A stop in Milwaukee was not part of the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars original American tour. But even as the Ebola outbreak threatens their native country, the reggae band played a few concerts in Milwaukee last week, biding their time until they are allowed to return home.
They arrived to the U.S. before the outbreak happened, and even though they pose no risk to others, they are staying planted in U.S. until an Ebola vaccine is found or their work visas expire in May, whichever comes first.
The band is no stranger to adversity -- and using music to overcome it. The group began casually playing together in the early 1990s, formed in a refugee camp while civil war raged in Sierra Leone.
As the years passed, the band gained members and popularity, evolving to a globally touring band. And this year, the All Stars celebrated its tenth anniversary and a band.
Click the podcast player above to listen in on a recent visit at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, and follow this linkto hear more of the band's music.
