VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office recognize that incarceration should not disqualify anyone from self-expression and creative freedom.
That's why they are working with a group of inmates to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
"The Sound of BDO" — "Beat da odds" — highlights the talents of three inmates through a choral performance at the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility. The trio took to the stage Thursday to perform songs, including their own original song, “Not Just a Number.”
“Offenders can pay their debt to society without losing their humanity, and we can balance being tough on crime with compassion,” said Holcomb. “Music brings people together, and I believe it can play a crucial role in offenders’ rehabilitation.”
The trio includes inmates Marc Austin, Jonathan Jones and Zykiah Barnes. Austin is serving time for a felony parole violation, possession and having a concealed weapon. Jones is in custody for a felony parole violation, and Barnes for a felony parole violation and falsely purchasing a firearm.
They were selected from more than 80 inmates who auditioned for the program, agreeing to comply with all of the institutions rules and to uphold a stringent code of conduct in the process. Since March, the three have been honing in on their vocal skills and writing music in preparation for the performance.
“We are so excited to finally be able to debut this program, which has been in the works for several months,” said Holcomb. “In addition to providing an outlet for creative self-expression, I believe 'The Sound of BDO’ will boost inmates’ self-confidence, teach them new skills, give them a sense of accomplishment and allow them to have positive interactions with other inmates, VBSO staff and members of the community."
The trio was joined by singer-songwriter Kenyatta Emmanuel, a New York artist and activist. During his almost 25-year sentence at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Emmanuel shared his music with the world by through collaborations with musicians both in and out of prison. On the day of his release, Emmanuel performed a full concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
"The Sound of BDO" was hosted by FM Z104 radio Host Brandon "Shaggy" Stokes, who later aired the performance on his show "Shaggy and Friends."
