2007 Press Releases

Devin Phillips and His Jazz Ensemble Performs and Teaches in Sierra Leone

Freetown, December 5, 2007
Contact: PAO Danna Van Brandt
Tel: 076-515-000


Before an audience including multiple Ministers, Ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Devin Phillips and New Orleans Straight Ahead wowed a packed hall at the United States Embassy for their finale concert on December 5.  At that event, they were joined by the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, and it was the highlight of their trip. The visit of the jazz ensemble to Sierra Leone was sponsored by the United States Embassy.

After their first workshop in Freetown, with the Annie Walsh Memorial girls school marching band, drummer Mark DiFlorio remarked, “At first we played for them sax and electric bass.” He said some of the students were already dancing and it was great to connect with the people of Sierra Leone, adding that it was “A dream come true.”  At their first concert in Freetown, which included the participation the of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces band, an enthusiastic audience made the evening a success.

The jazz ensemble also traveled to Bo, where they gave workshops and a concert. One student commented that “music lets us express the things that worry our hearts and brings us joy.”  Their visit began with an impromptu concert at the Countryside hotel, and the group enjoyed getting to see Sierra Leone outside the capital.  The concert the following night in Bo drew a crowd of over 80 people, who danced in the aisles to the rhythm of the music. 

At the conclusion of the trip, the group’s leader Devin Phillips commented “There is interest in jazz here, and there is potential if programs like this one continue to bring jazz musicians here.” After an extremely rewarding trip, the group departed on the morning of December 6 by road to Conakry, where they are sure to wow the crowds at the Guinean Jazz Festival.