LEAF Visiting Teaching Artists May 2023 Catalog

Visiting Teaching Artists

VISITING TEACHING ARTIST PROGRAMS

Program Overview: Twice a year, LEAF invites performing artists from around the globe that are culturally-rooted enough to grace the Festival stage, and missionoriented enough to lead a Visiting Teaching Artist residency with elementary, middle, and/or high school students in and around Buncombe County. It is an opportunity for youth to take the next step toward becoming global citizens and leaders - onstage and off-stage in their community. Residency quick notes:

• Visiting Teaching Artist Selection Committee consists of Performing Arts Director, Community Relations Director, Development Director, and in some cases Executive Director. Artists selected are individuals, national acts, and internationallytouring acts who strive to empower youth.

• A 3-5 day residency hosted in a local school and/or community center for school age children. Session can last from 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day depending on school, grade and space.

• Each youth performer gets rockstar treatment during their showcase at LEAF Festival with (2) FREE guest passes, a swag bag sponsored by French Broad Food Co-op, a LEAF performer badge, a LEAF t-shirt, and access to the performer lounge on the day of their performance.

• During this experience, youth have an opportunity to truly become global citizens and artistic leaders by working with role models of different cultures and dream of future possibilities!

ANGELA GLADUE

HIP-HOP & POWWOW DANCE

IN THIS CLASS WE WILL EXPLORE FOUNDATIONAL STEPS FROM THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL DANCE FORM KNOWN AS POWWOW DANCING WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE FANCY DANCE AND THE HOOP DANCE.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$700

Angela Miracle Gladue aka Lunacee, is a nêhiyâw (Plains Cree) /Greek Powwow Dancer and Bgirl and Beadwork Artist from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who started cultural dancing (Metis & powwow) at age six and continued her dance career as a Hip-hop dance artist since 2003. She has been invited to perform, teach and speak to countless countries throughout the world and since 2016, has toured the world as one of the lead dancers for The Halluci-Nation (Formally A Tribe Called Red). More recently, she was selected for the 2023-2024 cohort for The Kennedy Center Culture Caucus and has been invited to teach and perform at the Kennedy Center on multiple occasions. Selected accomplishments include: Choreographing and performing at the 2017 Juno Awards, first place at the Canadian Hip-hop Championships and World Hip-Hop Championship Bronze Medalist with her crew the FlyGirlz, and recipient of the 2015 Chief David Crowchild Memorial Youth Award for demonstrating outstanding community leadership through Hip-hop and Powwow dance in the city of Calgary. She has also opened up for major recording artists such as TLC, Sean Paul, Lil'Kim, Maestro, Grandmaster Flash and Busta Rhymes to name a few.

BILLY JONAS

BRIDGING DIVIDES WITH PERCUSSIVE EXPLOSION OF ENERGY & FAMILY-ORIENTED MUSIC.

BANGIN' & SANGIN' WITH BILLY JONAS: EVERYONE IS A MUSICIAN, AND THIS CLASS WILL PROVE IT! USING FOUND OBJECTS, RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, AND OUR BODIES TO MAKE RHYTHMS, WE'LL BECOME A VOICE AND PERCUSSION BAND; USING OUR BRAINS AND OUR HEARTS, WE'LL CREATE A NEW ORIGINAL SONG; THEN WE'LL EDIT, REHEARSE, AND REFINE OUR CREATIONS. AS WE PREPARE FOR OUR DEBUT AT THE LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL RETREAT ON SATURDAY MAY 13, WE'LL LEARN STAGECRAFT AND PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE. FINALLY, WE'LL SHARE OUR CREATIONS WITH THE WORLD IN A LIVE CONCERT. FROM BRAINSTORM TO THE BIG STAGE, THIS CLASS WILL OPEN US ALL TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS ... AND THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!

4 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12 $1000

It's a "neo-tribal hootenanny" -- original "voice and percussion" -based songs with a generous dose of audience participation. The music mixes conventional instruments (guitar, bass, marimba) with homemade creations (using buckets and barrels, keys and cans, bells and body percussion). Billy tailors both his song selection and its presentation to uniquely suit each audience. It's spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and... most importantly... FUN.

Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Alison Krauss, Peter Yarrow, Keb' Mo', Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Paul Winter, Michele Shocked, Justin Bieber, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity. Billy Jonas offers family and adult oriented concerts, primarily with his three or four piece band. Billy's educational concerts include study guide materials and are usually booked in conjunction with a public performance in a community.

BOUKMAN EKSPERYANS OF HAITI

HAITIAN RHYTHMS, SOUL, & REGGAE

THIS RESIDENCY FEATURES EXPERIENCED BREAKDANCERS FROM HAITI INTRODUCING YOUNG STUDENTS TO THE RICH MUSIC AND DANCE TRADITIONS OF AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN. BY FOCUSING ON THIS RICH CULTURAL TRADITION, THAT HAS INFLUENCED CULTURE IN US CITIES LIKE NEW ORLEANS, STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUT THE GREAT DIVERSITY THROUGHOUT AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN. STUDENTS WILL LEARN BASIC HAITIAN DRUM AND DANCE, A TRADITION DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN THE CULTURAL INTERPLAY BETWEEN WEST AFRICAN CONTINUITY, CARIBBEAN RHYTHM, AND ACTS OF POSITIVE RESISTANCE. THROUGH THIS CULTURAL EXCHANGE, STUDENTS WILL BE INVITED TO CULTIVATE CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP FOR A WEEK FULL OF LEARNING, EXPLORATION, GEOGRAPHY, DANCING, SINGING AND SHARING!

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$1100

Voice of Haiti! Boukman Eksperyans's Grammy-nominated debut "Voudou Adjae" introduced their worldly high energy sound fusing traditional Haitian rhythms with rock and reggae. As Haiti's most well known musical group Boukman Eksperyans has also become the defacto voice of the Haitian people. In addition to their performances their workshops and lectures on Haitian art, music and culture make the group popular with universities. These workshops have recently been expanded to include discussions about Haiti's Earthquake, relief and reconstruction.Boukman continues to mesmerize audiences in the Caribbean, the Americas, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Africa. *Caribbean Traditions*

CHINOBAY & DANCE OF HOPE OF UGANDA

UGANDAN MUSIC, DANCE, & CULTURE

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 YOUTH FROM VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES TO LEAD MUSIC AND DANCE WORKSHOPS, EXTENDED RESIDENCIES, WHILE CONNECTING WITH GLOBAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCES.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$1000

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 youth from vulnerable communities to lead music and dance workshops, 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.

LEAF INTERNATIONAL GUATEMALA

GUATEMALAN MARIMBA, MANDOLIN AND MORE!

THIS RESIDENCY WILL BRING A TASTE OF THE RICH AND EXPANSIVE INSTRUMENTATION THAT AWAKENS MAYAN TRADITIONS USING THE MARIMBA (NATIONAL INSTRUMENT), VIOLINS, GUITARS, PERCUSSION, AND KEYBOARDS. PAIRED WITH CUSTOMARY DANCES, STORYTELLING, AND CLOTHING, STUDENTS WILL TRULY EXPERIENCE GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP DURING THIS MUSICAL JOURNEY.

5 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

PRICE: $1000

In 2007, LEAF International partnered with NC musician David LaMotte who led PEG Partners - a non-profit organization focusing on issues of literacy, critical thought, and artistic expression, in partnership with Guatemalan schools and libraries. Through this connection, LEAF supports teaching artists in El Tejar to provide after school music and cultural arts programs. Classes are designed by teachers to not only give children a firm base in the instrument they are learning but a firm base in the history of Guatemalan culture. Lead culture keeper Sara Morales has been teaching for LEAF for 16 years, and currently teaches classes with her students 2 nights a week. An avid music lover and an individual proud of her Guatemalan heritage, she finds teaching for LEAF International not only a rewarding opportunity but important work. Why? She tells us that this work is meaningful to her, “because art is to share and it is very important to teach our traditions to our youth so that they value and appreciate our culture. When our students perform music it gives importance to our traditions. The people in our community value the work that we do, and our students are a positive example for other young people in our community who think only foreign music has value. We are preserving our culture by passing it down to new generations. This work is important because there are fewer spaces [for our traditional culture] because of globalization.”

