The Power of Preservation

This month at LEAF, we are thinking more about cultural preservation. Throughout the year, we spend a lot of time thinking about points of connection and opportunities for growth. At every turn, we are met with the human desire to stand on our own foundation. Rick Warren once said, “We are products of our past,” […]

LEAF Celebrates the History of Jazz

Jazz music is widely considered one of America’s greatest contributions to the world–it completely revolutionized the way we listen to music, dance to music, and think about music. It is deeply rooted in the soul of LEAF. From the guidance of longtime LEAF-family and compass advisor Bootsy Collins to the LEAF International program in New […]

LEAF Celebrates Black History, by Staying the Course

With Pan-African programming spanning from Africa to WNC, honoring and reflecting Blackness is business as usual. LEAF is known for our world music festival, cultural arts education, and preservation work in 11 countries. But this month, we’re focused on Black history and looking at Black History Month through a new lens. After a year of […]

Tragedy in Haiti Creates Powerful Art

The world tends to feel incredibly big – especially in an era when we are spending more time alone and at home and where the things that make us different – income, culture, access, – are shifting how we are dealing with a universal issue. One of LEAF’s missions is to make the world feel […]

LEAF International 2020 Cultural Expedition in Costa Rica

by Schree Chavdarov, Global Engagement Director “I feel emotional when I hear the Ngäbe people talk. I feel their purpose. LEAF is  helping indigenous people fight for a good cause.”  -Jose Mendez, Trip Guide & Founder of Passport Adventure  Overview of the LEAF International Costa Rica Expedition:  This trip brought a long time LEAF couple closer […]

Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.