Music

In a weekly songwriting and recording workshop, participants craft and record songs at the on-site music studio at our Long Island City service center. The original compositions are shared with the public through various platforms including YouTube and Soundcloud and during special events throughout the year. The fruits of the community’s artistry include the release of the first EP in the organization’s 54-year history: Success Stories Vol. 1. The songs and spoken word pieces were created, recorded and produced entirely by program participants. Each track is steeped in positivity and a socially conscience outlook - with topics ranging from police brutality to the benefits of talking with a therapist.

New Releases!

The Creative Arts team is thrilled to announce the release of not one, but two incredible albums and a music video created in collaboration with our talented staff and participants! All tracks are written, performed and produced by members of the Fortune community. Click and listen to the music album Success Stories Vol. 2, the the spoken word album In Case of Emergency, Write a Poem, and the must-see video The Basics.

Music Album: "Success Stories Vol. 2" This album showcases the amazing musical talents of the Fortune family. Our collaborative songs have the power to strengthen the bond between staff, community members, and beyond. Hip Hop originated in our neighborhoods and here we use this tool to show that here at Fortune, it's a safe place, a place to belong while rebuilding and changing your life and the lives of others!

Spoken Word Album: "In Case of Emergency, Write a Poem." Immerse yourself in the power of spoken word as our diverse voices come together to share stories, emotions, and reflections. This 14-track album is a celebration of the raw and rich tapestry of experiences within our community.

Music Video:  The Basics A must-see video by Mario F. Wright and Daniel Kelly directed by the Creative Arts Department, filmed and edited by collaborating artist/credible messenger Mychal Pagan of Papillon Creative Lab. A visual and artistic story that embodies the value of building people, not prisons!

Participating Artists in both albums and the video: Brian Nunez, Chontay Smith, Daniel Kelly, Dave Stewart, David Coleman, Double O, Douglas Toure Harris, Fahryn Emerson, Felix Guzman, Francisco Lino, Helen Taylor, Jamel Washington, Jamie Maleszka, John Runowicz, Jordan Keats, Laron Murray, Laura Ceron Melo, Lee Jenkins, Mario Finesse Wright, Marshall Mcdermott, Nadene Richardson, Nathanial Jay,  Noel Diaz, Omar Miller, Orianna Williams, Rahjanea Smalls, Ryan Bennett, Scot Ebanks, Shatoya Josephs, Andrew Tate, Tony Celestine Cruz, and Tyler Hoppin. 

Music Cafe/ Open Mic

Every Thursday from noon to 1 pm EST, the Fortune community gathers for a lunchtime performance to showcase their talents through song, poetry and more. Now held in person (again!) at our service center in Long Island City, the Music Cafe is open to the public. Please contact John Runowicz (jrunowicz@fortunesociety.org) for more information.

"Vent" Music Video
A powerful music video about racism and mass incarceration by Doc da Edutainer, a vocalist, writer, and music composer from The Fortune Society's Creative Arts Program.

"Fortune" Music Video by Moses “MoeMoney” Santana featuring Amanda Cruz & Orion Sykes
In his 2018 song Fortune, former participant Moses “MoeMoney” Santana raps about the ways our programs helped him reimagine freedom.