Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet

Abigail Washburn never set out to be a songwriter or a recording artist. Five years ago when she found herself on stage in a smoke-filled Beijing club playing her banjo and singing old-time Appalachian mountain music in Chinese to a packed house, she was as surprised as anyone. Abigail has created a new sound - a sound that challenges traditional notions of country and culture, embodied in the raw, transcendental music of the Sparrow Quartet; the all-star collaboration featuring banjo great Bela Fleck, acclaimed cellist Ben Sollee, and Grammy-nominated fiddler Casey Driessen. www.abigailwashburn.com

Robert Earl Keen

Robert Earl Keen's transformation from rowdy crowd-pleaser to one of contemporary music's finest poet laureates of the everyman may seem evolutionary or a reinvention of sorts to unfamiliar eyes. The truth is much simpler: Robert Earl Keen has always been great. His meticulously crafted tunes provoke tears, new philosophies, and belly laughs - occasionally in the same verse. Folk, blues, jazz, and hardcore country emerge throughout his compositions as Keen weaves his peerless stories with wry excellence. His live performances build bridges between old favorites and progressive new compositions, including The Front Porch Song, The Road Goes On Forever, Gringo Honeymoon, Dreadful Selfish Crime, Feelin' Good Again, The Great Hank, and Long Chain.

The Legendary JCs

With a downright nasty rhythm section and brilliant brass behind him, front-man Eugene Snowden is able to work The Legendary JC's into a high-performance engine of soul and funk originals which are as familiar and inspiring as the standards laid by trailblazers James Brown, Otis Redding and Al Green. Such over-the-top shows have garnered the band headlining slots at three consecutive years worth of NOLA Jazz Fest late-nights, Other festival performances include Voodoo Music Experience, Langerado, Down on the Farm and Dunedin Mardi Gras. www.thejointchiefs.com - sonic bids artist

Trombone Shorty

"UNBELIEVABLE! It's just not anything you're going to hear anywhere else." - The Edge
"Don't get me wrong, we got it goin' on in New Orleans, he is just better." - Allen Toussaint
"Troy possesses the rarest combination of talent, technical capability and down home soul. I'm his biggest fan." - Wynton Marsalis
Hailing from Tremé, the most musical neighborhood in the most musical city - New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has made the leap from child prodigy to Professional Master Musician. At 22 years old Troy has already experienced more than most musicians three times his age, and he has the chops to prove it. Having traveled extensively in the United States as well as Cuba, Europe, South America & The United Arab Emerites, Troy's music has reached innumerable music lovers who will never forget his amazing live performances.

Vieux Farka Toure

NEWS FLASH! Vieux Farka Toure has been nominated for a 2008 BBC World Music award!
Vieux Farka Toure's debut represents a historic passing of the torch from father to son. A highly-talented guitarist, singer, songwriter and percussionist, Vieux Farka Toure crafts songs in the rich Sonrai tradition of his father, famed guitarist Ali Farka Toure. Vieux's songs are globally-minded music for the new millennium, where ancient African melodies meets reggae and rock on equal footing. The music carries a positive message, and Vieux has spent the last several years promoting the UNICEF "Fight Malaria" campaign to spread awareness about malaria, the number one life-threatening disease for African children.

Pistolera

Pistolera is a NYC-based band that defines the latin alt-folklorico genre. Drawing from traditional styles of Mexican music and fusing it with a pop-rock sensibility, the electrifying quartet features the Spanish lyric songsof vocalist and guitarist Sandra Lilia Velásquez, the driving accordion melodies of Maria Elena, and the unbeatable rhythm section of bassist Inca B. Satz and drummer Ani Cordero. www.pistolera.net

Bettye LaVette

Ms. LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history, possessed of an incredibly expressive voice that one moment will exude a formidable level of strength and intensity and the next will appear vulnerable, reflective, reeking of heartbreak. Unfortunately, it says much about the vagaries of the popular music industry that, although LaVette has been recording for over four decades, up until recent years she has remained criminally unknown.

