photo by Jane Richey

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars played an intimate acoustic set at the University of Vermont's Ira Allen Chapel on Tuesday [4/6], celebrating the release of their new album "Rise and Shine," from Charlotte's Cumbancha record label, and preparing for their performance at Higher Ground's Showcase Lounge [on Wed 4/7].

About 100 people gathered in the chapel to watch a short excerpt from the film, "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars," [which tells the story of their experiences in Sierra Leone's brutal civil war and the formation of the band]....After the screening, the band came out and played a couple of songs....The band took a quick break to answer questions from the audience about their music and the film, but jumped back into more music aafter only three short questions. The pews in the Ira Allen Chapel didn't allow the audience much room to dance, but Alhadji Jeffrey Camara (aka Black Nature) took the microphone soon after the Q&A had ended and got everyone on their feet.

Bandleader/ Songwriter Reuben Koroma said that despite the long flight, the band was not tired, and was excited for [Wednesday's] show. [Burlington Free Press]

They tour in support of their new record, Rise & Shine, which came out March 23rd on Cumbancha (and which you can preview here).

The group visits NYC for a show on Wednesday, April 14th at Highline Ballroom. Also on the bill are Bajah & The Dry Eye Crew and True Panther act and "Bubu King", Janka Nabay. Tickets are still on sale.

Clips from the doc and new album promos, album cover art and all tour dates are below...

Continue reading "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars released a new album & are now on tour (dates include Highline Ballroom)"

Last summer the Refugee All Stars had their own show at Central Park Summerstage. This summer they're part of the African festival at Prospect Park ("Celebrate Brooklyn") on August 11th (a 7 hour long free day show). They're also playing a big show at Hollywood Bowl in LA with DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, and Carlinhos Brown. Listen to a session they recorded for MPR. Check out who else is playing Prospect Park this summer. All SLRAS tour dates below....

Continue reading "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars - 2007 Tour Dates (Prospect Park, Hollywood Bowl)"