POET & SLAM MASTER JAMES NAVÉ

POETRY & STORYTELLING

AN IMAGINATIVE STORM WRITING CLASSROOM WORKSHOP: FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS.

IN THIS IMAGINATIVE STORM WRITING WORKSHOP, YOUR STUDENTS WILL LEARN HOW TO CREATIVELY WRITE, EDIT, AND PERFORM THEIR WRITTEN WORK WITH CONFIDENCE, ENERGY, FLOW, PLAYFULNESS, AND EMOTIONAL DEPTH. IN ADDITION, IN THIS WORKSHOP, THEY'LL LEARN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SPEAKING TECHNIQUES LIKE VOICE PROJECTION, TIMING, MANAGING PERFORMANCE ANXIETY, AND READING AUDIENCE MOOD.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$700

James Navé is a poet, teacher, and storyteller with over 10,000 presentations to his credit. He holds an MFA in Poetry from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BA in International Relations from UNCA. His latest book of poems, 100 Days: A poetic memoir after cancer, will be published by 3: A Taos Press in late spring 2023. He co-founded the Imaginative Storm Writing Project and co-author of two Imaginative Storm books: Write What You Don't Know: Ten Steps to Writing with Confidence, Energy, and Flow and How to Read for an Audience. He launched The Artist's Way Creativity Camp with Julia Cameron, the author of the popular book on creativity, The Artist's Way. In addition, as a founding member of the performance company Poetry Alive! and beyond, he has memorized over 600 poems, performed poetry shows, and taught writing, creativity, spoken word, and public speaking worldwide, including in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Galway, Ireland, Bangkok, Lima, and throughout the US.

MARCOS NAPA

MARCOS NAPA DEMONSTRATIONS OF TRADITIONAL DANCES AND SOUNDS OF PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS. STUDENTS WILL CLAP AND DANCE ALONG WHILE LEARNING HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF PERU’S TRADITIONAL MUSIC. AS A PERFORMANCE, THIS IS GREAT FOR LARGE AUDIENCES. AS A WORKSHOP, STUDENTS HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE THE DEMONSTRATIONS IN A CLOSE-UP SETTING WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE INTERACTION WITH MARCOS.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$700

Marcos Augusto Napa Ormeño, born in Lima, Peru, has dedicated his career to Afro-Peruvian music and dance. As a child, he started as a dancer in the Ballet Peru Negrito, and in 1983, he made his debut as a professional percussionist in Ballet Perú Negro. Marcos performed with Perú Negro in many countries such as, Mexico, France, Panama, USA, Chile and more. After his time with Ballet Perú Negro, Marcos accompanied the Peruvian singer, Eva Ayllon. They performed in numerous concerts in the U.S., Canada and Japan. Between 1993 and 1997, he took part in recording and videotaping productions entitled, "Gracias a la Vida", "Para Tenerte" and "25 Años 25 Exitos". Marcos has also performed and recorded with many celebrated Peruvian artists including Juan Castro Nally, Cecilia Bracamonte, Lucila Campos, Mariela Valencia and Maria del Carmen Dongo. In 1995, he founded Ebano Academy in Peru. Three years later, he traveled to the United States with a dream “to spread the rich Afro-Peruvian heritage”. In Miami he was invited to join the "Asi es mi Peru” Ballet as an instructor of Afro-Peruvian dance. In 2003, he open Ebano Academy in New York, also work for CTMD Center for the Traditional Music and Dance NY (2,005-2,016) offering workshops and presentations of Afro-Peruvian music and dances at Lincoln Center, Queens Theater, and Central Park among others. He was a teacher in United Nations UN and artistic director of Pachamama Peruvian Arts (2,004-2,013) and also worked from (2,007-2,015) in public schools in Bronx NY with WHEDCO After school programs. Marcos Napa was a Music and Dance teacher at Casa Esperanza Montessori, Spanish for fun! And The Arts Center Carrboro and currently works at CAPS of Durham Arts Council.