Leon Redbone

We don't know his birthday. We'd only be guessing at an alma matter. And nobody ever told us, for sure, if he went by any other name. But for the last three decades and counting, nobody could mistake him for any other performer, nor singer, nor guitarist, nor character. While the careers of performers who reside in the limelight are usually short-lived and over-overexposed, it's refreshing to encounter Leon Redbone, who remains so musically resonant and personally elusive. Most folks were introduced to the man during his network debut on Saturday Night Live in 1976, where he showcased his indelible version of "Walkin' Stick." Over the course of his 30+ year, 15+ album, super-star-of-stage-and-screen-and-Madison-Avenue career, the bard has continued his love affair with tunes from the turn-of-the-century (as in the second-to-last century), flapper-era radio ditties, Depression-spawned ragtime and World War II folk-jazz. www.leonredbone.com

Dendê & Hãhãhães

Formed in 2002, Hãhãhães is named after the Indian tribe Pataxó-Hãhãhães that once inhabited the city of Salvador in Bahia, Brazil. Lead by master Afro-Brazilian percussionist Dendê, the beat is always central, but it is tempered by thought provoking lyrics and sweet melodies. Dendê has been performing professionally since the age of 14 and has performed and recorded with such artists as Marisa Monte, Gilberto Gil, Carlinhos Brown, Yvette Sangalo and Sepultura. Having left Brazil in 2001, Dendê now lives in New York and also teaches Afro-Brazilian percussion in the New York City area. Comprised of musicians of various backgrounds, the groups' diversity permeates its music with rhythms ranging from Nigerian Afrobeat to Brazilian Samba to Cuban Pilón. http://www.mamadele.com/ .LSS

Harper

Harper is a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Sonny Boy II and Little Walter with John Popper, and a musical visionary who is unafraid to mix the haunting drone of the didgeridoo into an eclectic mix of world blues fusion. Backed by his energetic band "Midwest Kind" , this Australian songwriter makes his dramatic debut at LEAF. www.harper.biz .LSS

Spiritual Rez

Spiritual Rez, the Reggae Horn Funk Party is a 7 piece band who has tirelessly toured the country promoting positive music and attitude. Nominated for a Boston Music Award, the band provides a unique blend of Reggae, Funk and Afrobeat to give one of the most energetic live shows around. www.spiritualrez.com

Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience

For more than 2 decades Grammy award winning artist Terrance Simien, 8th generation Louisiana Creole has been shattering the myths about what his indigenous Creole Zydeco music is and is not. Leading his Zydeco Experience Band, Simien has become a highly respected, internationally recognized touring and recording artist and Cultural Ambassador for his state. He has presented thousands of performances, toured millions of miles to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25 year career. Born (appropriately!) in 1965 into the hippie folk and soul music era, Simien grew artistically being influenced by all of the great music that has defined our country's musical legacy, including music from that era. He was as influenced by Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel as he was by Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and the Meters.

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats

The evening is a splash of color, motion, and sound I couldn't believe that two hours could pass that quickly, or be that much fun." Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts For over 20 years, the amazing performances of the The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats® (formerly the Chinese Magic Revue) have been the perfect high-energy attraction for 100's of universities, performing arts centers and corporate events. It's no wonder. Under the direction of acrobatic legends, the Hai Family, the company flawlessly interprets the precision and grace of an art form honed by years of training and discipline; Chinese acrobatics. Their multi-faceted and multi-cultural production features dazzling acrobatic displays, formidable feats of daring and balance, explosive Kung Fu, brilliant costumes, and even a touch of Chinese comedy. Along with several TV appearances including That's Incredible, the troupe was awarded the "Performing Arts Campus Entertainment Award" by the National Association for Campus Activities (1986), and was nominated for the 1998 Campus Activities Today "Reader's Choice Award for Best Live Novelty Act."

Ben Sollee

Born and raised in Kentucky, the young cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee is changing the way people think of the cello. While Ben has studied classically, receiving his degree from the University of Louisville in 2006, his soulful voice and style of playing reflect his deep connection to American roots music. His cello playing is a unique alchemy of fiddling, percussive bow work, and three-finger style plucking. Beyond his work with The Sparrow Quartet Ben has toured and recorded with Avant Garde Blues man Otis Taylor. In 2007, NPR recognized Ben as one of the Great Unknown Artists of the year.

