LEAF Cultural Arts Catalog 2024 by LEAF Global Arts

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS

A nonprofit organization, building community, connecting cultures and enriching lives through the arts locally and globally – with festivals, community events and arts education programs.

COMMUNITY ARTS EDUCATION

LEAF SCHOOL & STREETS

Inspires Youth Arts engagement to bridge cultures and build community Empowers scholars to become global citizens, artistic leaders, and agents of positive change

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS

A creative, immersive experience that intertwines elements of an interactive museum and an arts center

This historic space, formerly the Club Del Cardo, has lots of nooks to discover

LEAF INTERNATIONAL

Is dedicated to cultural preservation, fostering global citizenship, and cultural exchange

LEAF collaborates with community and partners to support Culture

Keepers who teach local scholars

LEAF SIGNATURE EVENTS

LEAF FESTIVAL

Our award-winning founding event. For 29 years and counting Intergenerational global community gathering at Lake Eden offering dynamic music, art, and culture from around the globe and locally

LEAF RETREAT

SPRING RETREAT is a great complement for our spirits, selves and the land

Join us with grateful hearts and open minds while you enjoy rediscovering the world and our community

RESIDENT TEACHING ARTIST PROGRAMS

OVERVIEW

At the start of each academic year, LEAF Schools & Streets matches available artists with community centers and after-school programs for year-round programming. Resident Teaching Artists engage scholars in the performing arts through rich, hands-on learning experiences that culminate with an opportunity to perform onstage at LEAF Global Arts Festival at Lake Eden, or complete a final visual arts project, among other performance and workshop opportunities throughout individual communities.

SEMESTERS OFFERED: SPRING, SUMMER & FALL

SHOWCASE DETAILS: SPRING RETREAT - MAY 8-11, 2025 FALL FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 17-20

RESIDENT TEACHING ARTISTS

MUSICIANS

ADAMA DEMBELE

MASTER DJEMBEFOLA

Adama Dembele is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Born into a family of musicians, he has toured several continents with various major acts such as Oumou Sangaré, Salif Keita, Affou Keita, Sogona Djata, and many others Adama has played in several drum and dance companies such as Yelembad’abidjan, Ensemble Koteba, Congoba, and many more. In 2002, in collaboration with Siriki Sanogo, Adama founded Djembeso CI Drum and Dance Ensemble. “Djembeso” in the West African dialect Bambara means “the house of djembe ” Adama chose that name because his family has been playing the djembe for 33 generations and his native home was known as the house where the djembe is played. In 2005, Adama moved to the U.S. to perform and teach the sacred art of West African drumming. Since then, he has played in major cities all over the United States Currently, Adama resides in Asheville, NC, where he frequently performs and teaches authentic rhythms from Ivory Coast, Mali, and Guinea, West Africa

Accomplished guitarist André Lassalle has played with greats such as the legendary Miles Davis, Robert Irving III, John Schofield, Huey Lewis, Melvin Sparks, Dee-Lite (Power Of Love Guitar Mix), Michael Hampton from George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic band, Vernon Reid from the group Living Colour, and most recently performed onstage at the Beacon Theater in N.Y. with Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin (guitarist with Howlin’ Wolf), Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), and Robert Randolph (Family Band). André is proud to be a part of the Queen Esther Marrow and The Harlem Gospel Singers band He considers it an honor to work with a woman who has helped set the path for American music as we know it today and takes the responsibility very seriously. A host of styles are in André’s arsenal, from rock and reggae to rhythm and blues, and all styles in between.

HEALING THROUGH DRUMS & MUSIC

Influenced by the vibrant and diverse musical traditions of his homecountry of Costa Rica, Agustin pursued an education in music, social behavioral sciences, and jazz studies in Florida, catapulting him into the world of musicianship He is a performer, touring and recording drummer and percussionist, sound engineer, music producer, and composer with esteemed credits across the United States. Agustin’s extensive repertoire of knowledge and skill in drum set allows him to tailor programs that cater to the needs and goals of the individual or group.

ARY'AN GRAHAM

DRUMSET, GUITAR & PERCUSSION

Ary’an Graham is a drummer and guitar player. Originally from West Virginia, Ary’an grew up touring the East Coast with The One Voice Project empowerment concert tour. She also tours with Create Your State, a multimedia tour that visits rural areas and teaches its residents how to transform their communities through music. Ary'an continues to play drums with her best friend and bass player of 16 years, McKinney. Ary’an has been teaching drums for 10 years and enjoys all genres of music.

