LEAF May 2005 Performers Page 2
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Kosmic Karma Wash
Like a Car Wash, but for your Karma! Rainbow¹s B-rushless Karma Wash is a high-energy interactive theatre piece providing a powerful, transformational experiences. We use skills as thespians and improv comedians to generate an opportunity for creative exploration. Passers-by are invited into our 'establishment'. Participants being lead through their adventure are immersed in bubbles, fluffed with feathers and playfully frolicked with by Karma Wash. The process takes minutes, allowing us to service masses. It sparks a playful energy, bringing out the child in everyone. Radiating bliss, participants filter back into the larger concert crowd spreading positive energy. Kevin Meyame
Dynamic Ambassador of Ivory Coast Culture. Inspiring and engaging, Kevin Meyame offers audiences a taste of the beauty and life of West African culture. In his workshops, Kevin shares the rhythms, songs, and dances--the gifts of his country's rich culture--with people of all ages and abilities. On the stage, Kevin captivates the mind and sparks the emotions, drawing upon a combination of his vibrant voice, the athletics of African contemporary dance and the magic of Ivory Coast 's traditional dances. Come and experience a taste of the power and diversity of West African culture. Baraka Mundi
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 Urban Arts Institute w/ Michael Hayes Hip Hop and urban dance. Fine Companions Waltz Band
Fine Companions Waltz Band will gently wake you on Sunday morning with beautiful melodies for your waltzing pleasure. Flute, Violin, Cello and Piano create the combinations of sounds that will lift your spirits as well as your feet! Come early for a class and learn the basic steps as well as the latest smooth moves from Scott Baxler, seasoned teacher. Then let your imaginations soar. James Nave'& the Super 20th SLAM!
Hanimation w/ Tom & Denise Magruder
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. Jim Wolfe
Puppeteer, marionette, & enchanting kids with world folk tales for a long time! Mark Small
The Carolinas Wushu Association sponsors one troupe of Lion Dance/Kung Fu performers in Greenville , South Carolina and two troupes in the Asheville North Carolina region. Loud gongs and drums accompany these performers of Chinese Acrobatics. There are colorful costumes and lively displays of classical open hand and kung fu weaponry. The lead dancers roll, lift, and throw one another in an astonishing display of agility. All to bring good luck and prosperity to those who witness it. Mad Tea Party
The Mad Tea Party plays novelty music from the 20's and 30's and timeless originals. This spirited group consists of Ami Worthen on ukulele, Jason Krekel on guitar, fiddle, kazoo and slide whistle, and Lora Pendleton on bass. You can also expect unique three-part harmonies and on stage humor from the very entertaining Mad Tea Party. www.whosethatrecords.com The Getup Exchange Crew
Hosts of the LEAF mountain drum circle and a community driven grass roots shop in downtown Asheville specializing in new and vintage clothing and drums from around the world. Joe Newberry
Powerful, innovative, contest winning banjo, including 1st place at Appalachian String Band Music Festival. A fine guitarist, fiddler, and singer as well, Joe plays with the band Big Medicine. Katuah Capoeria Angola
Katuah Capoeira Angola has been lifting spirits and shaping bodies since 1996. Capoeira is a rich folkloric Brazilian artform unlike any other in the world, interweaving music,dance, oral history and martial arts into a multi-dimensional game of strategy and liberation. Brazilian Capoeira is the fastest growing martial art in the world! Elizabeth “Eboo” Sauls
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. Lisa Schiess
Women’s Drum Circles. The Embe Marimba Band
A middle school student ensemble from Evergreen Community Charter School of Asheville NC. Founded & directed by Sue Ford, the group performs an exciting repetoire, including traditional and original music on Zimbabwean style marimbas. (SU) Bart "Bartman" Ruark & Karin Kratina
Teaching zydeco together for the last 2 years, bringing it's energy and excitement to north central Florida and are founding members of Hogtown Zydeco, their local dance group. Although Bart frequently gets to Louisiana , New Year 2004 was Karin's first trip and she's developed a new appreciation for the intricacies of Zydeco, which is always rich with tradition, hot musicians, cool moves and steamier than hot sauce.
