Instead of the endless headlines about overcrowding, staffing shortages and inmate unrest, this week’s news from the Lansing Correctional Facility is joyful, uplifting and focused on community benefit.

Arts in Prison announces the East Hill Singers concerts, “Forever Let My Spirit Sing!” on Sunday, April 29^th and Sunday, May 6^th.

The East Hill Singers is a men’s choir consisting of inmates from the minimum-security unit at Lansing Correctional Facility and volunteer singers from the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. This choir, under the direction of Kirk Carson, has been performing inside and outside the prison walls for 20 years.

On Sunday afternoon musicians, vocalists and concert-goers come together to share a unique arts experience.

Every year close to 5,000 inmates are released from Kansas State Prisons. 99% of all men and women currently incarcerated will be returned to their communities. Activities like those provided by Arts in Prison offer the incarcerated outlets for positive expression, for success in pro-social projects and hope that there is a something better for them ahead. Arts in Prison founder, Elvera Voth believed that inmates are coming home and they could either return with “hope in their heart or hate in their eyes.” These concert experiences allow the inmates to forever let their spirits sing!

Let the East Hill Singers raise your hopes and celebrate the good in humanity through the magic of music.

Arts in Prison presents the “Forever Let My Spirit Sing!” a concert by the East Hill Singers, Sunday, April 29^th at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 6306 Roe Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66208 and Sunday, May 6^th at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St. Lawrence, KS 66044. An Art Exhibit and Sale begins at 3:00 and the concert begins at 4:00. It is free to the public. A good will offering will be taken.

For more information, comments or interviews, contact Leigh Lynch, Executive Director of Arts in Prison at leighl@artsinprison.org or 913-403-0229. A selection of inmate art will be on display and for sale. All proceeds go back to Arts in Prison to provide supplies for additional classes.