The incomparable and uber-talented Chinobay is a Ugandan musician and educator who has led workshops, camps, and residencies worldwide. He is the founder and producer of Dance of Hope, Africa’s leading youth-based arts education program that allows youths from vulnerable communities to lead music and dance workshops and extended residencies while connecting with global communities through cross-cultural experiences While his music may at first seem foreign, Chinobay illustrates the shared roots of global musical styles with those of his native Uganda and its surrounding regions of Africa, highlighting the history and connection Africa has with the rest of the world. He has visited hundreds of schools, colleges, and learning institutions to introduce Africa’s history, music, and culture to students in classroom settings.

UGANDAN MUSIC

CHINOBAY

DERIAN BLANE

VOCALS & GUITAR

Derian Blane is a singer/songwriter who plays guitar Soulful and heavily influenced by R&B, this spunky young woman is creating her first album With a passion for inspiring youths, Derian grew up playing music with her friends, touring to share a message of unity and empathy She recently moved to Asheville and is immersing herself in the creative community there. She aims to fill her whole life with music, creativity, and community.

SINGER & SONGWRITER

McKinney is a bass player, singer, songwriter, and empowerment speaker living in Asheville, NC She got her start performing at an early age Growing up in a music school in West Virginia owned by her mother, she was immersed in music and joined her first band at age 7 with her best friend and drummer, Ary'an Graham. The all-girl band started playing professionally when they were just 11 years old. As teenagers, the band made the decision that they wanted to make a change in the world with their music. They started touring the East Coast with an empowerment message aimed at their peers in middle and high school. They were on a mission to connect people and to send out a message that “There is Hope ” They aimed to destigmatize mental health issues and let kids and other young adults know that they were not alone.

MUSIC EDUCATOR

MELISSA MCKINNEY

Melissa McKinney is a music educator, songwriter, and event curator with a passion for connection and building community. Her mission is to give a platform for youths to share their voices and to help them grow their confidence so they can stand up for what they believe in and ultimately make a difference in the world around them. She does this through collaborative songwriting, singing, and performance. this year she is using a student written song called “Laugh,Love, Live” to inspire youth to share their hearts and to direct them in a songwriting journey that will serve as an anthem for the school year. education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

SINGER/SONGWRITER/RECORDING

Whitney Mongé is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music transcends conventional boundaries Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, her sound is a seamless blend of smoky, soulful vocals, poignant lyrics, and a raw authenticity that stems from years spent performing on the streets Mongé's artistry thrives in the intersection of blues, rock, and indie folk, shaping her signature style: Americana Soul. Whether performing on a busy street corner or under the spotlight on a stage, she captivates her audience with a mesmerizing voice and genuine storytelling.

GUITAR & DRUMS

Paul Gladstone is a multi-instrumentalist and producer. His primary instruments are drums and guitar, but he also dabbles in piano, xylophones, sitar, mandolin, or anything else that makes noise With an insatiable hunger for anything musical, he is always expanding his horizons and absorbing new genres and musical languages In 2013, he learned to play the balafon (xylophone) while studying abroad in Ghana. After graduating with a B.A. in Music Performance from Skidmore College, he spent several years in NYC’s world-class jazz scene, surrounding himself with veterans of the culture and honing his craft.

MONIKA GUERRA

LATIN & WORLD DANCE

BREAKDANCE & MEXICAN HIP HOP

Irvegg is from Azcapotzalco, México City. His godfather from Senegal was an influence for him to learn and explore West African culture while keeping the roots and traditions from México. Irvegg is a djembe player and also a breakdancer with more than two decades of experience.

Born in Miami, FL, with a mixed heritage (Colombian father and German mother ), Monika began her dance training at 4 years old. She sang and studied musical theatre in high school and decided to pursue a dance career. She studied with Tamalyn Dallal at The Middle Eastern Dance Exchange in Miami and became a troupe member of The Middle Eastern Dance Exchange where she toured and produced a sold-out theater production called “Emerald Dreams.” Monika has worked in the entertainment business for top entertainment companies, performed in choreographed shows and videos, and taught classes She has been dancing professionally for the past 25 years in Miami, New York, and abroad.

DESIGNER, ARTIST, AND DANCE

TIFFANY SAINI

Tiffany Saini a consummate artisan, holds a B.S. in fashion and textiles, and her creative journey has seen her design and showcase garments at prestigious events such as Charleston Fashion Week. Coming from the corporate fashion hub of New York City, Tiffany brought with her a wealth of experience when she returned to Asheville. Beyond fashion, her artistic repertoire includes floral design, macramé, crocheting, paper crafts, and fabric dying and printing. She also has a background in dance and currently teaches Indian dance classes at Uphora dance + fitness studio in Asheville.