MASANKHO BANDA OF MALAWI

SONGS & STORIES FROM MALAWI

MASANKHO WORKS TIRELESSLY TO ESTABLISH A WORLDWIDE LEGACY OF PEACE MESSENGERS. THE PEOPLE HE MEETS, TEACHES AND PERFORMS FOR LEARN THE POWER OF CHOOSING PEACE OVER CONFLICT AND ARE FOREVER TOUCHED.” FOR HIS WORK AROUND THE WORLD AND ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES MASANKHO WAS AWARDED THE “UNSUNG HERO OF COMPASSION “ COMMENDATION BY HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA IN MAY 2001. MASANKHO IS CURRENTLY LIVING IN MALAWI, CENTRAL AFRICA WHERE HE CONTINUES TO WORK FOR PEACE, JUSTICE & CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING USING THE ARTS.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$700

The legendary Masankho K. Banda learned the fine arts of storytelling and dance from his elders. In their company, he spent many long days and nights listening to stories and dancing to music that captivated his mind, nourished his soul, and strengthened his spirit. Masankho earned a degree in Theater and Dance from the College of Wooster in Ohio. After graduating, Masankho chose to devote his life to using dance, theater, music, drumming, and storytelling to inspire people of all ages to work together to bring about peace, social justice, and cultural understanding.

In addition to his BA Masankho also has a Masters Degree in Culture & Spirituality from the Sophia Center at Holy Names University in Oakland. Currently Masankho is a Consultant with Creative Events Consulting & Investments, a member of Pathways To Peace an International Peace Building organization based in Larkspur, CA and an Interplay leader with Bodywisdom inc.

TAHU OF D.O.A BREAKDANCERS

HIP-HOP/ BREAKDANCING

DANCING ON AIR BREAKIN' WORKSHOP: THIS FUN AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP WILL CONSIST OF LEARNING ABOUT THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF HIP-HOP AS WELL AS COVERING THE BASIC FUNDAMENTALS OF THE HIP-HOP DANCE ART FORM, KNOWN AS BREAKING. THIS WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL AGES, AND WILL BE LED BY BBOY TAHU FROM THE DOA AND ROCKFORCE CREW. A CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA NATIVE WITH 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN DANCE AND HIP-HOP CULTURE. SO, GRAB YOUR DANCING SHOES AND WE'LL MEET YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$750

Founded in 2010 and based out of Charleston, South Carolina, the Dancing On Air Crew also known as D.O.A has been representing hip-hop culture, inspiring youth, and showcasing their skills all throughout America for the last 13 years. Even with some members competing and performing overseas, the goal has always been the same. Show the world what southern breakin' is all about, more specifically Carolina breakin'. Made up of 8 members with ages varying from 22 to 28, the code of the crew has always been this, "It doesn't matter where you come from, you can be whatever you want to be, just start dancing and see what happens."

UNDERHILL ROSE

STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUT THE LIVES AND SONGS OF THREE NOTABLE AND DIVERSE NC MUSICIANS. WE WILL WORK WITH THEM TO LEARN A SONG FROM EACH ARTIST AND PUT IT TOGETHER INTO A PERFORMANCE FOR LEAF. WE MAY ADD SOME THEATRICAL TOUCHES HERE AND THERE TOO!

3

DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$700

Harmonies. Soul-touching lyrics. Eye-catching stage presence. Underhill Rose has become synonymous with beautiful music, charming personalities, and rippling success. Since 2009, the band from Asheville, North Carolina has independently released two albums in the top of the Americana Music Association Airplay Chart and Roots Music Report Chart, all the while garnering critical acclaim from around the globe. Get to know the joyful soaring voice of Molly Rose and her acoustic guitar and the distinctive styling of Eleanor Underhill’s openback banjo and salty-blues vocals. Their close harmonies and charisma make most think they are sisters, and with their song-centered original compositions, Underhill Rose creates music that is real and inspired. See them on PBS Television, hear them on nationally-syndicated radio and at live performances, and you will know why Underhill Rose has carved out a distinctive place in the Americana-folk scene.

