Title derived from Dathonie Pinto's forthcoming book Chains Don't Rattle Themselves.
Join us in NYC for an emotionally-charged concert that shares gripping stories about youth incarceration -- first as personal narratives presented by people directly affected by the issue, and then as raw, potent original songs adapted from the stories themselves. This is a special collaboration with Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps incarcerated people write down their stories. Poignant but ultimately empowering, Chains Don’t Rattle Themselves seeks to break through barriers of judgment and mobilize audiences to take direct action supporting the Raise The Age NY campaign for youth criminal justice reform in New York State.
Songwriters and performers participating:
Brinae Ali (Shuffle Along)
Singer/songwriter Olivia Harris
Zhailon Levingston (iLLA)
John-Michael Lyles (Barrow Street’s Sweeney Todd)
Taylor Simone (of Jazze Belle)
Britton Smith (Shuffle Along)
Allison Strong (Mamma Mia).
The event will feature stories developed by Herstory Writers Workshop, read by Pinto, Anjelique Wadlington, and more.
The concert is conceived by Alex Hare and Solomon Hoffman, with direction by Hare and arrangements by Hoffman. Co-produced by Olivia Harris.
May not be suitable for children under 10. Tickets are available here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2872233
The concert will also be performed on Long Island, info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1262418723838847/
The Raise the Age campaign began in 2012 as an effort to stop New York state from prosecuting and incarcerating 16- and 17- year olds as adults. With strong momentum around the cause and support from Governor Cuomo, 2017 may be a tipping point for this vital criminal justice reform campaign. The concert will include key action steps that New Yorkers can take to contribute to this campaign. New York is one of only two states in the country that prosecutes 16- and 17- year olds as adults.