LEAF IN SCHOOLS & STREETS CONNECTS to the COMMUNITY

Since its 2004 debut, LSS has featured talented and award-winning artists from across the globe and here in Western North Carolina. LSS’s work has inspired more than 13,000 Buncombe County area youth in schools, after-school programs, W.C. Reid Center for Creative Arts, Latino Mentoring Program, The Swannanoa Youth Development Center, YMI Cultural Center, the Blue Brass Project, and more through music, workshops, and performances. Recently LSS has been expanding its collaborative work with organizations such as Children’s First, Handmade in America, and more!

GRAND TOTALS 2004 - May 2008

  • 73 artists
  • 32 schools
  • 160 different outreach programs
  • 15 after-school programs / community centers
  • 13, 085 youth experiencing residencies, workshops or performances
  • 1,367 youth performing at LEAF

May 2008

  • 24 artists
  • 12 schools
  • 33 different outreach programs
  • 9 after-school programs / community centers
  • 2,682 youth experiencing residencies, workshops or performances
  • 225 youth performing at LEAF

QUOTES about LEAF in Schools & Streets link to pdf with lots of quotes

Press:

"Lake Eden Arts Festival, set amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, aims to connect cultures and form community through music and arts. But LEAF is more than just a festival: it is a bond that links music, the arts and education into one package."
- Jenny Roth, Relix Magazine, December/January 2008

LEAF in Schools & Streets Educator/Community Quote:

"LSS provided the students with an opportunity to perform in a culturally rich environment (LEAF). They were able to experience the power of their performance thanks to a truly receptive audience".
- April, Claxton Elementary

LEAF in Schools & Streets Artist Quote:

"It's been great working with the kids at Pisgah View. They are all excited to learn and participate each week, and are especially excited about playing guitars and getting to do the dances. They have great voices and good rhythm, which I'm sure has been reinforced in their drumming work with Imhotep. We have a fun time and I look forward to it every week."
- Cary Fridley, Traditional Appalachian Song & Dance

LEAF in Schools & Streets Youth Quote:

"Performing at LEAF made me feel excited because people know that I have done something"
- Audrey, LSS participant

LEAF in Schools & Streets Parent Quote:

"LSS has allowed him to feel a sense of community that was positive and character building."
- Stephanie, Hominey Valley Elementary