Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars started playing music together in West African refugee camps while their homeland was being racked by years of bloody warfare. Since then, they have risen like a phoenix out of the ashes and enflamed the passions of fans across the globe with their uplifting songs of hope, faith and joy. Now signed to Vermont label Cumbancha, the All Stars are starting a two-month long national tour in support of their new album right here at Higher Ground. Produced by Steve Berlin, renowned for his work with Los Lobos, Angélique Kidjo, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones and Ozomatli, among others, Rise & Shine was recorded in Freetown, Sierra Leone and New Orleans, Louisiana. Much like the band members themselves, the residents of New Orleans know first hand both the bitterness of exile and the redemptive power of music, and the spirit of the Crescent City permeates this uplifting recording. Be the first to hear the new songs live as well as their beloved classics at this very special show.