Teardrops | Robert Van Orden | TED Goes to Prison at Coxsackie Correctional Facility 2022
I grew up in the military with my father. I’ve lived in seven different states in my 22 years of life. I have 12 siblings. I started writing music after I fell in love at 16 years old and made a mistake and lost her. Nothing has been the same since. I’ve been in and out of jail since I was 17 years old. I want to change my life and show the world that a guy can make a mistake and want to fix it. I want to show that everyone messes up and it’s okay as long as they work to change and be better.
Digital dash | Oscar "Grand-O" Cuadra | TEDxSanQuentin 2022
Grand-O performs "digital dash" off his latest project called "Oro." Oro is dedicated to his late friend and fellow City Zoo member Andrew "Dru Hush" Zieman. Follow Grand-O on social media @grando1k Grand-O mixes style with lyrics in a way no other artist has before. His new age sound, with his classic twist of word play, along with some soul sprinkled on top, truly make him an eclectic force in the game. The San Francisco born native is a direct reflection of the melting pot of what is the Bay Area. The young artist serves as the bridge between where the art of hip hop has been and where it is going. For booking, shows, or any other inquiries he can be reached at TheGrandestO@Gmail.com. Follow Grand-O on Instagram @grando1k.
Time in space | Bobby Gonz | TEDxSanQuentin 2022
Recorded live from S.I.R. Studios in Hollywood, listen to the incredibly talented Bobby Gonz's spoken word representation of the current and formally incarcerated community and how their worth can crumble concrete. Born in San Jose, California, Bobby has developed a raw style of songwriting while serving a life sentence since age 16. His songz reflect remorse, accountability, and the unlearning of distorted beliefs that raised him in the alleys of Silicon Valley. In 2018, in a pre-concert sharing circle with Hollywood producer Scott Budnick, hiphop legend Common, and several incarcerated individuals, Bobby poured his heart out by speaking his truth and performing an original song with only the pounding of his fist and the snapping of his fingers. Bobby then was invited on stage alongside Common and live band that very night and rocked 4,000 of his peers. Governor Brown commended Bobby for his rehabilitative efforts leading up to this night and decided to commute his life sentence! Now he is waving the flag of creative sovereignty and ownership as well as setting precedents for current/formally incarcerated artists being given a second chance today.
Love doesn’t like everything it sees | Joseph Wilson | TEDxSingSing 2020
When Joseph Wilson’s younger sister accidentally came out to him during a visit, he will admit, his reaction was less than perfect. One conversation threw a normally close sibling relationship into a rocky period as both Joseph and his sister struggled to resolve this divide. What Joseph could never have predicted is that their shared love for music would be the one thing that could bring these siblings back together and closer than ever. In this emotionally-charged TEDx talk, Joseph lays bare the flaws in his initial reaction to his sister’s confession as well as how he was inspired by his love of music to grow and mend the hurt he caused. Joseph Wilson is "a composer who happens to be incarcerated at Sing Sing,” according to acclaimed mezzo-soprano Joyce Didonato. Joseph utilizes music to examine and expose the effects of socialization of poverty, violence, and xenophobia on him and society as a whole. Wilson is in the process of writing The Libretto and composing an opera titled Tabula Rasa. His works were featured on NBC Today and in Carnegie Hall’s Sing Sing Musical Connection Program’s “The Somewhere Project” and “A Time Like This: Music for Change.”
From STEM to STEAM | James Torres | TEDxSingSing 2020
For years, the importance of arts programs in public education has been the subject of debate, but James Torres thinks he’s solved the problem once and for all. In his impassioned presentation, James describes how being exposed to music while incarcerated gave him a new purpose, a new passion, and a new career path. He advocates that the all-important STEM programs that we know and value should be edited just slightly to include art and be forever known as STEAM programs. James Torres participates in Sing Sing’s Carnegie Hall music program. James taught himself music, which he used as a form of therapy to get through hard times. Today, his compositions have been played at Carnegie Hall, and his writings have been published on the online publishing platform The Medium, and the online magazine The Margins. He is currently working with the Jeptha Group, a not-for-profit organization that uses music therapy to help inmate populations that struggle with mental illness.
How to be a better man | Mark Pelfrey | TEDxAttica 2019
Mark Pelfrey sings of his longing to change and become a better man. How missing the best days without his kids and watching time tick by in Attica has helped lead to an awakening where he seeks redemption. This beautiful song will have you singing along in no time. Mark Pelfrey is a songwriter/musician who has played for small venues and written numerous songs over the years. He taps into and uses his unique life struggles to create art. He takes as his motto: “It’s never too late to change, to be better today than yesterday, or to help others, even if just with a smile.” Mark is a simple man who loves the outdoors. He grew up rough and made some bad life choices, but Mark stands today as a changed man.
