E A S E L R I D E R

WHY THE NEED: Easel Rider and ULEAF recognize the power of cultural arts as a vessel for community building by strengthening intergenerational and cross-cultural relationships, empowering individuals, and strengthening leadership from the local community outward. In 2022, the world eased into a steady pace and our mobile art van did as well. We constantly programmed every Wednesday with our long-time partner the Christine Avery Center. Focuses included pillow making and yarn and textile projects. We rolled into downtown Brevard for a series of weekend events. We also had a blast doing holiday programs and camps with our local community partners. It was great to train a few key Easel Rider community artists for our team. We're looking forward to all our possibilities in 2023, and are so grateful for our amazing sponsor!

-Marsha

Almodovar, Easel Rider & ULEAF

inclusivity, and comm collaborative events in neighborhoods, community centers, public parks, and even private functions. ULEAF kept unfolding in 2022 for communities all across Buncombe County and Black Mountain. We made lots of repairs and gave lots of love to the stage, unfolding for musicians and artists to showcase their talents for years to come. We love to provide a place for people to perform that is affordable for all.

LEAF Values Equity. Moving beyond being inviting and inclusive, we are creating an equitable organization where anyone can bring their culture and values and engage in truly mutual relationships. We create space and opportunities for various communities to express their VOICES in their ways. At LEAF we seek to include people from a vast array of neighborhoods, including those not “seen,” and ensure that these communities are able to use their gifts and values in meaningful ways. Striving toward being equitable is a journey; one that we will continue to be aware of, openly learn about and seek to understand. On this path, we seek the outcome where an organization is truly equitable and there can be transformation, with openness, of the organization, the work, and the communities. Different groups share power and shape the culture, leadership, and results.

LEAF Equity Guiding Principles

Policies, procedures, and funding are aligned with LEAF’s core values & mission.

To see our full statement and principles visit theLEAF.org/global-arts-resources. This document was created by Board and Staff in 2019. The process was led by Dr. Eric "Big E" Howard and Marsha Almodovar. LEAF has been on an intentional Equity Learning Journey since 2015. It is a life-long dedicated journey.

LEAF leadership is dedicated to continual learning to expand our worldview and share perspectives that are vital to our growth. The topics correlate with national equitable dialogue and LEAF’s internal mission-driven values. In 2022, Legends of Africa Learning Journeys with Adama Dembele, Chinobay of Uganda, Racial Justice Coalition Staff Session, Artist's Insights, Visioning with SBTDC Coach Chris Slaughter; and Racial Equity Learning with Alexandria Ravenel and David Greenson with Collaborative Organizing, and Dr. Eric Howard, were a few of our learning journeys that expanded our views, tools, and challenged us each on our paths.

"offering a getaway for people seeking its healing waters and refreshing air”? Along this notion, we introduced our first Retreat theme: “The Waters of Life!” At LEAF, we feel that cultural curiosity, connection & learning are like water to a community. It is the essence of change and a catalyst to joy. During the Retreat and at the Learning Journey, every LEAFer had the unique in-depth opportunity to learn from masters artists we treasure: The Preservation Hall All Stars; Chinobay of Uganda, Cactus / 23 Skidoo, Leah Song, Orquesta Akokán of Cuba, and Masankho Banda of Malawi. The Retreat started building the pathway to Legends of Africa.

LEAF Creates Space & Place for MAGIC (re)CONNECTIONS

Suchet, Director of Ethno, came from Belgium to LEAF Retreat and reconnected with longtime LEAF artist Chinobay. In the 1990s, they met at Ethno in Belgium as young global artists with big dreams. During the emotional reunion in Eden Hall, while a storm was brewing and the drums were playing, Suchet and Chinobay sang songs to each other in their own languages, which they had taught each other 20 years ago. They still remembered and they still felt the friendship.

"Preservation Hall was like the good sauce that the whole Retreat was stirring in the whole time. It was amazing.” - Cactus / Agent 23 Skidoo

From the Pre-Retreat Learning Journey Master Class to concerts to Members Coffee house epic jam, Preservation Hall Artists let the best jazz & culture fly! The 1st LEAF Member was Charlie Gwinn years ago; Charlie was also the 1st person to sign up for the Pre-Retreat Learning Journey, saying, “This is exactly what I need in my life right now." He brought his brand new drum and played for his 1st time on a LEAF stage with Preservation Hall this May (in photo), and sang with Leah Song. WWC Professor Bob Swoap also joined the Pre-Retreat Learning Journey, and is seen performing for the 1st time at LEAF. For his Preservation Hall workshop, he went to Owen High School and borrowed a TUBA to play for the 1st time in 40 years. "Little Liza Jane" was his first performance song.

