Discussion 3: Beyond the Blues: Ending the Prison Industrial Complex

Led by composer, bassist, and bandleader, Marcus Shelby, the series will explore the prison industrial complex, mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, the black prison movement, incarcerated women, restorative justice, prison abolition, and more. The evenings will include special guests, readings, live music, recorded music, poetry, and video. These discussions are open to anyone interested in ending the prison industrial complex and how music and art can be used as a powerful vehicle in that process.

Discussion 3 features special guest speaker and SF native, Kevin Epps, a community activist and award-winning filmmaker. Epps presents his film Solutions Not Suspensions, which examines our education system and the disturbing systemic school-to-prison pipeline and how restorative justice and restorative practices can make a difference.

Discussion and Performance Schedule:
Thursday, June 18 – Discussion 1
The Prison Industrial Complex: School-to-Prison Pipeline

Thursday, July 9 – Discussion 2 (postponed to August 27)
Mass Incarceration: Public Health Epidemic, Incarcerated Women, Families Affected by Incarceration

Thursday, August 13 – Discussion 3
Ending the Death Penalty, Restorative Justice, Prison Abolition

Friday, August 28 – Performance
The Marcus Shelby Ensemble with Excerpts from Beyond the Blues: A Prison Oratorio

Beyond the Blues: A Prison Oratorio is commissioned by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and will premiere at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on September 27, 2015.

Admission: $10 suggested donation per discussion and $20 suggested donation for performance. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Doors at 7:30pm. Discussion at 8:00pm. All ages welcome.

Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event. Please arrive at the Red Poppy when doors open to purchase tickets.

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