Michael Franti |
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In nearly two decades in music-making, Franti
has grown from a black-booted voice of youthful
rage into a barefoot clarion for social justice. Franti's affirming lyrics are set to appropriately swelling rock chords, while keeping a 21st century world-wise groove, nodding towards reggae, dancehall, bossa nova, Afrobeat, and funk.
www.spearheadvibrations.com |
Yerba Buena |
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Yerba Buena are Latin-fusion ambassadors whose hipshaking desires want to play Afrobeat one moment, cumbia another, with hip-hop to follow, and throwing down a Yoruban chant or two. Finding that music throughout their island of Manhattan, Island Life gets into your blood and won't let you go. As much as Yerba Buena makes your body pop and swing though, the group's songs stand up on their own as elegant word games and melodic mini-masterpieces.
www.razorandtie.com/label/artistdetail.asp?artist=378 |
Marcia Ball |
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Singer/pianist Marcia Ball knows how to raise roofs and tear down walls with her infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional brand of southern boogie, rollicking, roadhouse blues and heartfelt ballads.
"Rollicking, playful, good time blues and intimate, reflective balladry...her songs ring with emotional depth." - Rolling Stone
www.rosebudus.com/ball |
Dervish |
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From Northwest Ireland, Dervish stands at the forefront of traditional Irish groups. From high energy tunes, played with fluidity and intuitiveness, to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love, to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats. All the elements are drawn together by vocalist Cathy Jordan's masterful stage-presence. Her stories to the songs and her interaction with the audience draws people into the music in a way very few performers can achieve.
www.dervish.ie |
Beausoleil |
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Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. Michael Doucet avec BeauSoleil take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil has captivated audiences the world over. www.rosebudus.com/beausoleil |
King Wilkie |
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"The Nashville-based band, King Wilkie could probably enjoy more success doing the rock thing, but their hearts simply aren't in it. For some reason they prefer to play timeworn melodies in time-tested methods handed down from rural holler to holler. King Wilkie eschews the temptations of New Grass, Jam Grass or any other Grass-of-the-moment and seemed content to play the music as it was intended." -Washington Post
www.kingwilkie.com |
Emeline Michel |
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A captivating performer, versatile vocalist, and accomplished dancer, Emeline Michel is beloved by Haitians for combining traditional rhythms with social and inspirational content. She is acclaimed as one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation. Emeline's music style encompasses the native Haitian compas, twoubadou and rara along with jazz, rock, bossa nova and samba.
www.emelinemichel.homestead.com/Home.html |
Wild Asparagus |
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George Marshall's specialty is teaching and calling the New England-style contra dances he has collected throughout the country. He is renowned for his knack of
matching music to dance and for his smooth, concise teaching and presentation. Also a talented musician, he plays concertina and bodhran and has recorded on eight albums. As a couples-dance teacher, his repertoire
includes Lindy/swing, Scandinavian, Cajun and Zydeco. In addition to performing and teaching, George produces music and dance events including week-long winter dance vacations in the Caribbean, and Hawaii."
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The Duhks |
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"The Duhks, this youthful band includes a bluesy lead singer, a Cuban percussionist, a Celtic-style guitar player, a clawhammer banjoist and a fiery, genre-morphing fiddler. They effortlessly fuse Folk, Old-time, Bluegrass, Celtic, French-Canandian, and polyrhythmic percussion (among many other influences) into a worldly concoction of wildly accessible folk, nee, Rock Music!" - Sugar Hill Records.
Festival fans have been found dancing and banging on the front of the stage during their sets, in spontaneous full-on, working mosh pits. For all of the delicacy that The Duhks bring to their quieter tunes and all the swing that drives their jazzier ones, the full-throttle force they bring to the whole endeavor yields something very much like acoustic rock and roll.
www.duhks.com |
Samputu & Ingeli Troupe |
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POWERFUL! Samputu was the first Rwandan to win the prestigious Kora award, in essence an African Grammy, for Most Promising Male African Artist, and was nonminated for Best Traditional Male Artist. Samputu sings in 6 languages (Kinyawanda, Swahili, Lingala, Luganda, French and English) and he combines the unique musical traditions from all regions of Rwanda, among them, intwatwa, umushayayo, imparamba, and ikinimba. Jean Paul Samputu's life and musi changed forever when the tragedy of genocide struck Rwanda in 1994. Almost a million Rwandan people were killed, Samputu lost his mother and father, three brothers and a sister. Besides being a brilliant singer, songwriter and musician, he is also a tireless worker for peace and reconciliation, an educator about HIV/AIDS, and an eloquent speaker about the Rwandan genocide. Hes has worked steadily since that ti;me to help unify and heal his country through many ways including music and dance. www.samputu.com |
Ollabelle |
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Drawing both inspiration and materials from a deep well of rural American roots music--including gospel, blues, bluegrass, and country--Ollabelle reimagines these sounds for contemporary audiences, honoring the spirit and substance of the original sources while allowing this music to live and flourish in a post-modern era.
