Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

I just came back from a really awesome concert with Prof. Martonosi (a Math professor) and three other students. I didn't know anything about the musical group before I went, but I trusted Martonosi's good taste in music, especially since she did spend a good chunk of her time in Africa volunteering for the Peace Corps. Anyway, the five of us drove to UCLA for a very nice surprise.

The evening began with a documentary about the group and the situations that they (and other Sierra Leone refugees) faced. Needless to say, there were heaps of tears. The documentary was very graphic during some scenes, which I was not prepared for. I don't want to tell you the whole story, but I highly suggest you go check the documentary out. These people are amazing! Not only do they not let anything tear them down and apart, but they use their music to spread joyous peaceful messages, starting first with the refugees living in their refugee camp.

What follows was a live performance by the group. We were in UCLA's Royce Hall, which was way too formal for a live music performance. It was fine during the documentary showing, with people situated in their assigned seats, but it didn't allow any room for people who want to get up and move to the beat. But that didn't stop anyone. The SLRAS's music was so contagious that so many people flocked to the front to dance their hearts out. The people sitting in the few front rows were pissed, though. Haha.

Anyway, you should totally check them out, and if you have a chance, go see them live.