, Born from grief and pain, Against the hardships, We strive – then we rise, Out of the ghettoes – Free from the prisons, Into a mastery of life.”
Prison University Project (PUP), part of Patten College in Oakland, sponsors the event. It allows prisoners to express themselves to their friends and an audience of community volunteers. PUP is directed by Dr. Jody Lewen and offers access to higher education to hundreds of San Quentin prisoners.
