Thurs. September 3^rd 2009

“We landed ourselves in Folsom Prison!”

We just got back from an awesome weekend out! We found ourselves in some of the coolest places!

Wednesday, we flew out of Nashville and arrived in Folsom, CA. later that eve. We got to take in some good food and sights before calling it an eve. Our show was the next day at a place called “The Powerhouse Pub,” right in downtown Folsom. As you all know Folsom is the home of “Folsom Prison”, made famous by Mr. Johnny Cash’s song “Folsom Prison Blues.” Now Johnny never officially do time in Folsom Prison, however his song shot the prison into major popularity. So we were bound and determined to go see the prison the next day and try to get as many pictures as possible. We were told that due to the prison still being active and functioning that they didn’t allow tourists past a certain point of the grounds. Ha., since when has that ever stopped Cowboy Crush? That’s the worst thing you can tell us.

The next morning (Thurs.), we went to the local radio station “The Wolf” to take part in a special tribute/dedication to our troops. It was really nice to hang out with everyone and we had a great time. They played “He’s Coming Home” and we interviewed for a while. Afterwards, we went to a local Waffle House and then we were on our way out to go see the prison.

We followed a long road off the beating path straight to the parking lot of the prison. Immediately we all had our cameras out and were taking photos of this amazingly beautiful place. It kind of looked like a castle.

We then decided to find our way to the main entrance area of the prison, past entrance gates and we found this sign. How amazing! They don’t mess around! As we read the sign, one by one we were looking like we weren’t going to be permitted to do much. Then we realized that this sign was meant for visitors for the prisoners themselves and not strolling tourists.

We decided to waltz on ahead, through the main gate a little bit closer into the area. The prison was so pretty, yet kind of menacing all at once. There was a guard house nearby and we decided to go greet them and see the museum nearby. We were greeted by a gentleman, Sgt. Downer. He was really sweet and was open to tell us a lot of cool things about the prison. As we hung out, we ended up meeting several other guards. What happened next was the coolest thing! Due to there being a prisoner that had to be transported from the prison and a few extra guards and the very kind lady guard named Kim (who, throughout the time actually told us that she isn’t usually this nice, but felt like it!), decided to let us take a guided and “well guarded” trip through the prison guided by Sargent Dave Harris! We were beside ourselves. They had to do background checks on each of us and actually we ended up running back to our hotel to swap out clothes in order to best comply with the prison rules. Also, they were very explicit about letting us know that there was a “no hostage policy,” meaning that if by chance any of us were taken hostage, that the best that they can do is negotiate, but that we were on our own. That being said, we were led down to the front entrance of the prison and from there we were taken into a security area, screened and scanned for metal and whatever else was not permitted. They gave us passes and a couple more guards to follow up the rear. This is something that they never do!

First, we passed by “China Garden.” It was once used to grow all of the food for the prisoners right there on the grounds. Speaking of the actual grounds inside the prison, they were immaculate! The prisoners did a wonderful job of keeping it trimmed and planting flowers. No trash, all green, lovely.

Sargent Dave took us through each one of the buildings of different cells. Prisoners were placed according to their level of danger and behavioral points. 1-2 buildings being pretty laid back, and we noticed being taken in a couple of the cells how privileges to have certain prisoners were earned. Cells of what you would call “Level 3-4 “ prisoners were clear of anything that could potentially hurt another prisoner. But a “Level 1-2” prisoner could have things like safety razors, can openers, etc. in their cell. The cells for the “striving to be better” prisoners also were a little more roomy and a little more “comfy.” Some had t.v.’s. But all of these spoils had to be earned by a prisoner through good behavior and strives of excellence. They have various “reprogram” programs for inmates there. Everything from workshops to become a mechanic, to school for inmates to get their GED’s etc. They even had opportunities for inmates to work and make money, the “top job” being making license plates for the state, paying $165.00 a month. They had a library, and a store for prisoners to be able to go in and buy extra food and even ice cream if permitted!

There were plenty of guards around on duty, brandishing firearms and other not so lethal forms of armament. We were told that over the years, guards had been outfitted with more “mediatory” forms of weaponry because so many prisoners had died over not so lethal situations. The guards had big canisters of the toughest mace known, tear gas, concussion weaponry etc. They have fights within the prison, but usually only last about 30 seconds, usually because the factions get tired out. The officers seemed to take on kind of a “mediatory stance” rather than try to jump square in the middle and risk lives., unless absolutely necessary.

Probably one of the wildest moments was when they walked us through the actual prison yard where inmates hung out, played basketball, mingled and worked out. They all seemed to have their “group” or side of the yard to hang out in. But we were literally shoulder to shoulder with them! They were respectful though, and would make room for us as we came through. Throughout the tour, we were close to prisoners, but they all were on their way about their duties. As we walked through cell areas, we could see prisoners behind bars poking shaving mirrors out the bars of their cells to see what was going on as we walked through.

We actually walked through the cafeteria where Johnny Cash had performed.

For each day that a prisoner was good, it was one day less that they had to spend.

There were various things that a prisoner could sign up to take part in, including religious services. We were told that some inmates would sign up just so they could get out of their cell for a while and break up the monotony. Also the whole issue with one prisoner watching the other’s back.

They had special housing for prisoners to visit their wives from Thursdays to Sundays on grounds. I won’t say what they actually called these places! The wife can actually come and stay through the weekend. Some prisoners actually get married just so they can have the visits.

They also had a hospital for the inmates where they could do checkups, and go to if they’re injured.

They showed us the offices of the guards and they were literally cells also! Really small, minus beds, but had desks.

We were so blown away by this whole experience. After the visit, we left the grounds totally stoked. How amazing it was to walk through, be amongst some of the most dangerous, yet to see how organized and disciplined they were. I’ll go home back to Nashville and when I play “Folsom Prison Blues” it’ll never be the same.

We got back to our hotel, and then were on our way to do sound check at “The Powerhouse Pub.” The show went really well and some of our cool prison guards showed up! We were going to head out in the morning for “Fallon, NV.”