Press Release

Event & Performer Press Photos at bottom of page

What: Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF)
When: October 15th-18th 2009
Where: Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, NC
Media Contact: Jennifer Pickering, jennifer@theLEAF.org
Press Links: Press Release/Photos: theLEAF.org/press
Schedule: theleaf.org/performers
Tickets/Info: theLEAF.org • 828/ 68-MUSIC (686-8742)
Details: Advance ticket purchase required. Under 10 are FREE! Day tickets $29-48 • Weekend Camping Passes $107-161 • Community Pass (locals-no overnight) $69-89.

“The LEAF experience touched me to my core. I danced, drummed, paddled, and even cried (during the poetry slam). Moonbeams caressed my face as the sounds of the encamped tribe lulled me to sleep each night in my tent. I felt at home and at peace.” Robin Nalepa, LEAF Volunteer

The 29th LEAF festival announces our special theme of “Expresiones Latinas” (Latin Expressions) which is supported in part by LEAF’s first National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant. “Expresiones Latinas” kicks off Mexico’s Bi-Centennial celebration in 2010 and helps LEAF to enrich our community by presenting a unique blend of many different Latin cultures both at the festival and in our LEAF in Schools & Streets programs. LEAF in Schools & Streets will be working with local schools and community centers. In addition, LEAF International will be hosting teaching artists and children from our LEAF International Panama programs which have been working with hundreds of Ngobe Indian children over the past two years with 4-5 weekly music lessons as well as a music summer camps.

LEAF’s fall lineup is red hot with exceptional headliners to create the LEAF weekend soundtrack for dancing and listening! Drum roll…. Arrested Development • Zap Mama • Cowboy Junkies •Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra (Mexico) • The Squirrel Nut Zippers • Los Amigos Invisibles • Los De Abajo (Mexico) • Battlefield Band • Wild Asparagus & Notorious (contra) • Sones de México Ensemble (Mexico) • Forro In The Dark (Brazil) • Mamadou Diabate • The Horse Flies • Red Stick Ramblers • Billy Jonas • River Gueguerian Project • Gordon Brown & The Bug Band (Panama) • JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound • Ol Hoopty • Jeff Oster • Soul Feather • Suni Paz (Argentina)• Cary Fridley and Down South • Elise Witt • Skinny Legs & All • Special Kids' Village Performers including Red Herring Puppets (special Latin-themed puppet show) • Jam Tent • Poetry SLAM • Yoga & Healing Arts • Workshops & many more. (Note- bands representing “Expresiones Latinas” theme has their country following their name.)

LEAF is a strong family and friend tradition that “recharges our batteries” twice a year. In a time of many challenges, LEAF is thankful to have such an amazing community of people, artists, poets, healers, kids, dancers, travelers, and friends. Our ticket sales have been as strong as ever, and what we are hearing from many LEAFers is that LEAF is one of their most valued family and friend traditions, it is so much value for the dollar, and you can even volunteer if you need to save more funds. Great value! Great Times!

LEAF in Schools & Streets: Empowering Youth through Festive Arts. LSS is making residencies, workshops and performances available to area schools and community centers. In addition, LSS is hosting a special family-friendly performance and school field trip opportunity:
Sones de México Ensemble
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville
11:00 AM (10:30 AM doors)
Tickets: at the door ~ *special pricing for schools & families*
$2 for children (age 17 and under) • $3 for adults • All Ages welcomed
Reservations at outreach@theLEAF.org or by calling 828/68-MUSIC (686-8742)
For More Information: theleaf.org/lss/about_events.php

LEAF International: Empowering Youth Globally Through Cultural Music Traditions. LEAF International Panama is thrilled to bring a group of Ngobe Indian Children and their teaching artists to the US for the first time. Marselino, one of the teaching artists, said that “His Dream of teaching the local kids their music traditions has come to life through LEAF International”.

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