Pickathon 2012 Day 1
Sierra Leon's Refuge All Stars
Pickathon 2012 started off with dancin' and groovin' to Sierra Leon's Refugee All Stars jamming out for the pre-party on Thursday night. As their nam 2000 e states, these five gentlemen escaped to Guinea during the Sierra Leone Civil War and now perform their rhythmic beats to raise awareness to that situation. More on their story can be found at on their website. The band is comprised of an array of ages and styles. The lead vocals and congas drums are shared between two of the members. They playfully switch back and forth between the two, dancing, singing and engaging the crowd. The electric guitar player is nothing short than amazing. His long, overgrown, greyish dreads, coupled with dark, leathery skin and intense piercing eyes have me captivated. I find myself feeling as though he can see my soul.
This early crowd moves to the rhythms and are on their feet for the entire set. Scanning the audience I search for “Sexy-times dancer” or “Noodle-dancer-guy” and my search comes up empty. It’s still early in the festival.
Tomorrow the festival crowd will have the pleasure of seeing local Portland favorites Typhoon, and Laura Gibson and the La Grande Band, alongside other bands. The sun will be hot, but the music will be cool.
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