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Laura Boosinger
Award-winning performer & recording artist whose primary focus is the interpretation of traditional music from the Southern Appalachian region. Step back to a simpler time, awakening memories for the old and gently instilling important cultural lessons. Several traditional instruments and vocal styles found throughout the region, from ballads to play-parties, old-time banjo to finger-style autoharp, shows the richness of the region's musical heritage. Her performances include The Tennessee Homecoming at Museum of Appalachia, MERLEFEST, Smithsonian Folklie Festival, and represented WNC in England and Scotland . She garnered the title of "Most Outstanding Performer" at the oldest traditional music festival in the US, Asheville's "Mountain Dance & Folk Festival." www.lauraboosinger.com Sosh Howell
Sosh Howell ( Asheville) and Gina Helfrich ( Atlanta) are the the hot new swing couple of the Southeast. They're teachers, performers, and competitors that can educate and entertain any crowd in the style of 30's and 40's Era Swing Dancing. Bruce Greene, Loy & Eliza McWhirter Family ballads, songs, lullabies, and rounds. They have been singing and collection traditional songs since childhood. Their extensive repertoire includes Appalachian and English ballads, world folksongs, rounds, and lullabies, which they sing unaccompanied in beautiful harmony. They are pleased to perform with their daughter Eliza, who has been learning and carrying on their family singing tradition. Helen Holifield In many parts of the world, not too long ago, storytelling and dance were sacred endeavors, vehicles for sharing the myths of humanity and transcending our daily existence. Helen re-discovered these arts after many years of performing other people’s work. “Although the stories and dances may be ancient, in the process of re-creating them they become our own. When we bring this creation to individual audiences, together we become part of a common experience of spontaneous creativity that touches us all. In these moments of transcendence, we touch the divine.” A former Children’s Librarian and artistic director for dance troupe Rhythm of Isis, Helen looks forward to dancing, storytelling and touching a bit of the divine with you here at LEAF in Gypsy Princess: Bellydance for Girls, Celtic Folk and Fairy Tales: Beyond the Woods, & Madness and Mayhem with the Washboard Sisters. Pink Flamingos
"Awesome talent, the fact that they are only 10 years old is truly Amazing" Greensboro News and Record. If you missed them by the lake in the Fall be sure to catch these talented 10 year olds. Great Island tunes with the energy and styling of seasoned pros. Featuring Sam Fribush on Steel Pan and Gray Johnston on percussion these kids Rock! Mentored by NC's own Tracy Thorton founder of world champion Steel Drum Band "Sons of Steel" the Pink Flamingos are on a course for musical stardom. Grab an umbrella drink and your beach sandals and come check these kids out. Lululand STORY FILLED TRIP TO LULULAND—EVERYONE WELCOME! Laura Edmonds a.k.a. Lulu has been telling stories since she learned to speak if you asked her parents. Her enthusiasm for oral traditions and the life lessons encompassed therein created and still creates a passion to share it. Living in western North Carolina for 8 years gathering stories in her being from all over the world and making up a few of her own she has performed at the Harmonic Convergence, the Flat Rock Music Festival, Stories Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain with dates scheduled in the spring at the Langerado Festival in Florida and LEAF. Jump aboard the “L Train” for an adventure in Lululand where magic happens and stories come alive. Ku'u Pua Ilima
Destiny Hulali Kappa 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. Gordy Hinners & Rebecca Keeter
Ron Buchanan
Contra Dance Caller!! Ken Cope
Celtic workshops and jams N8 the Great
Juggling for the Balancer in Us All. Transforming his everyday chores into circus-type games he developed a skill for using objects in unusual ways. By moving through his lifelong journey of juggling and balancing, Nate inspires kids and adults to look at the world in a different light. Each new toy he presents adds a new facet to this storytelling and offers the audience an opportunity to reflect on their own play.Nathan Johnson grew up with a strong imagination for movement in Winston-Salem , NC. Irene Goodnight
The Cosmic Cowgirl will get your toes rocking to her head music with original tunes and sounds for the soul. Currenly working with Ilya Toshinskiy of Bering Strait in the studio. www.redstarr.net Scott Baxla Chuck's Magic Circle Music Workshops
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! (F•S•SU) The Funky Monkeys
The Funky Monkeys have been bringing a fun and diverse array of activities for LEAF kids (and a short break for LEAF parents) for the past three years. This troupe of kid loveing parents entertain wide-eyed youth with anything from nature hikes, to puppet shows, to story time, to instrument making, while parents look on, or enjoy an hour to themselves at the festival. The focus is on fun, imagination and silliness. Come see what kind of kid fun is worth "hanging around" for! Rat Jackson
Rockin & Jammin. Hailing from Chapel Hill and raised in Asheville, Rat Jackson are Carolina boys. With a sound influenced by Southern music and rock & roll and reliant on improvisation, brothers Will & Curt Arledge and longtime friend Rusty Sutton spent days honing their chops in homegrown local groups in the Asheville club scene, headlining gigs before they could drive. Playing high-energy blues-based rock & roll, Rat Jackson showcase an appreciation for various blues styles, a strong groove, and ample room to jam that will have you on your feet. |
