DESCRIPTION:
Experience the international music phenomenon Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars in a FREE live performance in Bicentennial Park on Friday, September 7 at 8 p.m. The band is a potent example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact. From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa's top touring and recording bands. The group draws influences from reggae, funky African grooves and deep tribal chants.

Formed in a refugee camp while displaced by civil war in Sierra Leon during the 1990s, their incredible story is documented in the award winning, compelling and emotionally driven film, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. Initial support for the film came from executive producers Steve Bing and Shelley Lazar as well as high profile celebrities Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, and Angelina Jolie.

The resulting studio album, Living Like A Refugee (Anti Records 2006), is one of the most acclaimed world music releases in recent years, garnering the band international acclaim and high profile fans including Aerosmith, who the All Stars collaborated with on the certified Gold Record, Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur.

ARTIST WEBSITES:
www.sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com

EVENING SCHEDULE:
6:30 p.m. -- Food and beverage sales begin
8:00 p.m. -- FREE Outdoor Concert