East Hill Singers Concert - a men's choir consisiting of inmates and community volunteer singers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INMATES ARE OUT OF PRISON AND COMING TO A CHURCH IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

Through Arts in Prison – Inmates within the Lansing Correctional Facility have found a way to be joyful, uplifting and focused on community benefits.

Arts in Prison announces the East Hill Singers concerts, “When we’ve been there” on Sunday, April 28^thand Sunday, May 5^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 Dr. Joseph Kern, 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.  In addition, Arts in Prison participants (approximately 200) have a recidivism rate that is about 50% less than that of offenders in Kansas, potentially saving the taxpayers of Kansas almost $30,000.00 per inmate, or a total of $4,920,000.00 per year.

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 “When We’ve Been There!” a concert by the East Hill Singers, Sunday, April 28^that Shawnee Methodist Church, 10700 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 66203 and Sunday, May 5^that Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212. 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.

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For more information, comments or interviews, contact Leigh Lynch, Executive Director of Arts in Prison at leighl@artsinprison.orgor 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.