Foy Vance: back in prison...

back in prison...

Friday, 24 October 2008

I just played in Wormwood Scrubs prison yesterday, for Black History month... I know.... I thought it was an odd request too: asking a whiter that white guy from Bangor Co-Down to come and play music to the prisoners, and celebrate Black History! Funnily enough I've been asked by the inmates at most of the prisons I've played to come back and play during Black History Month, but Wormwood Scrubs is the only one I've been able to get back to this time.

Maybe I could be the first white Irish guy to do a Black History Month Prison tour this time next year.... and hey...maybe some of you could get to see the gig if you play your cards wrong...

As it turns out, Black History Month has actually been revamped as diversity month with a focus on black history, just within Wormwood that is. I don't think that's what should happen in the outside world but I think it's useful in prison to have it like this, otherwise every month would have to be focused on each group for the inmates to feel they're treated equally, and there aren't enough months in the year for that. It's surprising to see the cross section of people in any given prison, not least of all Wormwood Scrubs. Africans, Jamaicans, Puertricans, Irish, Americans, Canadians, Polish, Czechs, Chinese, Blacks, Whites, Buddists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, everything in between and everything beyond… in many ways it’s the ultimate melting pot. The unfortunate truth is that, even though they’re all in the same (or a similar) situation, there’s still a clear divide in the groups… the old 'stick with your own' mentality. But there’s so much scope for reform with such a diverse group of people, it just seems impossible to cross the boundaries. Which is why I find ‘Diversity Month’ something of real worth. To play to such a varied group and know that there’s a lot of focus on accepting and appreciating their differences, is a wonderful thing. If you deliver music right, it unites people irrespective of colour, creed or culture…

anyway…sorry about that… this wasn’t meant to be soap box rant…

just to say that if you find you’re having difficulty dealing with diversity, maybe you should consider doing something that means you have to serve time, and try to get yourself into Wormwood Scrubs; the Cathedral’s simply delightful…

Should maybe add that I'm not serious, just in case there are some very literal people among you that go and rob a petrol station saying "Foy said I should do it to help my intolerance of other cultures"....

Comments

Gaz

Good man Foy. I know you don't do these things so everyone will look at you and say "Well done - What a great guy!" but you should know that it says a lot about you as a person that you DO take the time to go and play to these people. I'd like to hope that I (and many others) would do the same if we were in a position to do so but the truth is I don't know if I would. I guess what I'm trying to say is that seeing what you do at these prisons makes people like me think about what I might be able to do for someone else who may be in the need of help. And I beleive stimulating that kind of thought in a person can only be a good thing so I'm officially saying "Well done. What a great guy!!". Godspeed. Gaz

mark

Running a (Brighton based) music collective as i do -of mainly (but not exclusively) white people singing 'black' music - I was most amused to see this is the Brighton Museum. Particularly as (alongside the Kooks, and Squeezes Chris Difford) my place of residence overlooks the exact same spot in the photograph. Even though we are somewhat carrying on the musical tradition, something tells me our collective won't be adopting the name of this early Brightonian troupe!!! http://www.citylibraries.info/pictures/picture_description.asp?Search=Place&Place=HOVE&PlaceID=2&SubPlace=Brunswick%20Square&SubPlaceID=161&Record=1&Records=1&ImageID=1542&From=List&StartPos=1

mark

the comment doesn't really work without the link!!!

Kevin Hunter

Foy, I've been reading about your tours and music adventures through your blog. I've posted once before about getting your music here in Canada and no-one had it ... fortunately a friend of mine brought back your Hope CD for me to listen to from the UK (I'm in Canada). I enjoy it immensely. I am actually going to Belfast this week to film a documentary - it will focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and organizations as Belfast transitions away from it's past transgressions. I'm from Belfast originally, and lived right behind the Peace Wall in Ardoyne. Our family moved away after the back of our house was blown up, as well as a few other things. I've finally reached the point in my life where I feel I can return to Belfast and make my own positive contribution - that's why I'm making the film. The editor and I will be in Belfast from October 26th to November 5th to interview some people, go back to my old neighbourhood, film at local clubs and take in the music scene. We would like the chance to talk to you, or at the very least, see you perform. I will be sending an e-mail to your management company as well to see if we can arrange a meeting. I sincerely apologize if this forum was an inappropriate media to use for contact. I can be contacted at the e-mail listed. If we don't get the chance to meet, I just want to say that your music and passion have, in part, inspired me to do this particular project - and I thank you. Also, to quote a good friend of mine "That boy has a pretty impressive set of pipes!" ;) kevin

Steven

Hey Foy, I was at the urban hymns gig tonight. Great night and you and Ken were class at the end. Got a video of it. I was also in cafe vaudevile before the show and was standing next to u having a pint. Was gonna say hi but guessed u were enjoying listening to ur mates playig and would prefer to not have to chat to some randomer.. got a video of u drumming too.. Very Impressive...lol. S

eliz.

This post made me laugh, especially the play your cards wrong line. Room and board? Free Foy concerts? Hmm. In this economy, sounds tempting.

sandra

Urban Hymns was ASTOUNDING! Great introduction to some new faces. What talent and what a pure joyous atmosphere. Bronagh Gallagher was a revelation a total surprise.And YOU with that breathtaking rendering of Hallelujah. Thanks to everyone who made that a night to remember ( sound was incredible) and hopefully an event to be repeated.

Rory

Re Steven - any chance of you posting the videos somewhere like youtube? Was speaking to a friend who was there and said it really was an amazing gig. Ta mate

Jenny

Hey Foy I really enjoy reading about the prison tours on the blog. I spoke to one of the Henry Girls recently about her experience playing in a prison and it sounds fascinating, so fair play. I've put a link to your blog on mine, so hopefully some new people will pay attention, check out the blog and more importantly the music. Looking forward to the next gig in Derry or that area when you get a chance. Jenny

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