Living Like A Refugee...

Something to keep an eye out for...

The Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians who lived for years as refugees in the West African nation of Guinea. While living in a tent camp, they acquired a couple beat up guitars and a rusted out sound system and began playing. American documentary filmmakers made the band the focus of their movie. The film's success allowed the band to record a full-length and to tour internationally. Born in the midst of a violent, decade-long civil war, the group and its music celebrate our ability to sustain hope, inspiration, and creativity - the best in us - even in a climate of rage, loss, and madness. The movie has played many film festivals and the band is starting to book more performances all over the U.S. They are scheduled to perform at Calvin College on November 3rd. I love that music can grow anywhere despite conditions...for some, it is a weapon of survival.