Donna The Buffalo

"Funky and danceable with a message of tribal philosophy and celebration, Donna the Buffalo's music is a unique blend of reggae, rock, country, zydeco, Cajun, and folk traditions. The dual vocals of Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear provide a hypnotic quality to the melody, adding to the band's unusual instrumentation and original sound. While their swirling music ensures that audiences will be up and dancing, Topic material moves effortlessly between political, historical, personal, and spiritual themes, with ideas of social and moral responsibility that spring from the band members core beliefs." (SU)
www.donnathebuffalo.com

Billy Jonas

An explosion of energy! This composer, songsmith and multi-instrumentalist performs original songs and improvisations with voice,guitar and instruments made from found or foraged objects. His concerts inspire, inform and enlighten; beginning with a simple "tuning" of the audience, who participate as audience/orchestra in each song. Billy has been an international performer and educator for nearly twenty years, providing "foraged folk" concerts and hands-on workshops.LEAF in Schools & Streets Artist. .LSS www.billyjonas.com

Chirgilchin

Atmospheric and mesmeric, 'throat singing' is almost too difficult to describe in words. It must be heard to be believed - the music, produced by resonating low sounds in the throat, creates a middle note and a haunting, flute-like harmonic. Chirgilchin is a group of musicians from Tuva, a small Russian province north of Western Mongolia. Singing the ancient folk songs in the Tuvan language, the group also plays hand made instruments.
Tuva is Geographical Center of Asia - north of Mongolia and inside of Russian Federation

Contrazz

Combining the improvisational style and solos of a jazz band with a repertoire of traditional Celtic, Quebecois and American old-time music, Contrazz is a high-energy ensemble known for its driving rhythms and hot music.
A band with a serious groove, this ensemble of highly skilled players includes David DiGiuseppe on accordion, Rodney Marsh on saxophone and flute, Bernie Petteway on guitar, Diane Petteway on piano and Sara Romweber on percussion.

Crowfoot

Crowfoot weaves musical influences from England, Ireland, Quebec, and the Appalachian Mountains into a captivating fusion that delights dancers and listeners alike. Into this meeting ground of traditions, they incorporate their own distinctive original compositions and songs. Having cut their teeth on the contra dance circuit, Crowfoot has gained a reputation for their trancelike grooves, subtle interplay, and unstoppable energy. For 3 years they have been playing for dances across the US and Canada, drawing a youthful following and foot-stomping praise wherever they go. www.crowfootmusic.com

Magic of African Rhythm

In collaboration with

Menage

Shimmering, soulful and always fabulous Asheville outfit Menage brings their swinging roots rock sound back to LEAF. This female fronted quartet sports a tight, engaging live show with lots of vocal harmony and songs about their two favorite topics, boys and food. Some say Menage is pioneering the new "mountain pop" sound. www.themenage.com

The High Windy Band

Recent winners of the prestigious Fiddler's Grove Band Competition and reigning State Bluegrass Champions, High Windy draws from a combination of contemporary and traditional Bluegrass styles while adding Old Time themes and an original approach! In an area where great Roots music is the norm, High Windy rises to the top, merging sophisticated arrangements and a style that is all their own! www.highwindyband.com

Rising Appalachia

Sisters Leah and Chloe bring raw and gritty harmonies to their Appalachian influenced songs. Their eerie banjo originals, stark fiddle drones, and effortless vocal intricacies are compared to that of Tom Waits, Ani Difranco, and The Be Good Tanyas. Paired with the groove heavy percussion of Forrest Kelly, Rising Appalachia exudes hypnotic melodies to soothe the weariest of souls.
WEBSITES: www.risingappalachia.com
www.myspace.com/risingappalachia

Moog Foundation Interactive Experience

The Bob Moog Foundation honors and supports the legacy of electronic music pioneer Bob Moog by celebrating, teaching and documenting innovative thinking in electronic music. The foundation aims to touch people's lives through
experiential creativity and exposure to the boundless realm of sonic reality. To find out more about our goals, please visit our website at www.moogfoundation.org. Join us at LEAF for an interactive musical experience."

Elizabeth "Eboo" Sauls

Eboo Sauls plays, teaches and performs Appalachian fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dulcimer and the jug throughout the South. She'll be leading EZ-Jams at the old-time tent, which are geared towards the beginner and intermediate musician. She'll make sure all are familiar with the chord progressions and play the tunes through slowly before proceeding.

ElizabethAnn Wyndelts

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.

Gordy Hinners, Rebecca Keeter & Family

Known for his distinctive fretless banjo playing and rhythmic flatfoot dancing, Gordy has toured and recorded with Ralph Blizard and the New Southern Ramblers and the Green Grass Cloggers for many years. His solo banjo playing was recently featured on 2 CDs, Banjo Gathering and Old Time Banjo Festival on Rounder Records. Rebecca's solid rhythm guitar playing keeps many an old time jam cooking.

