Michael Adams revealed how prison has affected his life when he sang an original song during a July 25 performance on San Quentin State Prison’s Lower Yard.
“I wrote that song when I was in the hole, and everybody I trusted had left me,” Adams said. “I prayed to God to change my focus.”
Adams said he was able to perform the song after fellow inmate Robert Jerrett wrote the music for it.
The San Quentin Music Performance Program put on its second Summer Series Concert with the Spirit of Freedom Rockfest.
“I see how music inspires creativity and imagination; it increases confidence and improves self-esteem,” said Raphaele Casale, the staff sponsor. “At the same time, it demands each artist show determination, discipline and professionalism in order to reach a proficient level of musicianship and to perform.”
The yard shows are scheduled to highlight four musical genres — rhythm and blues, rock, jazz and hip-hop — over the course of the summer months, according to event coordinator Dwight Krizman.
The headliner rock group Continuum consists of bass and bandleader Darryl Farris, drummer Joe Thuston, guitarists Joe Mason and Robert Jerrett and lead singer Micheal Adams.
Continuum performed original songs Who Told You and Set Me on Fire in front of a crowd of about 50 inmates seated in front of a make-shift stage.
Jarrett performed Looking Out the Window; later Farris sang some cover songs. When asked about a Black guy leading a rock band, Farris replied, “We don’t see color; we see music.”
Quentin Bleu took the stage and preformed nine original songs having an Eagles/Carlos Santana sound.
The crowd jumped to its feet screaming when Quentin Bleu preformed You Should Be With Me and Longtime Up the River.
Quentin Bleu members are lead singer Richie Morris, guitarist Alan Brown, bass player Isiah “Zeke” Daniels and drummer Krizman.
“Some songs I write are there before I get there; I just tap into it. I appreciate my band members. We just want to put some good vibes in the air,” said Morris.
Daniels added, “It was a lovely day. Only thing missing was my wife.”
The event also showcased some newcomers.
J. “Killa Clown” Medvin and Jose “El Guerero” De Cristo performed a Christian rap, You Should Give God a Try, off of slain rapper Tupac Shakur’s Hail Mary instrumental. De Cristo had heads bobbing when he did his verse in Spanish.
“I wanted the Spanish people in S.Q. to hear the messenger of God. Jesus truly changes lives,” said De Cristo.
Medvin added, “We were inspired to get up there when we saw one of the other shows. We talk to the right people, and they gave us a chance to debut.”
Bill Hazleton featuring Jans Brazwell also made their debut performing some rock and blues and oldies.
“We are in an infant stage. We are glad to get stuff out there. My partner is younger, but he is a good guitarist and knows all the old stuff,” said Hazleton.
Krizman added, “The music program gives you a chance to create. It’s very physical, and we have really good musicians and writers here. We just want to give back to our fellow inmates who are willing to listen.”