An egalitarian sextet whose members' résumés run the gamut from rock and jazz and pop to avant-folk and downtown classical ensembles, Ollabelle began as humble side project for each of its musicians before quickly evolving into a musical entity with a life--and sensibility--all its own.
www.ollabelle.net
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Sim Redmond Band |
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"The warm vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics are the extra flavor on top of their hypnotic musical dish. Bubbling bass and drums will put you in a trance while sparkling guitar opens your mind to the peaceful world this band has created. Well established in the NY-PA area, Sim Redmond Band has made recent trips to Colorado, New Mexico and the southeast"
-Homegrown Music Network
www.simredmondband.com |
Billy Jonas |
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Kids love it, adults love it, old folks love Billy Jonas! Very danceable, mostly percussion, great lyrics ranging from poignant to amusing to laugh out loud funny. Clever funky infectious musical FUN! LEAF in Schools & Streets Artist. www.billyjonas.com |
Chuck Brodsky |
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Chuck Brodsky's music combines the simple elegance of storyteller, witty social commentary, and a deep underlying compassion infusing his work with humanity and humor to create musical tales of everyday people that resonate profoundly with his audience. A spellbinding and colorful performer, his music draws on such influences as folk, country, and the traditional music of his North Carolina home. www.chuckbrodsky.com |
Dan Frechette |
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"Manitoba singer/songwriter Dan Frechette, blessed with an enormous talent and a facility for adapting elemental folk forms - bluegrass, Celtic airs, country, ragtime, country blues - to his own purpose, the likes of which I haven't heard since Dylan's first recordings, has drawn around him some of the Canadian folk community's most respected sages and musicians." -Greg Quill, Toronto Star April 28, 2005
www.simplyfolk.com/home.htm |
Darrell Rose & Afrikan Drum Festival |
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Darrell Rose is a master African drummer who plays in the West African tradition. He has performed nationwide as a featured solo artist and as the leader of his ensemble, Afrikan Drum Festival. He has played internationally with Corey Harris, among other well-known names in the music industry, and has played on tour and recorded with The Wailers. It is his involvement with and commitment to teaching young people, however, which distinguishes Darrell from other talented musicians.
www.darrellrose.com |
YO Mama's Big Fat Booty Band |
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When the Booty Band hits the stage, everybody dances! Bounce is the philosophy as this Boone, NC 7-piece unloads their slinky soul, reggae, rock, hip-hop, blues, ska and deep, deep Funk. Formed in 2002, they mix triumphant horns and laid-back grooves with fat backbeats and a hilarious stage presence. The swarms of swaying bodies at their sold-out shows testify to their thick organic thump and boundless energy. They're quickly becoming the hottest new funk band on the Southeast/mid-Atlantic circuit, adding colorful costumes and a high-tech light show to take the experience over the top.
www.bootyband.com |
William Jackson |
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Internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist William Jackson has been at the forefront of Scottish music for many years.On stage William joyfully shares personal anecdotes, stories and old Celtic tales with a dry wit. As a solo, performer his music is truly transporting. William's primary instrument is the Scottish harp, or clarsach, which he also teaches. He also plays wire strung harp, flute, whistle, uillean pipes and piano. www.wjharp.com |
Al Pettaway & Amy White |
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AL PETTEWAY & AMY WHITE perform an exciting blend of contemporary, Celtic-influenced, original and traditional instrumental music on acoustic guitars, mandolin, piano, Irish bouzouki, vocals and world percussion. Their signature sound is heard daily on NPR and is featured in a number of movies and documentaries. During their live shows, this husband and wife team captures the hearts of their audiences with the obvious love they have for one other and the colorful stories about the places and events that inspired their music.