John Hermann

Old-time jams

Ken Cope

Ken, a British native, has been involved in the traditional Folk Club scene since 1970. He plays Irish Whistle and sings traditional English folk songs with Concertina and Fiddle

Lewis Wills

Lewis Wills has been playing fiddle since the late 60's and began playing banjo and guitar before that during the Folk Revival years. Wills has been a staff musician for Blue Ridge Old-Time Week at Mars Hill College for the past three years, and has a banjo piece recorded on the album, 40th Annual Old Fiddlers Convention at Galax, Virginia.

Aaron Bebe Sukura

A skillful player, Aaron has developed classical styles of playing the gyil and his admirers enjoy watching him play for hours on end. He combines traditional and classical music into his own compositions, making his playing very interesting. In addition to the gyil, Aaron also performs on the seperewa, a harp-lute of Ghana's Akan-speaking people; the mbira, the Zimbabwean soul instrument; the atenteben, a Ghanaian bamboo flute; and the African guitar. He often uses these instruments to accompany his singing and has composed songs in both English and Dagara.

Darrell Rose

Darrell Rose is a master African drummer who plays in the West African tradition with his band JuJu Gathering (sp?). 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. Darrell's involvement with and commitment to teaching young people distinguishes him from other talented musicians. www.darrellrose.com .LSS

Oh Papa

A performance by Scott Perry reflects the variety and contrasts found in the music that he has made his vocation. His guitar work showcases stinging delta slide, lilting piedmont fingerwork, tough Chicago shuffles and swinging west coast vamps and is paired with a vocal attack that draws you in with a whisper, stirs your soul with it's resonance, then exalts you with a gritty roar. www.ohpapa.com .LSS Sonic Bids

The Health Adventure Show

Gotta Move is an original musical stage show celebrating science. We sing songs, slide down ramps, drop rubber chickens, make toilet paper dance, and get you excited about physics. Come explore forces, motion, gravity, friction, air pressure, and flight in this high-energy theater program. In the past two years, we have presented this show to over 18,000 children in 17 counties. The Health Adventure is a health and science museum for children and today's families, dedicated to improving health awareness, promoting wellness lifestyles, and increasing science literacy through programs and exhibits. www.thehealthadventure.org.

Adina Gordon

Adina Gordon calls to the delight of dancers coast to coast. Relaxed and smooth, she’s known for her concise teaching, engaging dances, and infectious joy. Her reassuring stage presence and mellow voice will have you floating off to dance nirvana in no time. www.adinagordon.com

Aeril Trapeze Academy

Aeril Trapeze Academy is pround to be back for the third time with the flying trapeze activity. Come and try this 'once in a lifetime' experience. Accesible if you are 6 and up. we accept cash, visa ans mastercard.So come at the trapeze site and sign up for a class. Our experienced instructors are waiting for you. Remember 'there is no business like show business I know.'

Alisa Kuumba

Ancestral Rhythms has been with Western North Carolina Arts Agencies (WNCAA), since 2003, doing artist-in-residencies and performances for the Transylanvia County Schools, Avery County Schools, Marion Elementary and local schools in the Asheville area. www.myspace.com/alisakuumba

Asheville Aerial Arts

This is our first appearance at the LEAF and we are excited to be a part of the festival. Our team will be performing, as well as instructing in workshops. If you have ever dreamed of learning what it takes and how it feels to get off the ground, come visit us at the LEAF this spring. We are
always looking for new talent, and hope to inspire you to give aerials a try with Asheville Aerial Arts

Beth McDonough- Youth Poetry Slam

.LSS
2007 Asheville Area Arts Council Teacher of the Year Award for my work with youth poetry at Asheville Middle

Beth Molaro

Since 1994, Beth has called more than 100 dances each year from coast to coast as well as Denmark and Canada. Beth is in demand as a caller and teacher for community dances both small and large,at Dance Weekends and Folk Festivals and other gatherings.
www.bethmolaro.com

Capt. Josh

Capt. Josh and the CADETS: Local theater artist Josh Batenhorst and the CADETS (Committed Actors Doing Entertaining Theatre Society) of ArtSpace Charter School bring an original performance to life. These committed young artists (grades 6-8) will showcase the power of linking schools and after-school programs with local artists, this show promises to be a unique and fun-filled experience for all ages! Capt. Josh wants YOU to do drama! Join local theatre artist Josh Batenhorst for an exciting (afternoon/morning) of creative drama! Play games, make your own short plays and show-off your ability to show-off! Fun for young and old alike. .LSS