Nothing happens if nothing changes | Lazarus Clyburn + Jordan Williams | TEDxAttica 2019
If Attica gave out music awards, these two would make Kanye jump on stage if they didn't receive one! Lazarus and Jordan make a great duo, and their performance is packed with energy that will have you rapping this tune all day long. Lazarus Clyburn is a drop of water from the Fountain of Life and believes that rising every morning is a blessing and another chance to invoke change. He's a man risen from the dead of immaturity to understanding that life is a journey of being perfectly imperfect. He's a survivor of extreme gun violence, a father when doctors said he couldn't be, a college student of sought-after degrees. He's also an alternative to violence project facilitator, a gifted drummer, and an exceptional welder -- all while doing his best to be persistently resilient and encouraged enough to believe that God made him the way he did so his purpose in life matches the gifts He gave him. Jordan and his older brother were raised by their mother and stepfather. Although growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, Jordan graduated high school and found solace in his local recreational center. He participated in a community building project called Bridges to Wellness that paired the recreational center youth with college students from Rochester Institute of Technology to bring awareness to the problems within the community. Having been incarcerated since the age of 21, he has participated in programs such as the 64 days of Non-Violence and the Alternative to Violence program. He is a former member of the Inmate Liaison Committee for the Attica Correctional Facility and is now a member of the TEDxAttica organizing team. Every day, Jordan strives to change from being an anger-filled, adolescent into an honest, loyal, and responsible man. Upon his release from prison, Jordan aspires to be a productive influence conducive to positive change within his community.
Rise above the pain | Renee B | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Renee tells the story about life on the inside. Through the use of soft folk like melodies, she guides the audience through the fears and doubts that come with a life behind bars. Renee is an avid musician and loves the act of storytelling through song. Although initially nervous to share her folk music melodies with the TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional team, she overcame her fears and performed a beautiful song about the fears and doubts that came with a life behind bars. Renee is currently a resident of the ADOC at Perryville.
We gotta live together | Blessed Crew | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The Blessed Crew is a group of strong, diverse women who are residents of the ADOC - Perryville. Together they showcase the long-practiced dance genre, ‘step.' Much of their music is focused on the idea of striving for change and empowerment for all. In this performance they provide a collection of step routines created specifically for TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional. The Blessed Crew showcases the long-practiced dance genre of ‘step’ and is made up of a group of strong, diverse women striving for change and empowerment for all.
The climb from Perryville Correctional | Sarah R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Nervous at first, Sarah eventually overcame her fear and auditioned for TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional. She knew this was an opportunity to share her musical talent with the greater Perryville and Phoenix community. She chose to sing a rendition of “The Climb,” originally performed by Miley Cyrus, as a tribute to the journey ahead of the women as they face their future. Sarah has always found solace in music. It’s her escape; a way she expresses her creativity and copes with a range of emotions both negative and positive. Sarah hopes that through singing she can help others deal with many of the emotional issues we struggle with on a daily basis. She is currently a resident of ADOC-Perryville.
Today I feel like I'm evolving | Joey Cook | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The song “Today I Feel Like I’m Evolving” is a cover, originally written and performed by a band called River City Extension, and is featured on their 2010 record “The Unmistakable Man”. A record that has impacted Joey time and time again over the years. Joey Cook initially rose to fame on Season 14 of American Idol in 2015. Since then she has toured and recorded with the internationally known jazz ensemble, “Postmodern Jukebox”, as well as released her first studio album “Welcome To The Variety Show”. Her much anticipated new record is due to be released in 2018.
I'll be alright | Shannon R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
From Shannon: "It’s titled ‘I’ll be Alright.’ I wrote this song with a vibe that comes from positive energy. I made this song to be more inspirational on purpose. So I can lead by example. The first piece I performed gives a hard knock life description while the next one introduces strength as the key to survival. Telling everyone that I will move forward, despite my past; I survived. “I’ll get through this trial, and I will rise.” This is the message I wanted to send to all of the women in my position. TEDx allowed me to share this message." Updating Bio This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Hard for me | Shannon R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
From Shannon: "The song I performed is titled ‘Hard for Me.’ I always wanted to show this piece of music that I wrote to the world because it describes what I went through as a child, and how I felt. It also explains my history, detailing how I made it to the Department of Corrections. Although my history is common, I wanted people to relate in the sense of the individual. This was ME in that situation at one point in my life. Here I am now, for the past no longer exists. Though, I’ve done something with it. I have created a song out of it by using my talent. Even though I made it to this correctional facility today, I am strong and I can make changes to do something different. I can lead a different life to feel better about myself."
