I have been fascinated by the Eastern State Penitentiary ever since a friend of mine got a job working as a tour-guide there. She would call me after she got off of work and tell me all of these elaborate stories about every weird occurrence that happened throughout her day.

   Some of these stories included moaning that seemed to leak from the cell walls, mediums who could conjure up restless souls, and dark shadows that lurked in the far corners of the prison. Around Halloween, I rounded up a large group of people and we all participated in Philadelphia’s annual “Terror Behind the Walls,” a ghost tour that takes place at Eastern State every Halloween.

   It seems like many people have been inspired by this striking historical landmark, including a group of musicians that plan on performing a concert there. The Cellblock concert production will feature the original work of Philadelphia-based music composers who took their inspiration directly from Eastern State Penitentiary.

    The setting of the concert will actually take place inside the walls of this dark and dismal place, creating an unparalleled musical experience for both the musicians and their audience. Four concerts are schedule for April 24, 25, May 1 and 3 and will feature the work of Phillip Maneval, David Lagnella, Richard Belcastro and Richard Brodhead. For more information and to order tickets, please visit http://www.chambermusicnow.org/cellblock.html.