Cary Fridley

Cary Fridley's singing evokes centuries of Southern voices from Memphis Minnie to Maybelle Carter. Her new band Down South combines the honesty of folk music with the country groove of Asheville, breathing new life into classic country and blues with drums, electric guitar, pedal steel, and electric bass. Influenced by her Virginia mountain childhood and years performing at bluegrass festivals with her previous band, The Freight Hoppers, Cary's natural affinity for folk music shines is highlighted by her ability to reach the heart and soul of an audience. http://www.caryfridley.net/ .LSS

Chess Master Robert Frederick

Chess Senior Master Robert will play up to 8 chess games simultaneously, 3 hours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. His LEAF record for SIX Leaf seasons is 231 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss. Robert's 2400 rating makes him the highest rated player in WNC. He has played internationally, been hired by Swiss teams, ranked as high as 16th in France (Over-the-board) and 6th in America (correspondence). Robert has trained world junior champions. He has not played seriously for many years, so score a win while he's rusty and with all the great LEAF distractions twisting his brain!

Cole Mountain Cloggers

Graham Hackett

Graham Hackett is a veteran stage performer and educator with over a decade of professional stage experience with numerous credits as an event producer. In each capacity, his work centers on personal and community development through cultural awareness. As founder and director of POETIX, an experiential arts program centered on spoken-word poetry, Graham serves a broad range of youth populations. He has worked with juvenile inmates, public, private, and charter schools, community centers, and is partners with numerous arts education and social service providers. His work offers the power of personal expression through innovative, media-saturated workshops. www.poetixonline.com .LSS

Hunab Kru B-Boys

The Hunab Kru is devoted to creating art in the spirit of concious Hip-Hop and embraces the positive roots of Hip-Hop culture. Through movement and dance we challenge our physical limits, Explore individual and collective expression, as well as entertain audienceswith an engaging and enthusiastic performance. The Hunab Kru are also teachers and students. .LSS

Imhotep

Imhotep is a Mardi Gras Indian relocated to Asheville and now teaches at Vance Elementary. .LSS

Ira Bernstein

Ira Bernstein is one of the world's premier solo percussive step dancers. Full-length concerts are a stunning display of a wide variety of these dynamic, rhythmic dances.
www.irabernstein.com

James Nave'

Jim Nave' brings more than twenty years of experience to the craft of presenting poetry on stage. He is one of the cofounders of Poetry Alive! and has been active of the Poetry Slam community since 1991. In addition, he has memorized over 600 poems and performed thousands of shows in the U.S. and abroad. For the past ten years, he has co-taught with Julia Cameron author of The Artist's Way. Nave' holds his MFA in poetry from Vermont College. He splits his time between Asheville, NC and Taos, NM. www.jamesnave.com .LSS

Jon Cooley

Jon has been performing and teaching with his "earth friendly" mountain dulcimers for the past ten years. He really enjoys creating music from an instrument that is made from renewable resources. A multi-instrumentalist, he recorded a CD in 2002 that features his cardboard dulcimers. Besides designing, building, and playing, he likes starting up school dulcimer programs. "The kids inspire me. They carry on our musical legacy," says Jon. Come listen to the sweet sustainable sounds of his dulcimers, and try one out! You'll be amazed! In collaboration with

Jonathan Scales

"...joyously inventive..." is how Jazz Times describes the work of Asheville-based steel drummer Jonathan Scales. Mixing a traditional Caribbean instrument with a contemporary jazz attitude, Jonathan Scales' music pushes the steel pan into the realms of funk, rock, and even bluegrass while still digging into the roots of traditional world sounds such as reggae and Latin. His intricate, instrumental writing combines with metric complexities to weave seamlessly between musical styles. The music world was introduced to Jonathan with his 2007 release, One-Track Mind, which brought him acclaim from steady regional press, consistent radio airplay, and a jammed schedule of live performances ranging from small clubs to packed theaters. This year will usher the release of Jonathan Scales' 2nd studio release Plot/Scheme, featuring drum guru Jeff Sipe & Grammy award winning sax man Jeff Coffin.