Jamuna
Jamuna is the real Russian deal - a singer with heart, passion and a voice to match. She's a native of Moscow , where she's famous for her pop shows, and often appears on TV and in concerts and clubs. But in the U.S. , she sings beloved Russian folk classics in her unique style. She's cut two CDs: "Goodbye Taganka," a collection of classic Russian folk and "city-folk" songs, and her latest "Russian Kiss," with favorites from her homeland, redone in a hot fusion style. Don't miss her concert. www.jamuna.us Rosario Carelli
"We are the drum". In the tradition of "Babatunde Olatunji", Rosario shares the fun, magic and healing power of the drum. Teaching easy to grasp West African rhythms and songs, Rosario uses the drum as a tool to create community, with peace and respect for all. Djinntana
Djinntana blends the storytelling of theatre with the art of fire dance to present a new and unique message at every LEAF. This is one of the best opportunities to sit back and take in our latest fire fun! We are a well blended troupe of goddesses and gods alike whose talent in arenas such as contemporary dance, gymnastics, belly dance, African dance, hoola hoop, stilt walking, sword fighting, costume design etc… are woven together to bring to you a spectacular event at each and every LEAF. We invite you to join us Saturday night lakeside, that’s when the fire begins!! (S) www.djinntana.com Cis Hinkle
Excellent Contra Dance Caller! (F•S•SU) Don Pedi
"Fiddle-Pick" Applachian Dulcimer master & Tai Chi teacher. For over 30 years Don delights audiences with his unique "Fiddle-Pick" style. Rhythm and melody match the fiddles, up to speed, note for note, creating an ancient sound. He has won over 30 1st place awards. Don appears in "Songcatcher" and "The Journey of August King" and hosts "Close to Home" on WCQS. www.donpedi.com David Lynch
Appalachian Mountain-Style Fiddler leads string band jams and teaches fiddle tunes in the Old-Time style. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, or string bass - all skill levels welcome. If you don't play, feel free to come and listen. www.oldtimemusic.com
Riley Schilling YOUTH SPEAKS OUT FREE FLOW SHOW also known as Youth Open Mic - Teen Poetry Slam. Riley is an artist currently attending AB TECH and working towards traveling to Trinidad and Tobago . He has hosted the youth slams at LEAF for 5 years and has been involved in teaching and heavily exploring poetic forms for years. It is Riley's main goal to be creative and to foster honest, free expression of Self among LEAFers and friends alike. This spring may ring collaboration with visual artists, musicians, and actors. Check out Riley's surprises (Saturday) at the Poetry Tent. Denisa Rullmoss
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 (F•S•SU) Shady Lane Special
Old-time band specializing in lively dance tunes with solid rhythm accompaniment for contras and squares, as well as polkas, waltzes, and southern fiddle breakdowns for freestyle dancing. Composed of students and faculty from Warren Wilson College , Shady Lane Special has been well-received at numerous dances, festivals, and other venues in the Asheville region. Members include Jesse Downs (fiddle), Collier Reeves (guitar), Matt Schroeder (washboard), Lindsay Clewell (mandolin), Phil Jamison (banjo), and David Brown (bass). Sandra & Vladimir
Touring from South American & Cuba. Professional dancers, this exquisite husband and wife team takes us on a journey or passion and grace through dance and many countries. Jon Cooley
Jon has been performing and teaching with his "earth friendly" mtn. 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 Hobey Ford Puppets
Hobey Ford is a nationally recognized puppeteer. He teaches and performs puppetry across the US and Canada. His many productions have won acclaim, including three Jim Henson Foundation awards and puppetry¹s highest honor a UNIMA Citation of excellence. Hobey is a Kennedy Center artist in their Professional development for Teachers program and presents teacher workshops nationally. He has been involved in puppetry since 1976 when he studied art at The State University of New York in Purchase. Hobey lives in Weaverville NC with his wife and daughters. Phil Jamison
Assistant Director of the Swannanoa Gathering and coordinator of Old-Time Music & Dance Week, Phil is nationally known as a dance caller, musician & flatfoot dancer. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film, Songcatcher, for which he also served as Traditional Dance consultant. He also plays fiddle and banjo, teaches mathematics and Appalachian music at Warren Wilson College , and writes articles on traditional dance for The Old-Time Herald. www.swannanoagathereing.org Robert Thomas
Piano playing that goes well with morning coffee, provocative yet reflective and nurturing to the soul. Music influences that range from Keith Jarrett to Peter Kater. A morning ritual for the earlyrisers at LEAF. Red Herring Puppets
Red Herring Puppets have created an original rhymed version of the classic tales told with music and large table top puppets. These timeless stories are simple to understand and address topics relevant to school age children such as bullying, selfishness, competition, ingenuity, and the affirmation that little beings can achieve great things. www.redherringpuppets.com |
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