UNSPOKEN TRADITION

BLUEGRASS

THIS WILL BE A LESSON IN BLUEGRASS/ROOTS/FOLK MUSIC BUT DONE FROM A NC CENTRIC APPROACH RATHER THAN TALK ABOUT NASHVILLE AND KENTUCKY WHERE SO MANY THINK BLUEGRASS AND ROOTS MUSIC WAS BORN. THERE IS MUCH MORE OF A CASE TO BE MADE THAT IT ALL COMES BACK TO THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MUSIC TRADITIONS. WE WILL GO OVER SOME OF THE HISTORY, AS WELL AS, LEARNING SOME SONGS! WE WILL ALSO HAVE SOME SPECIAL GUESTS FROM THE EARL SCRUGGS CENTER AND WNC BLUE RIDGE MUSIC TRAILS.

4 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12

$650

Mountain Home Recording Artist Unspoken Tradition is about new, original Bluegrass. Inspired by their own influences and the roots of traditional and newgrass music, this North Carolina-based quintet brings a sound that is both impassioned and nostalgic, hard-driving and sincere. Their 2020-21 singles have all charted in the Bluegrass Today top 20 including “California” #1 “Irons in the Fire” #2 and “Carolina and Tennessee” #4. Their 2019 release from Mountain Home Music Company, Myths We Tell Our Young, debuted at #5 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and has seen 5 topcharting radio singles, including a #1 spot on the Bluegrass Today chart for “Dark Side of the Mountain.” Their material is mostly original and reflects the ever-changing culture of Western and Central North Carolina where they call home. The band has earned a fervent following in the Southeast, selling out shows in Asheville, NC as well as the legendary Station Inn in Nashville, TN. They have also performed twice on the coveted Watson (main stage) at MerleFest. With heavy airplay on Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction and ever-growing streaming numbers, Unspoken Tradition is a fast-rising voice of a new generation of roots music artists. Their debut recording, Simple Little Town (2013) saw quick success in radio and with tastemakers. Their follow-up release, Miles Between was featured on the nationally syndicated NPR show The World Cafe. Represented by Advance Artist Support , Unspoken Tradition plays nationwide.

VOXMANA

WITH NATALIA CLAVIER OF THIEVERY CORPORATION

A PLAYFUL EXPLORATION OF SIMPLE YET POWERFUL TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO SPARK CREATIVITY AND INVITE INSPIRATION. WE WILL LEARN AND APPLY THESE METHODS, AND BY THE END OF THE TWO CLASSES WE WILL HAVE COLLECTIVELY CREATED A MUSICAL PIECE FROM SCRATCH!

3 DAYS WEEK OF 5/8-5/12 $800

After connecting in New York City’s underground music scene, Natalia Clavier and Andrei Matorin joined forces to birth VOXMANA. Together, they produce what they like to call “Intentional Dance Music” or IDM, electronic dance music that creates a context for healing. Fusing their multi-cultural backgrounds Clavier and Matorin mix everything from electronic, world music, jazz and blues to Argentine folklore and Brazilian MPB in a unique cocktail, brewing sonic medicine for all types of audiences. Their music is a call to celebrate life on the dance floor and awaken through deep embodied journeys with infectious grooves. Andrei and Natalia have entertained large audiences all over the world with their immersive, genrebending sonic experiences rooted in classical and jazz traditions with a modern twist. Clavier is an Argentinian singer, songwriter, DJ, keeper of medicine songs. She has three solo albums under her belt and has performed live and written songs as lead singer for internationally acclaimed electronic world music duo Thievery Corporation. Brazilian born Matorin is a virtuoso violinist, composer and producer featured as a soloist at such prestigious institutions as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, MoMA, and TEDx. He also received the great honor of graduating Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music.