• From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,614

Topic: Music In Prisons

Moderators - feel free to move this where you deem appropriate.

Okay, how to start this off as I guess it could be quite an emotive issue, especially if you or someone close has been a victim of crime, but here goes.

For a while now I've been engaged in a prisons pen-pal scheme; I'm not going too much into that except to say that its been both daunting and rewarding in equal measure. One of the things that has come to light is the vast gap between something we take so much for granted on the outside like access to downloads or buying CDs or even attending gigs. Now I know, these folks are inside to be punished for whatever, but did you know music access, especially in Federal institutes is limited to a small radio (no CD or tape facility) and access to local stations - any specific genre, R&B, Rock, Country etc, is down to a "library" of 6 CDs in random play, changed weekly, in some cases. Yes, in some places MP3 players are available with downloads running at something like $2 per track (and that's a sizeable chunk from prison pay); that's down to who ever runs the service contract, but you'd be surprised by the list of artists NOT on there, but maybe some managers could check out if their bands are represented. Whether there is access to CDs seems to depend on the type of institution (Federal or State), so maybe, next time you're having a clear-out, instead of the local charity shop or Thrift Store, see if you can donate to some prison library service (books too!).

Another thing to check out, especially bands starting out, is to see about doing a gig at a prison; I know in Texas, there are a couple of Christian Rock bands go round and get a great reception and even have inmates jam on stage (and once or twice, play the off the stage). Maybe it's worth getting in touch with your nearest State facility and checking out - remember, didn't do Johnny Cash's career any harm... Bands too, you may want to think about donating old or surplus gear, or even the odd set of guitar strings would be welcome.

Okay then, enough of the "bleeding heart, liberal", I'm not saying there are folk in prison that don't deserve to be there, and there are those who, as my grannie used to say "deserve a good kick up the ***", but in some cases, "there but for the grace of God go I". If I've made you think, then job done, if I've made you want to act, then brilliant, thank you, but if I've wasted your time, then sorry.

Mike

If anyone wants to join a pen-pal scheme, let me know and I'll pass on some site addresses.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

2 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2014-06-27 18:43:21)

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: Music In Prisons

No offense taken by myself, after all I did in the past actually toss out the seed of "maybe" Joe could play a prison show one day.  However, having actually worked in a prison (total electronic responsibilities), I can say US of A standards appear to be different.  Inmates do get some devices, usually transparent plastic for security reasons.  Telephones, internet usage, even satellite television is/can be censored.  And almost anything sent or donated is subject to scrutiny and approval or possible rejection.  Anyone who could perform Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak and get away with it I'd say you got some forward thinking (or not at all, lol) wardens and administrators. 

All that said, not delving into deserving or not deserving punishments or rewards, people in prisons are human beings, whether acting as such or treated as such or not.  Anyone making a gesture of civility or friendship I applaud, again, pending the filterings and precautions that must be taught and/or monitored closely.  Those on "good behavior"-there are some really trying to make amends, heck some even shouldn't be there in my certain select opinions (I couldn't keep working there because of both danger and technical reality conflicts), and they should be afforded pen pals, music, printed materials, visits (a very "Christian/humanitarian" gesture-some don't have any family or do and no/little support, some even took the rap for better or worse for those who forget about them sad). Donating books is an excellent idea, you'd be surprised at some of the innate intelligence and legitimate interest some of these people have.  That said, to avoid me being labeled a certain way, you'd (maybe not) be surprised at the total lack of intelligence and socially redeeming interest some have also. yikes. Both apply to those guarding also...

That prison scene in The Blues Brothers was totally real by the way.  They had rules and ok's for some fun too!  The "riot" was cued by none other than Joe Walsh jumping on the table to signal the inmates to go for it...the smiles were real, too.

Write On, write ON!
Can't Fine A Body Use A Wooden Electrically Safe Chair & Hope Follows Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
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  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,614

Re: Music In Prisons

Thanks Rocket - you hit it right on the button. The level of possessions inmates are allowed to have does vary between State and Federal prison as well as category of prison institute, but as a sort of guide; imagine that you're only allowed a max of 8 books in your cell, 3 magazines, anything more is deemed contraband, and only 7 days worth of back editions of newspapers for reason of fire safety; radio must be of a Walkman type, with headphones, no CD or tape facility and value not exceeding $75. That's quoted from the rules of one prison where I write.

I am familiar with the transparent cased goods, indeed a while back we funded one such device for a pen-pal in California. (And yes, he still writes....)

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
  • Posts: 4,614

Re: Music In Prisons

Thanks Jane, that's really appreciated.

Here's a link with addresses and contacts around the US for institutions that would really appreciate books and reading matter, as well as giving hints and tips on how to collect & send.

http://prisonpenpals.com/booksbehindbars.html

Interestingly, several places need old Telephone directories for references (not inmate access), so worth checking out as more useful than straightforward recycling.

It may be worth checking individual institutions as for policy regarding CDs, many places I've encountered do prohibit them as unfortunately, some individuals do weapon-ise them, but if they can be put to use in some sort of "in-house" broadcasting or library service, then its got to be good.

Thank you so much for the positive vibe on this thread: I've a couple of letters just about ready to post, I know my friends will really appreciate the good will shown.

Mike

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...