CIW: Music: Wayne Kramer from Chicago Ideas Week on Vimeo.
Wayne Kramer started Jail Guitar Doors USA with Billy Bragg. He served time in federal prison for drugs after the MC5 broke up and now devotes time to bringing guitars and music to prisons so inmates can work out things in a positive manner.
We seek opportunities to produce out-reach events and programs, in cooperation with prison officials, that bring musical instruments and education programs to the prison population. From our experience, we know that music can give voice to deep complex feelings in a new, non-confrontational way.
The MC5 are on my short list of greatest rock and roll bands ever. Kramer was their guitarist. He went through some rough times, came out the other side, and what he’s doing now is important.