Heading To Prison Again

X-Alt will be going back to Riverbend Maximum Security Prison this Sunday, to provide the music for a Sunday Service.  As I have said before, it is a life-changing experience for those who take part.

I am so, so, SO happy that Katy Seale will be joining us.  We have missed her “high lonesome” voice when we’ve done these prison trips.

(Personal aside to Katy: what happened to you this week was awful, just awful.  I am so sorry, and I can tell you that I am never going to look at that particular person the same way again)

Anyway…

We are also taking contraband.

It’s taken a lot of arrangement (and some hilarious non-phone phone conversations), but Ginger will be coming with us.  I had been thinking of this for a long time, and when I heard her sing at the Blogger Karaoke Bash, my wheels started turning.  Normally we go to the prison with a skeleton crew, and here you have this woman with an incredible voice and a heart for those in prison – well – let’s just say I was “convicted”.

Interestingly, this time we have less of a skeleton crew, so we will have quite a contingent.  We will truly make a joyful noise.  add in “Happy Jack” (a prisoner with a poweful voice) , and they’ll hear us downtown.

Last night we rehearsed, and there was a point in the evening when I was almost driven to tears.  To hear the sounds of these dear people who are family to me, in their usual beautiful harmony – to hear it in an entirely new way is a gift indeed.

Thank you Ginger, for giving your talents to glorifying God with us Sunday, and thank you, X-Alt, for indulging this old man in a vision he’s had for some time.

I can’t wait till Sunday.