Sanctus Real Brings the Hope of Jesus Behind Bars with Powerful Prison Concert
The Grammy-nominated band Sanctus Real says a recent concert before hundreds of inmates at a correctional facility opened their eyes to an often-overlooked ministry -- and may have blessed them even more than it did those in attendance. Sanctus Real performed the full-length concert at Grafton Correctional Facility in Grafton, Ohio, as part of an event sponsored by Send Musicians to Prison, a non-profit organization that works with both Christian and mainstream artists to bring inmates across the nation hope through music. Four of the songs from the concert are available on YouTube.
Grafton is a maximum security facility.
"For me, it was both nerve-wracking and incredibly fulfilling all at the same time," lead singer Dustin Lolly told Crosswalk Headlines.
The inmates "embraced" the music, he added.
"At the end of it, we felt like we just had done what God had called us to do, which is, honestly, one of the best feelings you can have," he said.
The event was unique not only because it took place in prison, Lolly said, but also because it felt like a genuine concert experience. Send Musicians to Prison turned the "prison area into just this really intimate setting, and they just showed a lot of value to the prisoners," Lolly said.
Lolly carefully considered what to share from the stage, realizing that the words he normally used at Christian concerts might not resonate the same way with an audience at a correctional facility.
"We get so used to talking to people in churches and places where we go, and people kind of believe the same thing you do, and you have your language," he said. "For me, a lot of prayer and a lot of thought went into it."
He said he entered the concert nervous but left blessed.
"They're warning you of people -- they're saying, 'Watch your back,' and the guards are saying, 'Watch your back.'
"Scripture even talks about going to prisons and loving the least of these. And you actually go there and you see the need, and you see the heart, and you see guys who are being punished for their worst day," Lolly added. "And these guys were maximum security prisoners, and you know they've done something terrible, but yet you see this thing that they're living in, and they're starving for hope."
Guitarist Chris Rohman said he sensed "a spirit of peace in the room, and there was a connection made."
"So often we play in churches, and you see so many of the same kind of people, same kinds of situations, but this was so unique. I felt like our songs really had something worthwhile saying in that environment. And it really did feel like, wow, this is why we do this."
Drummer Mark Graalman said he saw joy in the room.
"You don't know who really got ministered to, more -- them or us."
WATCH: Sanctus Real - Send Musicians to Prison
Sanctus Real released the album All Along last year, followed this year by the multiple singles, including The Difference and You Are I Am.
Photo Credit: ©Credit Sanctus Real
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 25, 2025.