www.alandamy.com |
Madison Elites |
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Old African-American spirituals to Contemporary Gospel music, Brass Band style unique to the Madison Elites Gospel Shout Band. |
Yesterday's Tommorrow |
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The youngest touring Beatles Tribute group in the USA, (possibly the world) ranging in age from 14-18 years old. |
WWC Folk Choir |
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The Warren Wilson College Folk Choir, led by Milt Crotts is a 12 - 14 voiced auditioned student ensemble from Warren Wilson College. The Folk Choir meets twice weekly and is dedicated to performing a variety of choral music from around the world. For more info:
www.warren-wilson.edu/~music/ |
Holy Coyote |
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Holy Coyote is four long-time musicians and friends who have played contras and couples dancing since the early eighties in various combinations and bands--from The String Beings to Red Plum Jam to the Atlanta Swamp Opera to Wild Goose Chase--but never played as a quartet until the Birth of The Coyote. Split between Asheville and Atlanta, the Coyotes (Laurie Fisher, fiddle; Dave Marcus, concertina and button accordion; Karen Gaughan, piano; and Larry Enlow, feet, percussion and mandolin) bring together New England, French Canadian, and Southern tunes with energy and grace. |
Russ Wilson and His Mighty Mighty Men |
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Russ Wilson and His Mighty Mighty Men present the blues with a jumpin'
swing beat. Inspired by the music of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Bill
Haley and Wynonie Harris this band is guaranteed to get you out of your seat
and moving your feet.
www.everswinging.com |
Eta Carina |
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Eta Carina is a musical group that was begun in Asheville, North Carolina in late 2002 by singer Iliana Ramirez and Guitarist/Composer, West Bolz. Eta Carina performs a smart and sexy mix of 'Tropical Pop,' original and cover music in the styles of salsa, merengue, samba, bossa nova, and more. Whether you come to dance, or just to watch and listen, Eta Carina gives you something to enjoy.
www.etacarina.net |
Menage |
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Luscious and original, Asheville's own Menage delievers a contagious mix of sophisticated swing, R&B, and a spoonful of back porch. Timeless melodies and hip shakin', infectious grooves will make you want to join the party on stage.
www.themenage.com |
Afromotive |
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To put it simply- rhythm and movement. We are using traditional rhythms from West Africa, namely from lead singer Kevin Meyame's native Ivory Coast, and dispersing them throughout the band, whether it be the bass line emulating the dunun drum, the keys slapping a djembe rhythm, or the horns screaming at the audience to dance harder. The strong presence of the djembe and percussion gives the music a direct relationship to its polyrhythmic African foundation. |
Akira Satake |
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Akira is quite the bluegrass musician (not a pure traditionalist). He has a powerful, refreshing mixture of various world-styles of music. To reach into that whole world concept Akira mixes tastes of Bulgarian, Native American, Celtic and Oriental influences. He learned to play the banjo while growing up in Osaka after his brother introduced him to the music of Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and other bluegrass favorites. He will be playing with Kuumba &
David, Billy Jonas, and the Warren Wilson Folk Choir. A native of Japan, a
recent resident of New York, and now we are thrilled to have Akira as part
of our local community. |
Avec La Force Percussion |
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Avec La Force Percussion Initiative brings to LEAF high energy music from West Africa and will facilitate the drum circle by way of rhythms from the Ivory Coast and Guinea. |
Bailey Mountain Trio |
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One of the region's most popular and versatile groups, performing everything from Classic Country to Old-Time Fiddle & Banjo tunes, regional folk songs, Blues & Southern Appalachian Gospel numbers. Their crowd pleasing specialty is soaring 3 part harmonies with duets, tight instrumentals and more in the mix. All award-winning recording artists, the group consists of Roger Howell on fiddle, banjo and guitar, Carol Mallett-Rifkin on guitars, and Grammy Award-Nominated musician Buddy Davis on bass. |
Baraka Mundi |
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Uniting eastern dance, world music, theatre, ceremony, and the Fire Arts with enchanted audiences. Baraka Mundi is a live music and dance ensemble inspired and informed by the cultures of India, North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
www.barakamundi.com |
Barbara Groh |
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Barbara Groh, of Asheville, NC, has been calling contra dances since 1989. She has called at dance festivals such as Gotta Dance, Asheville Summer Soirée, Spring Dance Romance, NEFFA, Moondance, Charleston's Bugstomp, Charlotte's Gypsy Meltdown, and previous Lake Eden Arts Festivals. Her smooth style, clear teaching, and collection of interesting dances will help you achieve Contra Nirvana.
www.main.nc.us/drumdance/BJG/ |
Carol Mallett-Rifkin |
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Long time member of the Green Grass Clogger Professional Road team, toured nationally & internationally performing at most of the major folk festivals, in 2 Emmy Award winning tv shows, and at Lincoln Center. As a solo she's performed and recorded with Dick Tarrier, many old time bands and currently performs with fiddler Roger Howell. Carol's appeared in BBC documentaries, the movie Songcatcher and with numerous awards for dance, music and vocals. She's devoted to making old time traditions fun and easy to join in on. A journalist who has written for the North American Folk Alliance Conference, Acoustic Guitar Magazine and more, she is currently an entertainment columnist for the Asheville Citizen Times. |
Chuck Willard karaoke |
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You and your friends can instantly become a rock-and-roll band using real instruments! Then sing your fave songs together Karaoke-Style on-stage! |
Denisa Rullmoss |
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Energetic and off the wall, fun and games for one and all! What do whipped cream; parachutes and donuts have in common? Denisa's tools of the trade for kids and
Families to engage in exuberant play. As a children's crafts & games specialist, Denisa has been the Children's Program coordinator/teacher for Swannanoa Gathering for 10 years. At LEAF Denisa enjoys causing giggles and laughter as she leads wild and wacky games for all ages.
