Plainfield, Vt.— Saturday, September 1st, Goddard College Concerts presents Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars at the Haybarn Theatre at Goddard College.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars (SLRAS), originally from Freetown, formed in the late 1990s at a time when the West African country of Sierra Leone was in a war that forced millions to flee their homes. Musician Ruben Koroma, guitarist Francis John Langba (aka Franco), and bassist Idrissa Bangura (aka Mallam), started playing together in the Kalia refugee camp as a way to entertain and give hope to their fellow refugees.
When the war in Sierra Leone came to an end, the band returned to their hometown, met up with other returning musicians, and recorded their debut album, ‘Living Like a Refugee,’ which was released on the label Anti in 2006.
“Their music emanates a life-affirming positivity,” writes the BBC. A testament to human resiliency and the overwhelming power of hope, their music touches an array of serious topics while remaining upbeat, positive, and full of dance party energy.
To continue with their social efforts to raise awareness of the many issues facing the world, SLRAS joined forces with The World Food Program USA this past June to bring attention to the urgent issue of global hunger.
“It’s quite amazing that Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are coming to Goddard College as their only Vermont show for this segment of their ‘Radio Salone’ tour,” said Director of WGDR/WGDH Goddard College Community Radio, Kris Gruen. “With the awareness they’ve raised about the refugee camps in the Republic of New Guinea and now bringing attention to global hunger, the SLRAS fit right in with the College’s mission: To advance cultures of rigorous inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning, where individuals take imaginative and responsible action in the world.”
With the release of their acclaimed third studio album, ‘Radio Salone,’ Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have been touring relentlessly, bringing their uplifting sounds to over 43 cities in the US and Canada, including 11 festivals.
On Saturday, September 1st, the band will perform in Plainfield, VT for Goddard College’s Concert Series at the Haybarn Theatre. Opening music will be provided by Satta Sounds.
Saturday, September 1
Doors open 8:00pm
Haybarn Theatre at Goddard College
123 Pitkin Road – Plainfield, VT
Tickets: $15 Presale Online | $20 Day of
Download the FREE single “Mother In Law”
Watch the video for “Big Fat Dog”
Contact
Meg Hammond, Goddard College Events Manager
(802) 322-1685 or meg.hammond@goddard.edu
