It’s hard to find a single word that captures the experience of the Rhythm Unbound art fair in Downtown Ann Arbor on July 18,2024. The first word that comes to mind is “Honest”. Everything from the open armed hugs from each linkage community leader, to the raw vulnerability of the PCAP participants. The amazing confidence and reassurance everyone received from our host Marjani made it hard to believe that anyone involved had ever been incarcerated. You could literally watch the magnetic draw as we convened under our cozy tent on the corner of the busy street of Main & Williams. What started off with just a few audience members, it slowly grew as the performers sang, spoke & harmonized with instruments. The crowd grew larger and by the middle of the event there was hardly anywhere to sit. 

There were photographers, videographers, & interviewers for the PCAP artist. The Linkage Community did an amazing job making the artist actually feel appreciated as such. For those of us who’d never been interviewed outside of lawyers and courtrooms, it felt nice to be inquired about. To be questioned about your passions instead of your problems. To take photos at your best while striking your famous pose replaced the invasive mugshot photos for prison I.D.’s. It was the antithesis of being judged and condemned. We were being liberated and commended for who we were at that moment. The beautiful, spacious stage was “lit” by the fiery performances. The panning cameras from the amazing uptown24 photographers gave an even deeper feeling of significance to those who had the unmitigated Gaul to mount that stage.

Rhythm Unbound was an experience indeed. Not only were the artists amazing but we also got to hear the stories of formerly incarcerated individuals who just wanted to share. We heard the horrific traumas turned triumphs from the dark past of many who have turned their lives around. We were able to bond with each other, to connect with the audience of strangers who’s applause made us feel related in that space and time. The genuine smile of validation from Sarah standing in the shadows overseeing each performance. The infectious excitement of Mackenzi who sought out each performer as they descended from the stage for a celebration.

The orchestration of Cydney who gave structure and order to the chaos that would’ve been, had it not been for her leadership. We must show gratitude to these leaders who helped facilitate an amazing turnout. How could I forget to mention the criminal justice reform organizations that surrounded the venue with a plethora of informative literature and paraphernalia (shirts, trinkets, etc). As a formerly incarcerated man I can say that this event felt like freedom! 

Regardless of what anyone may have (or may still) think of the formerly incarcerated, what I learned from this event is that there’s no such thing as “Convict Music”or “Prisoner Art”, it’s just ART. Our self expressions and creativity stood separate and apart from our criminal records. The vibration from the sounds of our instruments, the cadence of our lyrics, the emotion from our shared stories all flowed free, connecting with those within the radius of the downtown Ann Arbor area. For me personally this felt like the very beginning of my journey as an artist. My first official performance, my first interview, my first opportunity. I am eternally grateful to the linkage community for allowing the opportunity to commune. I’m thankful for the space filled with the spirit of such humanitarians. No amount of words can express the significance of being recognized in your infant stages of reintegration into society. I would encourage those who “sleep” on this community to “wake up at once!” With all sincerity thank you Linkage and all those affiliated. 

About the Author: I am a writer seeking to publish and/or release work that “Moves”. I believe art is when you are able to share your perspective in a way that causes motion. Internal motion in the minds of others that’ll eventually lead to external action. That’s inspiration, and that is what I seek to find and become.

Article is made possible by the Linkage Community Journalism Initiative.

Photography by uptown24studio.com