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

outreach@theLEAF.org

HAUNANI ORSILLO

HULA & POLYNESIAN DANCE

Madisen grew up in Durham, NC, and has traveled across the country to gain more knowledge and experience in many dance genres. Madisen is well-versed in Latin dance styles, traditional Blues dance, Contra dance, and more. She currently teaches classes in Bachata, Salsa, and transitional Blues dance. When teaching, she focuses on the historic and cultural context of each dance and believes that our stories live on through movement. When she isn’t dancing, Madisen teaches elementary school, instructs fitness classes, and coaches gymnastics.

Nani's journey in the world of hula began at the tender age of four, deeply rooted in her native Hawaiian heritage from the island of Oʻahu. Her love for her culture, language, and dance has only grown stronger over the years, and her dedication to preserving and sharing the beauty of her traditions is evident in her performances at festivals. An accomplished performer, Nani is also a passionate teacher She dedicates her time to instructing hula in her community, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive among new generations As a professional hula and Polynesian entertainer, Nani brings the spirit of Hawaii to audiences far and wide, captivating them with her graceful movements and profound connection to her roots.

HEENA PATEL

Heena was a child of Indian immigrants in Canada and grew up immersed in South Asian culture within her community, but she didn't see it reflected in the mainstream. Her professional career has focused on amplifying South Asian arts and culture in the dominant performing arts sector. The founder and CEO of MELA Arts Connect, her mission is to nurture the ecosystem around South Asian performing arts and community in thoughtful and context-driven ways. Over the years and through MELA, Heena has done this as a producer, agent-manager, mentor, artist, consultant, curator, producer, and diversity and equity advocate

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

outreach@theLEAF.org

BACHATA DANCE

Arturo Chavez is a Bachata Instructor from Mexico City and a lover of Latin rhythms and dance history. He is dedicated to elevating Bachata in Asheville and connecting dancers through movement.

VISUAL ARTIST

THEATRE, COMEDY & IMPROV

TARAH SINGH

Tarah Singh is a visionary, working in any media to communicate with the world around her. She relies on brushstrokes, color, and textures in paintings or sculptures to initiate emotional conversations with her audience. She is a multifaceted artist who also is creating and exploring as a lighting designer, fashion/hairstylist, business consultant, set designer, chef, welder, painter, and mother. She strongly believes artists serve the roles of historians and inventors who bring solutions into existence Tarah has created paintings, sculptures, murals, floor plans, events, community, gardens, businesses, relationships, and life Her daughters Alexandra and Sydney Stilber are part of her life's work; she encourages them to experience new forms of expression and sustainability at every turn.

Joe Carroll began improvising at Appalachian State University in 2007 and taught workshops and classes at the Asheville Improv Collective. Joe has performed at the Dirty South Improv Festival, NC Comedy Arts Festival, Asheville Yes Fest, AIC Fest, Hell Yes Fest, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, and Chicago’s Annoyance Theater. He currently performs in his one man show "JOLO," the all-star ensemble The No-See-Ums, and comedy duo Mabel's Baby. Joe enjoys the unexplored territory of improvisation and encourages his students to find their own unique approach to the craft.

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

outreach@theLEAF.org

EDWIN SALAS

PUPPETEER & PLASTIC ARTIST

Edwin is a Mexican puppeteer, raised in Costa Rica, whose international acclaim in the art form has led him all over the world, allowing him to reach larger audiences and bridge seemingly greater divides He is recognized as a performance artist in dance and theater as well as a mixed-media visual artist, specializing in sculpting of puppets using wood, plastic, paper, cardboard, and more. His themes range from social activism to cultural storytelling, folklore, mental illness, and beyond. Edwin is also passionate about working with people of all ages to illuminate their self-expression through puppetry In his programs, Edwin teaches different puppetry techniques, material manipulation, and the process of story craft to assist youths in sharing their authentic selves, highlighting the significance of each child’s presence and unique perspective in this wide world.

VISUAL ARTIST

KELSEY MOSELEY

Kelsey Moseley first learned to draw from their Makua Hānai and long after leaving the community went on to study design and illustration at the Atlanta Art Institute. They have an extensive background in floral design, conversational works, printing, and prop making. Kelsey considers themself to be a holistic student of the world and brings art as a bridge to their students in aspects of connecting lessons, each other, and emotions.

