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Press

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“LEAF aims to “connect cultures and create community through music and art” in the great outdoors.  A cultural mélange of musical styles awaits visitors to this festival, which seeks to expose folks to new music and a diverse array of cultures.  African, Appalachian, blues, bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, Texas sounds and more will emanate from four stages and a jam tent over the weekend.”
Michael Kornfeld, Acoustic Music Scene

“I loved it and really feel it is the best all-around festival I've ever attended. There's something in the air at LEAF. I grinned the whole time.” Stratton, Charleston City Paper

“The vibe of the weekend was so warm and inviting.  I went down by myself, but never once felt alone.  I brought back an awareness to a new type of music that I now love and listen to. The festival was one of my favorites.” Jenny, Global Rhythm Magazine

“ It was truly the best festival I have ever been too.” Ashley “Bad Ash” Davis, The River


“If you're open to new experiences and want to get away,  LEAF is the perfect place to start. The sights and sounds of LEAF felt like being a world away, and it was worth it. There is something magical about seeing nature at its best. I could see how having that view as a backdrop unites people, music and art."
Lashawnda K. Becoats, Q City Metro-Charlotte

LEAF’s Performing Artists|

"LEAF is just the best festival of all, no question about it..." Jack of Red Clay Ramblers and Bland Simpson chimed in, "and we've been to all of them".

LEAF gets it right   -Kim & Reggie Harris

“Every time I come to LEAF my spirit is renewed and outlook on life lifted. I have marveled at what this very humble yet powerful festival manages to achieve. Harmony, community building, cultural expression and celebration of creativity. All across different ethnicity, nationality, ideology, generation, gender, orientation, class and political identity. An incredible gathering of amazing people, creating fun transformative music, poetry and stories. This is indeed worthy of celebration.”  Masankho Banda of Malawi

“We are super excited to have been invited back to the always beautiful and eternally amazing Lake Eden Arts Festival! A true favorite of the band, we will be joining the other amazing acts!”  Acoustic Syndicate

“LEAF was an amazing experience. At one point we sat on a hill with David Wilcox, playing music, with the most amazing view, and it was one of those magical moments we will remember our entire lives. We've always loved LEAF, and have wonderful memories of going with our daughter, but it was really special to have Danny  perform. Thank you for all the love and energy you've created there. LEAF will always hold a special place in our hearts.” Liz & Danny Ellis


LEAFers|

I had another delicious time at the LEAF!  There is truly nothing like it, and I do festivals all year long.  It is my family.  xo"   Gypsy

“LEAF is both a grounding and visionary in so many ways:  connecting with community, nature, and creativity; learning and sharing.  Our motto is “Higher and Deeper,” and we look forward to being a part of the LEAF vision.  Imagine if the whole world was like LEAF!” Tom & Mary O’Dwyer


“LEAF is the one thing I do for myself every year no matter my circumstances...and you're the reason for that! 'Ppreciate ya! “ Jillian Wolf


“LEAF is our family’s religion. It is where we taught our  boys tolerance, and how to be part of a positive community.” Kippy Perkins


“LEAF has become our semi-annual family retreat - a time to replenish and reconnect with individuals and as a family.  I often liken LEAF to my temporary Utopia...the ultimate escape… a safe and loving environment… a large extended family reunion to include the members that you have yet to meet.  Every October & May, there this sense of coming home when we are pulling up to Lake Eden… LEAF is something very special.” ~Lisa


"The festival is magical! I have always left with this feeling!" Martha Skinner


Thank you for your 30 gifts (I've attended 28). I look forward to  number 31!!
Jim Bird  (One very grateful devotee)


I had a magical time. Holy moly, I'd never been before and I can't tell you how perfect it was! It was the perfect relaxing thing for me to do! Just being in those surroundings and having the festival unfold! Such a wonderful festival!! Peace, Sara


“We all need more LEAF in our life.” Chip Bell

Celebrate LEAF

In our fast moving world, often we move onto the next thing or next event and forget to stop, embrace & celebrate successes. Here’s a few LEAF highlights since 1995.

LEAF Highlights

LSS=LEAF in Schools
& StreetsLI=LEAF International

•2012| Abigail Washburn Benefit Concert for LEAF Outreach.
•2012| LI Rwanda Success- Patrick joins National Ballet of Rwanda and Daniel is hired for a weekly paid performance at Hotel Rwanda [Milles Collines].
•2011| Mayor of Asheville issues City Proclamation for City Schools Champion Day November 6, 2011 which included LEAF in Schools & Streets
•2011| LEAF in Schools & Streets Awarded Asheville City Schools Foundation Non-Profit Champion 2011
•2011:Mountain Xpress Best of WNC: Live Show of 2011: Local Performing Arts Event
•2011| Ben Sollee Benefit Concert for LEAF in Schools & Streets
•2011| LEAF APP available on itunes
•2011| LEAF receives third NEA Grant to present Sweet Honey In The Rock®
•2011| Litchey Guitar raises funds for LI & LSS
•2011 | LI Columbia in partner w/ D-Street Studios.
•2010 | LI India in partner w/ Wilmington Yoga Center
•2010 | LSS nominated for AVL City Schools Foundation Champion’s Award.
•2010 |  1st Downtown-After-5 Youth Performance ever w/ LSS Klondyke Coyotes.
•2010 | LEAF’s 30th festival !
•2010 | LI partners w/ Playing for Change Foundation. Dream of Intore Culture & Music Center in Rwanda begins.
•2010 | LEAF presents to NEA Council (only 1 of 2 organizations chosen in country!)
•2010 | LEAF awarded NEA Caribbean Traditions Grant.
•2009 | LI Rwanda gets LEAF Boys off streets & into a home!
•2009 | LSS has now served over 20, 000 youth!
•2009 | LI Tanzania partners w/ Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots.
•2009 | Pisgah’s LEAF Amber  Beer & LI Dynamite Coffee brewed & served.
•2009 | LEAF receives 1st NEA Expressiones Latinas Grant.
•2008 | LEAF Director receives Etown E-Chievement Award for LSS success.
•2008 | LI partners w/ Sister Cities in Xocen Mexico.
•2007 | LI Panama & LI Guatemala begin.
•2007 | LSS partners w/ Children First & grows to work in 5 Housing Communities.
•2006 | LI launches with projects in Rwanda & Bequia.
•2004 | LEAF transforms into a non-profit organization.
•2004 | LEAF in Schools & Streets created.
•2003 | Washington Post recognizes LEAF as “The multi-cultural mix n match festival”.
•2003 | New York Times Travel features LEAF on Front page.
•2005 | 1st LEAF CD
•1995 | LEAF FOUNDED!
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