www.swangathering.com |
Destiny Hulali Kappa |
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Blends physical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of
Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions teaching dance and chant to all age groups. Participants can learn a modern hula and take part in an age-old
custom. Hulali was trained in Makaha, O'ahu, where she was the Alaka'i (leader) of the Halau (hula school). Her teachers have infused her with
their ancient knowledge dating back to before western influence. She has been performing hula for 10 years. |
Djinntana (formerly Transform Venus) |
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Fire performance to enchant your senses. Djinntana brings the dangerous world of fire into a tamed realm in which the senses are enlightened and enchanted. These talented performers bring fire alive with grace, control, and agility. A unique experience not to be missed whether you are young or old!
www.djinntana.com |
Don Pedi |
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Don Pedi's music sounds with a clear melody and a pureness of spirit. It surpasses the boundaries of musical style, unfolding a timeless expression of human creativity. For over thirty years Don has amazed and delighted audiences with his unique "Fiddle-Pick" style of playing the dulcimer. Drawing on decades of association with many of the best musicians in the southern mountains, as well as his deep commitment to preserving the old music, Don carries on the tradition in an exiting and innovative fashion unrivaled on the Mountain Dulcimer. Rhythm and melody match the fiddles, up to speed, note for note, creating an ancient sound, that strikes a chord with the most modern listener.
www.donpedi.com |
Doug Elliot |
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Whether he's singing about catfish, pontificating on possums, extolling the virtues of dandelions, telling wild snake tales, or wailing out a jivey harmonica tune, - naturalist, author, storyteller, and recording artist, Doug Elliott, will delight you with a lively collection of traditional stories, woodslore, legends, and outrageous personal narratives, all flavored with regional dialects, lively harmonica riffs, and more than a few belly laughs.www.dougelliott.com |
Elizabeth "Eboo" Sauls |
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Playing familiar songs and tunes that have been heard on Appalachian Farms for more than 200 years, She'll lead pickers in old time slow jams. Elizabeth plays fiddle and Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer with her band, The Butter Holler String Band, as well as playing mandolin, dulcimer or guitar with other local Old Time bands. |
Elizabeth Ann Wyndelts |
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Playing in the Old Time Music group "Too Hot To Cook" for the past 20 years & teaching mandolin at The Blue Ridge Old Time Music week for the past 5 years. "Timing is everything " is what Elizabeth Ann subscribes to along with a good old time dose of fun while students swiftly learn to play a fiddle tune. |
Funky Monkeys |
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The Funky Monkeys are a group of parents, educators and artists who celebrate the spirit of children. Our performances and workshops are aimed at evoking humor, curiosity, creativity or just plain silliness. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, just come out and play! |
Gavra Lynn |
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Asheville's own rockin singer-songwriter |
Go Go Girlie Action |
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Girlie Action, Asheville's premier go-go troupe, joins a long kick-line of dancing girls from the Whisky-a-Go-Go girls of the 60s to the Solid Gold dancers of the 80s to bring dance, fun, and merriment to any event they grace. Bambi, Amber, Satellite, Juicy, Valentina, Roxie and Jungle-Jane knew they were destined to be together when it was discovered they all wore the same ruffle butt panties in kindergarten -- pale pink with hot pink ruffles!
www.gogogirlieaction.com |
Gordy Hinners & Rebecca Keeter |
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Banjo & Clogging |
The Great Slide |
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The Great Slide is a four piece ensemble that operates out of a customized space that functions as a recording and rehearsal facility in the mountains of Asheville, NC. Through the use of a multi- instrumentalist lineup, the band works from a diverse palette of sounds. This creates a strong musical foundation which allows for creative vocal concepts. The music lives in the place between the song and the experiment. This is where The Great Slide becomes a collective movement. |
Hanimation w/ Tom & Denise Magruder |
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Created 15 years ago as Tom helped a group of timid kids discover the "dragon in their hands". Kids reconnect with their creativity, self-confidence, and sense of wonder by gently redirecting their attention to the world of characters that exists within their own hands. It is a unique experiential learning program that promotes problem solving abilities, emotional centering, motor skill coordination, and left/right brain integration, while teaching children to create 3-D character puzzles. |
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