LINA TRUDEAU OLSON

VISUAL ARTS

Lina Trudeau Olson is an enthusiastic artist and educator with over 25 years experience teaching K-5 students through visual art. Working with young artists, Lina endeavors to cultivate authentic connection to self and others through creativity. Her personal teaching philosophy is centered on reaching the head, heart, and hands of young artists. She engages the minds and hearts of students through observation, connection, and curiosity. They embark on a journey together to explore the world using critical thinking skills. Students express themselves and demonstrate their learning by sharing their ideas through art making. By developing all aspects of young artists with the processes of thinking, feeling, and creating, students are able to better understand the critical role they play in the world as artists.

education@theLEAF.org

MOLLY GRAVES

VISUAL ARTIST

MARSHA ALMODOVAR

Marsha Almodovar is a mother, painter, writer, and activist. She currently works for a local non-profit. She has facilitated racial equity and inclusion training for local area non-profits and for-profit businesses. She is a mixedmedium painter and uses her art to highlight social justice issues. She recently published a Spanish-language children’s book. Marsha has served on numerous boards and commissions within the city of Asheville that align with her personal mission of art and inclusion.

THEATRE

Molly Graves is a long-time member of Anam Cara Theatre Company’s experimental theater ensemble Accordion Time Machine, based on the work and sharing many of the tenets of The Neo-Futurists of Chicago and New York. While experimental and devised work is her true theater love, Molly has also studied traditional theater, as well as improv, Shakespeare, and Lucid Body for performing artists, and has taught script analysis and scene study classes. She is also a film and television actor, with experience in both regional and national projects.

VISUAL ARTIST

Madison Link is an Asheville native who loves spending time in nature exploring with her daughter Bella, and photographing their experiences and environment along the way. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development in 2010. Madison worked as an early childhood teacher for two years. She started working with LEAF Global Arts as a volunteer at the first LEAF Downtown in the summer of 2015. Madison jointed the Easel Rider team in 2016.

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

outreach@theLEAF.org

VISITING TEACHING ARTISTS

OVERVIEW

Twice a year, LEAF invites performing artists from around the globe who are culturally rooted and mission-oriented enough to grace the Festival stage and lead a Visiting Teaching Artist residency with elementary, middle, and/or high school scholars in and around Buncombe County. It is an opportunity for scholars to take the next step toward becoming global citizens and leaders — onstage and off-stage — in their communities.

SEMESTERS OFFERED: SPRING MAY & FALL OCTOBER 17th-20th, 2024

SHOWCASE DETAILS: SPRING RETREAT - MAY 8-11 2025

FALL FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 17-20 2024

MAKING MOVIES

LENGTH: 3-5 DAYS

GENRE-QUEER PSYCHEDELIC ROOTX

Alex Krug Combo is a six-piece Genre Queer Psychedelic Rootx band, led by Alex Krug on songwriting, acoustic guitar, and vocals; Kyle Samples on acoustic and electric guitar; Jackson Dulaney on lap steel & pedal steel; Tina Collins on harmonies; Bill Berg on drums; and Zack Page on upright bass. Krug is a sixthgeneration blacksmith who has written songs since childhood and now directs their blacksmithing into volunteering at Raw Tools, a nonprofit which breaks down guns into garden tools. Krug’s lyrics reflect on finding belonging, joy, and solace in the natural world, coming of age as a queer person in a restrictive religious environment, and hammering out grief until it transforms into something else

LATIN PSYCH ROCK

LENGTH: 2 DAYS

Psychedelic Panamanian band Making Movies is on a mission to reconnect with the rebellious spirit in Latin American folklore Their music represents the culture of the Americas in a way that delivers the chills of hearing something singularly special, yet feels oddly familiar The Latin Grammy-nominated band has collaborated with Rubén Blades, presented at major international festivals, and toured alongside Los Lobos, Maldita Vecindad, Ozomatli, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Flor De Toloache, Thievery Corporation, and many more.

JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA

FAMILY, STORYTELLING, & MUSIC

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

LAS GUARACHERAS

LENGTH: 5 DAYS GRADE: K-12

SAMBA BATUCADA & LATIN RHYTHMS

Although samba and batucada are originally from Brazil, Costa Rica has culturally adopted the comparsa (batucada and dancing) as part of the national holiday celebrations and cultural parades. In this residency, students will learn how rhythms are part of our daily life through examples such as our heartbeat, the sounds we make when we walk, when we speak, and when we do our chores at home, etc. This is a great opportunity for youths to experience the multi-layered aspects of Latin American rhythms and culture.

