Hey folks, it's Gedalya here!
In this blog I'd like to talk about one of my recent prison concert experiences. I had the pleasure of performing at Wyoming Correctional Facility in Wyoming, New York. Not to be confused with the Wyoming out west with all the coyotes! This Wyoming is in western New York, about a 6-hour drive from where I'm based.
The Long Journey There:
I headed out early on a Monday morning after saying my usual morning prayers and asking G-D that things go smoothly, grabbed a quick breakfast and hit the road. The drive was peaceful, taking me through some beautiful countryside. The fall leaves were just starting to change color. I stayed overnight at a hotel about 40 minutes away from the prison. This allowed me to get a good night's rest before the show. The prison facility I performed at was about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. When I arrived, it took me a few minutes wandering the parking lot before I located the right building. Prison complexes can be like little cities, so it always takes me a bit to get my bearings! I found the right building, parked, and headed inside. Some of the staff recognized me right away, smiling and say hi!
Setting Up the Equipment:
The staff were very helpful in getting me and all my equipment situated. They arranged for a van to drive me over to the chapel where I'd be performing. It took a couple of trips to load in my keyboard, speakers, stands, and other gear. The chapel itself was on the small side, not like the big gymnasium-like spaces I've performed in at other prisons. But it was certainly big enough for an intimate show. I had about an hour to set up and do a full soundcheck, sound is so important for a music event, and I wanted to get everything set up right, even though it was just a solo performance I wanted it to have an inspiring sound.
I wrote my name up on the blackboard at the front of the room -"Gedalia - Folk Rock Rabbi". I figure it helps let everyone know who I am before the concert starts. While setting up I had a nice chat with the prison chaplain. We bonded over our shared love of music. It's always good to make a connection and show appreciation to the staff. They work hard to make these concerts possible.
Showtime!
Once everything was ready to go, the inmates started filing into the chapel. There were guys from all different backgrounds - white, black, Latino. And a mix of religious beliefs too. I make a point to connect with everyone, no matter their race, creed, religion or lack thereof. The guys were clearly excited for the show, shaking my hand enthusiastically when I entered.
There's always a slight sense of nervousness those first few minutes as I get started. I don't play any cover tunes but try to begin with a short introduction to draw them in to the song a bit and then pick one of my originals that has a familiar sound to Folk Rock fans to break the ice. This show I chose to begin with "An Angel Can't See Gray", it's one of my more upbeat tunes with a good message. After that we had a great back and forth, with me playing some songs, telling stories, and taking lots of questions. The inmates were curious about my songwriting process, how I got started performing, and the inspiration behind certain tunes. I mixed it up to keep things interesting. And focused on my simpler, catchier folk rock numbers that everyone could tap along to. Music has a way of bringing people together, even in the most challenging environments. By the end, we were all smiling and having a great time together.
Blessings All Around:
After the final song, the inmates lined up to thank me and offer their blessings. I made sure to give a blessing in return and let them know just how much I appreciated them having me. The chapel reverend told me how my "music and words were a gift and blessing to all of Wyoming Correctional."
Moments like that remind me why I do these prison shows. The power of music can uplift and inspire, wherever you are. It was humbling to bring even a little light to these guys' day.