Adapting to new challenges and opportunities, in 2022 we embraced changes on the horizon in the spirit of bringing our community together. The Outpost, an inspiring NEW outdoor venue, with The Grey Eagle at AVL Adventure Center, welcomed LEAF. LEAF life came alive with entertainment on Saturday, August 20th, with an entire day dedicated to our youths, family, and community in an event dubbed LEAF Down By The River! In creating this day, we focused on the youths, by showcasing their talents and giving them a platform to express themselves. There were discussion panels, dance classes, roaming artists, bounce houses, youth competition finalists and activities such as renting kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. The Art Dash 5K kept running at the River Arts District Greenway

A LEAF Summer Series at Global kicked off July 2nd, preceding this all day fun bonanza. The series Included the preliminary rounds for our 1st ever “LEAF Youth Talent Competition” for a $500 grand prize + Tim of Sole82 Custom designed LEAF Sneakers for the winner, Lulu! It was a summer dedicated to family, community, and uplifting Asheville’s young people.

Why? LEAF Downtown was created with the priority audience: our local families and friends of all ages & all neighborhoods coming together in a way that builds positive connections. This special event works to further the city’s goals of equity, partnerships, and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area. LEAF’s vision to create a thriving global community starts right here in our own backyard. These free, public events are a labor of love and service.

LEAF Love to a GREAT Community Partner! Coming out of the pandemic, there are unique challenges in creating a festival in Downtown AVL; therefore, we are so grateful to EXPLORE ASHEVILLE for rolling with us to the River in 2022.

The poster art for our 3rd LEAF Retreat, Waters of Life, was created by internationally acclaimed artist and muralist, Trek 6. We extend our utmost gratitude for his artistic vision and creativity towards this piece

The centerpiece heart is a Pacific fern, native to New Zealand and Hawaii, called the koru. The koru, often used in Māori art as a symbol of creation and harmony, is based on the shape of an unfurling frond. Its circular shape conveys the idea of perpetual movement, and its inward coil suggests a return to the point of origin. The heart is anchored in water, which returns to itself as droplets creating ripples symbolizing the cycle of life.

Take a close look at the art for it tells the story of LEAF's shift from downtown to the river for Summer 2022. The 1st ever “LEAF Youth Talent Competition” with a $500 grand prize + Sole82 Custom LEAF Sneakers was reflected as a dominant feature in the poster art, with music and elements of The Outpost activities creating the sense of community and celebration in Trek's world-famous style.

The 1st Festival to happen new riverside venue The Outpost, LEAF came alive with entertainment on Saturday, August 20th, with an entire day dedicated to our youths, family, and community in an event dubbed LEAF Down By The River.

For LEAF's Golden 50th Celebration, we visioned with two of LEAF's longtime artist friends and leaders from Africa, Adama Dembele and Chinobay, for the feeling of this special event.

The artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6, inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. The wall of drums was inspired by a South African tradition, where people from different tribes are hosted with food, song, and art. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From Africa we radiated.”

"As LEAF Artistic Curator, it was amazing being able to help curate a year of experiences, including my largest festival to date, the Solid Gold 50th LEAF Fall Festival, “Legends of Africa.” It was so uplifting to bring together a diverse range of life-enriching acts, from music and dance performances to visual art installations and workshops. The year’s programming celebrated the richness and diversity of cultures from across Africa and the world, showcasing both emerging and established artists. I was honored to help create truly unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impact on all who attended, including myself! LEAF Love & Gratitude!" - Otto

The time finally came to introduce the greatly anticipated LEAF Solid Gold 50th Festival, featuring the “Legends of Africa.” We pulled no punches, as we returned with a full-size festival and many of the LEAF traditions we all cherish. All of the wonderful roster of artists had been part of LEAF in the past, alongside the 2nd Ethno USA. Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world through the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and friends who have become family and advisors, especially Chinobay, Masankho & Adama. These bonds and our love of Africa, inspired the theme “Legends of Africa,” bring back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. The 50th was a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years transformational.

