LEAF Global Arts announces the artists for LEAF Global Arts Retreat, held May 9-12 at historic Lake Eden. This year’s artists reflect our yearlong theme: World Changers — Year of the Artivist. (Artist + Activist = Artivist.) Join us for one of Asheville’s favorite festivals!
LEAF Retreat is an intimate, family-friendly gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp, and connect with global arts, music, culture, and nature – it’s super sweet.
Retreat artists will not only be performing onstage but will lead workshops, discussions, and other opportunities for conversations and deep dives into the idea of what it means to be a world-changer, especially through the lens of art and creativity. Also expect: healing arts, outdoor adventure; multicultural art, dance, food, and more!
Tickets on sale now (including limited day passes) at theLEAF.org/tickets. Don’t miss this sweet gathering, voted a top Asheville festival by Mountain Xpress readers!
“Step into the transformative realm of LEAF Global Arts as we unveil the electrifying lineup for our May Retreat, marking the dawn of the World Changers theme in this pivotal year of the artivist. Brace yourself for a convergence of visionary minds, soul-stirring performances, and immersive experiences that ignite activism through art, music, song and dance. Join us on a journey where passion meets purpose, and creativity sparks inspiration and change. What separates the Retreat model from our Fall festival is the ability to dive deeper into experiences, learn and perform with your chosen World Changer in a much smaller gathering, and still enjoy and be surrounded by the glory of nature and Spring. So don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary gathering where the power of artistry meets the call of global transformation.”
LEAF Global Arts Retreat Artists:
CIMAFUNK (Afro-Cuban Funk), BIG RICHARD (All-Female Bluegrass Quartet), BLACK OPRY (Black Americana Artist Collective), GANGSTAGRASS (Bluegrass/Hip Hop Fusion), PIERCE FREELON (Grammy-nominated Family Music Artist)
With LEAF Favorites such as: Mama and the Ruckus, Andre Lassalle, Carol Rifkin, Chinobay of Uganda & Dance of Hope, Ménage, Danza Azteca Chichimeca, Charly Lowry, James Navé, Cactus of 23 Skidoo, McKinney, Street Creature Puppet Collective, Sarauniya Zulu, Adama Dembele, Monika Guerra, Min Xiao Fen & River Guerguerian, Dr. Aditi Sethi, Haviken Hayes, Lisa Smith, Toybox Theatre Puppetry Slam, David LaMotte, Masankho Banda, Jeff Firewalker & Eagle Condor Council, Flamenco Appalachia, Sun Soo Martial Arts, Mountain Circus Arts, Unifire Theatre, Playing with Fyre, Asheville Jazz Orchestra, LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, LEAF International Ivory Coast …and many more.
WORLD CHANGERS: One song, one story, one step at a time!