American Jazz Comes to Sierra

The United States Embassy welcomes the Charlie Porter Jazz Quartet to Sierra Leone, from March 23-26.  Through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs American Music Abroad Program, the Charlie Porter Quartet is in Sierra Leone to forge cross-cultural connections through music, by entertaining, educating and interacting with local musicians and music students.

While in Sierra Leone, the jazz quartet will conduct master-classes at the Milton Margai College of Education and the Ballanta Academy of Music.  It is a unique opportunity for musicians to learn about the fundamentals of jazz from professionals. They will also perform at the Fourah Bay College amphitheater on Sunday.

“Jazz has been called the purest expression of democracy, a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Its roots are based in New Orleans and its history is tied to social and political change.  It is a pleasure to share this piece of America with Sierra Leone,” said Ambassador Thomas N. Hull.

The Charlie Porter Quartet was formed in 2005. Its main focus is to develop new music while also keeping tradition alive with standard jazz repertoire. The quartet consists of a trumpet, piano, bass and a drum player.

Link to US Embassy Press Release --American Jazz Comes to Sierra: Sierra Leone News