On May 26, despite being a cloudy evening, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center residents gathered to enjoy uplifting music inside Chapel A. Featured outside guests, Lydia Violet and Chelsea Coleman, performed at the Event.

Host Ned Buskirk opened the evening by inviting guests to enjoy a night full of great performances. Chaplain Rabbi P. Shleffan also encouraged residents and outside guests to engage in making connections.

The melody of the violin performances gave a special feeling to the Inspirational music night. With the gathering of different communities under one roof, it allowed for feelings of fellowship and friendship behind the walls.

“As I sit here in reflection to the evenings performance, I am filled with gratitude for the ability of swimming through the numerous feelings within me,” said resident Kelon Williams. “I know some people may say that they feel ‘free,’ I can’t lie to myself about that. Let the ability to be ushered safely through a range of emotions is so fundamental towards health healing.”

After the house band, The Greater Good, performed, Coleman took the stage and delighted the audience with a song that she wrote 20 years ago. This type of event brings an opportunity to the incarcerate people to listen live music that creates an atmosphere as if they were in a real concert.

Towards the end of the night, Violet got up on stage and her vigorous energy brought close to 150 people to their feet.

As the performers continued, pleasure reflected on residents’ faces as they cheered for more music. San Quentin is known for offering a wide variety of events that promote healthy rehabilitation and bring healing for everyone.

At the end of the night, the Greater Good teamed up with outside guests to give residents a night that they would remember for some time.