REVIEW of MAY LEAF Festival:Friends, Family, LEAFers,
It was brought to my attention that I say this after every festival, but this time I really mean it: that was my favorite LEAF! Personal highlights included Mavis Staples and Oliver Mtukudzi [photo courtesy of David Simchock Photography], both of whom brought lofty levels of talent, history, tradition, and positive vibes, very much in line with LEAF's goal to connect cultures and create community through music & arts.
Other talked-about performances includedthe LEAF Schools & Streets student choir, backed by the Blue Ridge Orchestra [read more below]; the multimedia "Shamrock City" performance, presented by Solas; the "best late-night Eden Hall dance party ever," featuring The Broadcast; Yungchen Lhamo: her performances, her presence, and her Sunday afternoon boat-ride with Peter Rowan; the return of Ozomatli [photo courtesy of David Simchock Photography], fitting for a Saturday night throw-down; and Abigail Washburn, step-dancing to her little heart's content, just a week before her son was born, with an all-star backing band of Kai Welch, Ben Sollee, Dirk Powell, Riley Baugus, Billy Cardine, Mary Lucey, and Jamie Dick.
Thanks, everyone! See you in the Fall!
Billy Jack Sinkovic | LEAF Performing Arts Director
Fall lineup coming early July!
Thursday, August 8th at Highland Brewing Company.
Ticket includes yummy food from HomeGrown and a Highland beverage. Featuring high-energy bands, NOLA's Stooges Brass Band and local Empire Strike Brass, circus acts and more surprises to create a family-friendly mini-LEAF atmosphere! Buy TICKETS here or call 828.68-MUSIC [686-8742]
LEAF Jazz Kids at Delta House soaked up the Big Easy Jazz! The LEAF Jazz Band hit the road March 22-25 to New Orleans by invite of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band! LEAF Jazz Band did workshops with Preservation Hall Jazz Band members, went to one of their world famous shows, and the kids OPENED Congo Square Festival. Special thanks to LEAF Schools & Streets teaching artist, Gary Bradley, for his amazing leadership and inspiration. 
LEAF International Haiti has been launched with Boukman Eksperyans and Prosjekt Haiti! "Your traditions are very important. It's like you forget who you are if you don't know your traditions. We are loosing our traditions. The kids just don't know their traditions." -Bois Gris of Boukman. The drums and dances of Haiti are coming to life weekly with the amazing youth club of Prosjekt Haiti.
WIN THIS BEAUTIFULLY HANDCRAFTED LICHTY GUITAR!
Click here for more details.
Drawing in October 
LEAF is proud to announce the lineup of performing artists for the Spring 2013 LEAF Festival, taking place May 9-12, 2013 in Black Mountain, NC. Headlining the 36th festival are R&B icon Mavis Staples; urban Latino culture-mashers Ozomatli; Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, led by the bluegrass legend; Zimbabwean maestro Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits; and Abigail Washburn, Appalachian songbird & long-time LEAF favorite. With support in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, LEAF will present an eclectic sampling of vocal traditions. From American folk, vocal jazz, and gospel traditions to Tibetan a cappella, Zimbabwean afro-pop and classical choral customs, you’ll experience a blend of voices both familiar and new.
"I've been a big fan of LEAF for years!
-Jason Sandford, Ashvegas
-Dr. C.B.