LEAF Solid Gold 50th Festival was GOLDEN.

"This year was one for the books. We danced, sang and appreciated all the things we have missed over the past few years. Community, Kindness, Culture, and Love is the Ethos of LEAF. LEAF 50th was Golden and guides us into the future. The energy was so amazing and a reminder as to how much we need positive music to inspire each other across all divisions. I really enjoyed working with the kids and performing together is a memory that will remain forever.

Love and light to you my LEAF Friends."

-Rocky Dawuni, World Changer & Reggae Superstar

"I've been coming since I was 13 and now I am 37 and come with 3 generations. LEAF is Fun, Family, Music, ArtALL the GOOD things in life!" -Bela, SC

"LEAF is my happy place. LEAF restores my faith in humanitymy crew always say that and YES i do! Thank god for life giving rituals like LEAF, and a place where my family comes together. My kids came to LEAF in utero and now they are bringing their special friends." -Leila,

SC

President: Pete Roe

Chair: Justice Rogers

Whip: Neely Neu

Secretary: Jay Moye

Treasurer: Jim Diaz

Barbara Benisch

Chris Bubenik

Tiffany DeBellott

David Dowd

Kerri Hampton

Dr. “Big E” Howard

Amy Kawar

Jay Lively

Ford Willis

Noah Wilson

Ramona Young

C O M P A S S A D

Derek Allen • Carol Antman

Joanne Badr-Morgan

Jen Beasley • Ivi Bilich

Gary Broome

Tracy Massiello Brown

Deborah Bryant

Cleaster Cotton • Naima Dido

Christine DiBenedetto

Bill Feste • James Fisher

Vanessa Guerrero

Tommy George

River Guerguerian

Kelly Hanson • Elbert Hargrave

Elizabeth Hunter • Jill Jones

Holt Moore • Cliff Hotchkiss

Jim Magill • Sarah Nie

Doug Orr • Anthony Thomas

Reggie Tidwell • Robert Todd

Jody Whitehurst • Steve Wilmans

Mike Zinsmeister d advise LEAF to stay on our true north path: Judith Ann Abrams, NY, NY, Broadway Producer

GRATITUDE for these b

• Alexandra & Don Clayton, Asheville, NC + St. Maarten Business Entrepreneur

• Bootsy & Peppermint

• Charles Gwinn, NC, International Consultant

Patti Collins, Ohio, Masters of FUNK!

• Darrell Rose, Charlottesville VA, West African Drum Master

Derek Andrews, Toronto, Canada, World Music Advocate

Georgia Beasley, Peru, International Development

Kiran Singh, Jonesboro, TN, Storytelling Festival

• Gene Bell, Asheville, NC, AVL Housing Authority

• James Navé, New Mexico, Poet • Chinobay, Uganda

• Masankho Banda, Malawi, International Peace Builder

Natalia Clavier, NY, NY, Thievery Corporation

• Tom Pryor, NY, NY, World Music Journalist

Greg Lucas, New Orleans, Preservation Hall & Music Visionary

Robbins, Jane Goodall Institute-No Barriers & LEAF

• Leah Song, Global Artist & Activist

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• Jordan

• David LaMotte, Musician & "World Changing" Author

Matthew Bacoate, Asheville Legend •Brian Linus Ngatunga, LEAF Int'l Tanzania • Eric Heller, Tech Visionary

Dancing is one of the pillars of LEAF! Beloved Dance Sound Engineer Mike Compton curated the bands for a stellar Contra bonanza for the 50th and his final dance. Mike stated, “We have all missed the dancing, and I want to make sure the dancers have a great experience!”

“Oh My,” the marvelous Mike Compton would say with wonder and a big smile about his 3 favorite passions: Dancing (especially Contra), Food (especially coconut cake) & LEAF (his heart home & family)!

The extraordinary LEAF Legend Mike passed to the next dance in January 2023. Mike's instructions are “Keep Dancing!" We are grateful he got his big dream of LEAF 50th Festival Dance Hall. Thank you ALL who helped create Mike’s final big dance - he kept remarking, “It was so WONDERFUL.” He was happy!

Mike never wanted the dancing or music to stop so ... KEEP DANCING & don’t forget the snacks.

#LEAFLove #whyidowhatido