LEAF Global Arts Retreat
NEWS | PERFORMERS | FAMILY | HEALING | HANDCRAFTS | CULINARY
Save the dates: May 8-11, 2025 and October 16-19, 2025
Tickets for LEAF Retreat are on sale now; special lodging reservations for members run January 1-15
Passing the Light:
Each One Teach One
This year’s theme serves as a powerful mantra, inspiring a brighter future through shared wisdom and mentorship. By embracing the role of both learner and torchbearer, we ignite positivity across generations and cultures. Together, we create a ripple effect of knowledge, compassion, and connection, fostering an empathetic community where every individual’s light contributes to a more brilliant world.
More info about Retreat 2025 is coming soon!
2024 LEAF Global Arts RETREAT Performing Artists
Natu Camara
West African folk fusion
Caña Dulce y Caña Brava
Son Jarocho - Mexican regional folk music
Asheville Jazz Orchestra
An 18 member Jazz orchestra will take you on a sound excursion through time!
Charly Lowry
Indigenous roots music
Mama & The Ruckus
Powerhouse vocalist Melissa McKinney brings her Bluesy Soulful band to insipre us!
Ménage
All fabulous female trio of soulful Blues and Americana artists that are true LEAF favs!
Danza Azteca Chichimeca
Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!
Chinobay of Uganda
Ugandan music, dance, and culture
Adama Dembele of Ivory Coast
LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist & Ivory Coast Culture Keeper graces LEAF with his immaculate rhythm!
LEAF International Ivory Coast
West African drumming and dance
David LaMotte
world-changing folk music
Andre Lassalle & The Sagittarius Project
soul and funk
Dr. Rico
jookin' dance
Swingbillies of Boonetown
Appalachian and international folkfusion
Tribe of Love & Eagle Condor Council
sacred healing and earth-centered spirituality
Luna Ray
downtempo yoga
RAWtools South and Forging for Peace with Scotty Utz
peace forging and blacksmithing for nonviolence
Spealing of Travel podcast with Marilyn Ball
Live recording of Speaking of Travel podcast
Grounded
community healing through artistic expression
Sun Soo Martial Arts
Center for Conscious Living and Dying with Dr. Aditi Sethi & Jay Brown
Quadre Stuckey
Gullah Geechee culture and art
Elder Roy Harris
This esteemed community leader is one of our amazing Master of Ceremonies!
Sir Tom Foolery
visual art and mural painting
Alex Krug & Blacksmithing
heart-driven rock/Americana and Blacksmithing
Playing With Fyre
Contra Dance Band
McKinney
A true powerhouse vocalist and bassist, a LEAF resident teaching artist and daughter to the magnificent Melissa McKinney.
Monika Guerra
Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!
Chief Shaka Zulu & Zulu Connection
West African stilt dancing
Ronna Dragon
family-oriented songs and storytelling
Amanda Lucidon
author of 'Chasing Light: Michelle Obama through the Lens of a White House Photographer'
Agustín Palomo Ramos
healing through drums and music
The Wandering Swordsman
padded swordplay
Cathryn The Grateful
minister ofmovement
Beloved Asheville
innovative community solutions
Flamenco Appalachia
Flamenco dance
Haviken Hayes
Legendary festival and club DJ/Producer from Miami brings his signature blend of Funk music to LEAF.
Annie Wenz
multicultural roots music
Keith Shubert's Toybox Theater
Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to Retreat!
Doug Orr & The Southern Highlanders
traditional highland music
EarthShine Nature Programs
environmental conservation education
This is LEAF Retreat...
LEAF RETREAT is for everyone!
All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Watch performances, create, play, discover whimsical puppetry shows, sing, dance, and LEARN! Enjoy children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse in cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community.
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
Healing Arts at LEAF Retreat
Handcraft Artists
LEAF Love to amazing Artists who artfully inspire the LEAF experience! LEAF Festival’s Juried Handcraft Art Fair exhibits 50+ national & local artisans. More artists coming soon….
drawing | painting | fiber | furniture | glass | jewelry | metal work | mixed media | photography | printmaking | ceramics | apparel | wood
Browse and shop the colorful booths, meet the artists, and visit the Global Interactive Outpost to win artful donations from fabulous artisans at LEAF Art Raffle benefiting LEAF Schools & Streets. Check out & shop these amazing LEAF Festival Handcraft Artists! You can support artists online now and buy gifts at LEAF Retreat & Festival.
Culinary Arts
Culinary Food Booths
LEAF Festival hosts various local culinary artists that represent many cultures and cuisine options to make your LEAF life delicious. A few change from time to time; however, many culinary booths are longtime LEAF Traditions. Click on images below to see the various culinary booths throughout the festival.