Bury it | Rheanna Downey | TEDxDonovanCorrectional 2018
This song is about forgiveness, and how the process of forgiveness has looked for me. Forgiving doesn't mean we forget or pretend and drop our boundaries, but means we can release the bitterness and resentment that eats away at us. Releasing those who have hurt us provides us freedom in the end. “I am a mother of two beautiful boys, a wife to my best friend and a musician by passion and trade. I am a deeply introspective human, a dreamer and visionary. I have the privilege of building bridges with my creativity and my heart is to “bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives.” Creating and playing music allows me to share my life and my story with others so we can inspire one another to be greater humans.” Rheanna is a songwriter and recording artist pursuing many creative ways to share her gift.
Waltz of desperation | Joey Cook | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The song “Waltz of Desperation” is an original piece written by Joey Cook, and is featured her first album “Hey, I Love You!”, a record that she recorded using only her ukulele and an iPhone in 2012. The song is about uncovering your true colors beneath our calloused exterior, about remembering our past mistakes and experiences and learning from them instead of letting them control our lives. Joey Cook initially rose to fame on Season 14 of American Idol in 2015. Since then she has toured and recorded with the internationally known jazz ensemble, “Postmodern Jukebox”, as well as released her first studio album “Welcome To The Variety Show”. Her much anticipated new record is due to be released in 2018.
In plain sight: sex trafficking next door | Dominique Roe-Sepowitz | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectiona 2018
As the Director of the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research and an associate professor in the School of Social Work at ASU, Dominique is all too familiar with the abuse and trauma women and men face when exiting prostitution rings. In addition to teaching, Dominique provides clinical intervention groups for women and men and focuses her research on women and violence with a focus on prostitution and the therapeutic needs for exiting. “It can happen anywhere. There are some things you should be on the lookout for. First of all, if your gut instinct tells you this is not a good person, listen to your body, listen to yourself.”Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University and she is the Director of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research. Dominique has her Master’s degree and PhD in social work and is a researcher, professor and a forensic social work practitioner. Dominique's research focus is on women and violence with a focus on prostitution and the therapeutic needs for exiting. Her expertise includes sex trafficker profiles, establishing a prevalence of sex buyers, and sex trafficking victim prevention and intervention design. Dominique works very closely with community groups including the Phoenix Police Department, the Phoenix Prosecutor's Office and Catholic Charities DIGNITY programs.
Who's that girl | Dorothy W | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Dorothy of ASPC at Perryville, gives a rendition of "Reflection," originally performed by Christina Aguilera. Dorothy is a resident of ASPC - Perryville and is an avid singer with a beautiful voice.
Raise my hands | Rheanna Downey | TEDxDonovanCorrectional 2018
Rheanna wrote this song in a place of surrender, the kind of surrender in which one knows she is accounted for and taken care of, and she finds herself strengthened through it. Sometimes letting go of having to control every aspect of our lives and simply trusting there are greater forces at work can provide open doors and greater perspective. “I am a mother of two beautiful boys, a wife to my best friend and a musician by passion and trade. I am a deeply introspective human, a dreamer and visionary. I have the privilege of building bridges with my creativity and my heart is to “bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives.” Creating and playing music allows me to share my life and my story with others so we can inspire one another to be greater humans.” Rheanna is a songwriter and recording artist pursuing many creative ways to share her gift.
Butterfly | Eric Genuis | TEDxDonovanCorrectional 2017
"Butterfly" is a piece Eric composed for a friend whose only child died in a tragic car accident. He was broken. Eric's desire was to compose music that gave hope in the midst of intense sorrow; that gave comfort to the unconsolable. "The world is a better place when people have hope. Within every person, young or old, rich or poor, is a need for beauty, which makes us human and allows hope to flourish. I create music to touch the heart and soul. I perform my works from concert halls to prisons in order to inspire and awaken hope in everyone."
Here I am | Eric Genuis | TEDxDonovanCorrectional 2017
"Here I Am" is a song of love to Eric's youngest daughter. Anastasia was born with Down's Syndrome and a major defect in her heart. This precious little girl has an unlimited capacity to express affection and give love. This tribute highlights Eric's devotion to this remarkable child."The world is a better place when people have hope. Within every person, young or old, rich or poor, is a need for beauty, which makes us human and allows hope to flourish. I create music to touch the heart and soul. I perform my works from concert halls to prisons in order to inspire and awaken hope in everyone."