TRADITIONAL SALSA

LENGTH: 1 DAY

Las Guaracheras is an all-women salsa sextet born in the city of Cali, Colombia, in 2017 The ensemble´s cultural and artistic objective is to uplift the female voice within Afro-Latin music and build a more inclusive, diverse, and respectful cultural space for all Their music communicates joy, memory, and transformation With vibraphone, percussion, bass, piano, and vocals, Las Guaracheras present an explosive show that provokes dancing and singing as well as reflection. Among multiple presentations in the best salsa forums in Colombia, Las Guaracheras have performed on stages and festivals such as Salsa al Parque in Bogotá; Portamérica Latitudes in Guadalajara, Mexico; Las Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo, Mexico; Sunfest in Canada; Feria de Cali; Sevijazz; the Colsubsidio Theater in Bogotá; BIME Spain, Madrid, and Barcelona; and they closed last year with a presentation before 12,000 people in the Zócalo of Mexico City

MASANKHO BANDA

LENGTH: 4 DAYS GRADE: K-12

AFRICAN DANCE & MUSIC FROM MALAWI

Masankho is a dancer, drummer, and storyteller from Malawi, Central Africa. As a Culture Keeper, performer, and teacher he has shared African culture with children and adults from all over the world. As a life-long teacher, Masankho’s methods allow students of all levels to access the dances and songs. Masankho brings Africa to students and audiences with whom he interacts. Masankho believes the arts are the vehicle that will bring the world together, connecting people from all backgrounds.

education@theLEAF.org / admin@theLEAF.org /

LENGTH: 5 DAYS

FAMILY, STORYTELLING & MUSIC

Dynamic mother-and-son duo Nnenna Freelon and Pierce Freelon are national treasures Nnenna is a multiGRAMMY® Award nominee and creator of the award-winning podcast Great Grief, known worldwide for her compelling storytelling and captivating live performances Pierce Freelon is a GRAMMY® nominated musician, author and educator

The Freelons made Recording Academy history in 2022 When Pierce's album Black to the Future was nominated for Best Children’s Music Album and Nnenna's album Time Traveler was nominated for Best Jazz Album they became the first mother and son to be nominated for golden gramophones in different fields at the same GRAMMY Awards Both albums paid tribute to the family patriarch Phil Freelon, architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, who passed away after a battle with ALS in 2019. Two years later, they were back at the GRAMMYs with AnceStars, their first joint album. Together, Nnenna and Pierce are a tour de force, combining story, voice, and music for a transformative and electrifying workshop experience

Steel Pan culture in Saint Vincent has been vibrant for decades. More recently, many youths have started to depart the area in to find work opportunities on neighboring islands. LEAF and Culture Keeper Kesslon Wilson felt it a great need to create music opportunities for youths that help them expand their creative talents, save the culture, and make a living. With this, the LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra formalized - a youth group with a passion for preserving steel pan drum traditions

LENGTH: 1

Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, an Atlanta-based cellist-composer, looper, improviser, and storyteller, has been a recipient of the The Kennedy Center Office Hours Artist Residency and was accepted as a sound installation artist for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 2022 Biennale He is a co-composer and performer of a cello concerto Liminal, an Atlanta Concerto, which had its world premiere in February of 2023 with The Georgia Symphony Orchestra. He has scored a documentary for the Atlanta Journal Constitution named Imperfect Alibi, which won an regional Emmy, and he also scored a children’s theatre show for the Alliance Theatre named Head to Toe, which won a Suzi Bass Award Drawing upon his experience as a teacher and writer, OkCello immerses his audiences in vivid stories and songs, creating a richly layered, transcendent concert experience, while also working with companies and educational institutions to leverage the power of music and storytelling to help solve problems and create community

education@theLEAF.org /admin@theLEAF.org / www.theLEAF.org

LENGTH: 2 DAYS

AFRO-MEXICAN FOLK FUSION

Born and raised East of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras are remixing roots music as modern day troubadours. They are a sonic explosion of Afro-Mexican rhythms, electronic beats, and powerful rhymes that document stories of a community seeking to “build a world where many worlds fit.” From Afro-Mexican to Americana, from Soul to Son Jarocho, from Roots to Rock and Hip Hop, Las Cafeteras take folk music to the future. Their artivist work is intersectional, using various mediums to support immigrant rights, gender and trans justice, environmental justice, BLM Solidarity, and more. Over the last 10 years, they have partnered with social justice organizations to reach the hearts and minds of their communities They believe the movement for peace and justice has always been filled with music, and they intend to be part of the soundtrack. Las Cafeteras sing in 5 distinct languages: English, Spanish, Spanglish, Love ,and Justice … and they believe everyone understands at least one of those languages