Maria-Guajira & Salseros 828

"Latin Dance Performance and Instruction. Asheville's premier Latin Dance Company specializing in creative approaches to Modern Salsa Dance." www.salseros828.com

Martha & The Mood Swingers

Jump, jive, and jazz from the 1930's and 40's.Toddlers, their grandparents and everyone in between love to boogie to the three-part scatty vocals, lyrical clarinet and tenor sax, and the funky beat of this energetic, elegant ensemble. www.marthaandthemoodswingers.com

Masankho Banda

Masankho Banda is a multi - disciplinary Performing Artist, Facilitator, Spiritual Healer and Peace Builder. Masankho, a storyteller/griot originally from Malawi,Central Africa, invites you to join him in giving your story movement and melody. Our Ancestors added dance and song to most of their stories. Together we will access the movement attached to our words and we'll allow song to come from deep inside. No prior singing or dance experience necessary. All are welcome. Masankho is the recipient of the "Unsung Heroes of Compassion" Award awarded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in May, 2001. .LSS  www.ucandanc.org

Michael and Jaya Gamble - Swing

Michael and Jaya teach a variety of swing dance styles from Jitterbug to Lindy Hop to Charleston and Blues dance. They conduct workshops to all levels of dancers across the country any given weekend of the year, and during the week teach swing dance in Asheville, NC. A century of great blues and jazz music has inspired generations of dancers and innovators to create this colorful and various truly American art form: swing dance. It is carefree and athletic, and Michael and Jaya make it easy and useful for dancers of all backgrounds or no experience at all. www.michaelandjaya.com

Mizilca

Mizilca is currently based in Asheville, where she teaches Transformational Bellydance for both children and adults. This approach to the dance integrates movement with energy-work and chakra exploration as well as with the art and joy of storytelling. Mizilca also performs locally, regionally, and nationally and has been a staple part of the LEAF experience for five years! Come share in some gypsy magic movement fun at the Kid's Village with Mizilca! www.transformationalbellydance.com

Pratibha Jena Singh

Visiting from New Delhi India! Classical Indian Dance Odissi Style. Representing the very best of what India has to offer! In a scintillating interpretation of the ancient temple dancing that has been performed as a stage art since India gained her independence, Pratibha is a prime example of the traditional dancer trained from childhood in a style that is passed from generation to generation; history brought to life as the sculptures from the temple walls make their transfixing journey into present day life, meaningful and memorable as a living expression of the divine within each of us. Sonic Bids www.ganeshacademy.com

Rodney Sutton

Rodney Sutton, a former Junior High teacher, is a traditional dancer, caller, musician, and storyteller. He was both a member and director of the Green Grass Cloggers in their early years, and co-founder of and principle dancer with the Fiddle Puppets(now known as Footworks). Rodney's friendly style of sharing his love of clogging and flatfooting, along with his welcoming "put you at ease" calling, has made him a favorite at festivals, conventions, and retreats for over 30 years.

Roman Marks

Giant Chess!

Sarah Eshan

As the sun sets over LEAF, something special happens in front of the fireplace inside Thunderbird Lodge. Friday and Saturday evenings, the vaudeville-style storytelling of Sarah Eshan creates a magical setting entertaining children of all ages. Her stories, characters, and songs take audiences places that span the globe and connect them to ancestral and cultural roots with laughter and the occasional lesson for life. Come experience the storytelling spirits with her!

Skinny Legs and All

Skinny Legs & All is Asheville's freshest young band whose members range in age from 13 to 17. Don't let their ages fool you - they are "making waves" on the local music scene knocking out youthful renditions of classic Blues, Funk, & Soul.These gifted performers deliver lip smacking, dance inspiring, mood altering grooves with strong soulful vocals that will lead you on a journey from a slow shuffle to booty grooving madness. Bring your dancing shoes!

Tall Tales Puppet Plays with Kelly Hanson

Kelly Hanson - LEAF Vendor Director and an artist herself - is a volunteer LSS resident artist at Issac Dickson Elementary School in Asheville, NC. Her focus is to work collaboratively with K-2 students and teachers to create original puppet plays. This year's theme is Tall Tales. Students read Tall Tale stories, work in groups to write original Tall Tale plays, create puppets to represent characters in the play, record their voices to create a soundtrack, and perform LIVE on a custom built puppet stage. LSS

The Golden Trumpets

10 piece soulful gospel!

Youth at Jazz

Developing talented,, young jazz musicians.