"After all these years, I am synonymous with Brookside & Contradance. LEAF is my home away from home. Enter the grounds and venture into the worlds of music, dancing, fun, foods and beautiful people." -Mike Compton
"LEAF is a GIFT of AMAZING PEOPLE & Culture! LEAF reminds me to dance, play, be curious, be kind, keep learning & unlearning! I am GRATEFUL!" -Jennifer Pickering, Exec. Director
"LEAF is CONNECTION. In 1995, we imagined an experience for people of all ages to gather together at beautiful Lake Eden to explore multi-cultural music, dance, food, art, poetry, healing arts, and learning opportunities that would enhance our relationships to ourselves, our community, and our world. I feel honored to be a part of creating such an event that has brought so much joy, learning, understanding, inclusion, and togetherness to people from all over the world. LEAF allow us to reassess our priorities as we bring our transformational experiences with us to create a better world.
WITH 50+ FESTIVALS OF LEAF LOVE." Kelly Hanson, BE
"We moved to AVL in ‘95, just in time to attend this new festival called LEAF. Since then, babies were born and raised, new friends made and old friends lost. Through the years, LEAF has been a touchstone in our lives. LEAF is a thriving community of beautiful souls who share a love of cultural learning and experience. Long Live LEAF!"
James Fisher, BE
"I ponder my 27 years here, and think about enrichment, healing, artistic growth. I remember the people, music, children, love and friendship. I marvel at how the most peaceful, coolest little town exists for a weekend and people left fulfilled. Lake Eden is a magical place. The Roots are strong
"LEAF is the place you go when home calls." -Nave, Poet
"LEAF is my family reunion!" Bárbara Rogers, Gate Queen
-Dan Johnston
Board Chair Justice Rogers:
do I say about LEAF?
Everything, it’s my home away from home. It has all the great things
love in my life and our festivals. We have all the arts from dance, music, creative arts,
arts, and culture from all around the globe. We have been at it
people's lives
our mission. We are finally at our BIG 50th. We are
Board President Pete Roe:
LEAF has been a powerful force supporting and cultivating the arts for over 25 years and 50 festivals. As we evolve with gratitude
the journey, I am even more excited for the future of this essential organization. Our mission has never more critical.
u
the past
300+ acres for YOU to explore, boat, play, hike, bike, disc golf, relax and connect to friends, Did you know this is the historic Black Mtn College site?
Opening Ceremony by CHINOBAY of UGANDA Opens 50th festival with song and tradition. 6 7pm
Welcome LEAF Members w/ Jennifer & Justice
FUNKIN' around w/ GARFIELD Funk with a NOLA twist! 7:30 8:30pm
AFRICAN ALL STARS CHINOBAY, ADAMA DEMBELE, KEVIN SPEARS, DARRELL ROSE, MASANKHO & More! 9 11pm
Land Recognition
CHARLY LOWRY of Lumbee & Tuscarora Tribes 4:45pm
ETHNO USA Epic, peer led world folk orchestra 5 6:30pm
SECRET AGENCY w/ 23 SKIDOO Grammy winning family Hip Hop, featuring Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band 7 8pm CHINOBAY of UGANDA & his inspiring ensemble 8:30 9:30pm
LEAF INTERNATIONAL RWANDA Culture Keepers Opening Dedication 10 10:15pm
ANGELIQUE KIDJO
5X Grammy Winning Legend of Africa & amazing ensemble! 10:15 11:45pm
TREK 6 Miami art guru creates a live painting instillation to be auctioned off on stage.
Salsa Dance Class & Social MONIKA GUERRA w/ HAVIKEN HAYES. 5:30 7pm
DRIVETRAIN
Caller BOB ISAACS Contra Dancing 7:30 9pm
PLAYING with FYRE Caller SUSAN PETRICK Swing, Waltz & Contra 9:30 11:30pm
SCREAMING J's Late night Dance Party 12 Midnight 2am
All Contra Dancing will feature positional, all inclusive calling. LARKS(positional left) and ROBIN(positional right) so a dancer's role on the floor is not gender specific.
JOHNNY IRION Americana & Folk 5 6pm
CHARLY LOWRY Indigenous Lumbee & Tuscarora singer/songwriter 6:30 7:30pm
KHALED PROJECT of Algeria North African music & culture 8 9pm
MENAGE
The original skirt & boots female trio has reunited for the 50th! A true LEAF fav! 9:30 10:30pm
ETHNO LEAF Jamboree A reunion jam of Ethno global superstars 11pm 1am
STREET CREATURE PUPPET COLLECTIVE Cool Lantern Creating Workshop 4:30 5:30pm
MOUNTAIN CIRCUS ARTS Supreme buskers bring their circus skills 6 7 pm
LANTERN PARADE Led by Street Creature Puppet Collective from U LEAF to Main stage! 8:45pm
HAVIKEN HAYES
Miami DJ legend spins a set of pure Afro Beat & House Music to end the evening with a dance party on the green! 11pm 12am
TThursday kicks off our Fall Festival! We celebrate the gift of life, travel and to be able to have this festival! We are celebrating the Legends of Africa with a tribute to the continent's diverse cultural landscape and music! Come enjoy Thursday gift for our Members & Sponsors
Not a Member yet? Join theLEAF.org/give
Membership 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets & LEAF International!
Youth Soccer Game
ANGELIQUE KIDJO
Meet & greet with 5X GRAMMY winner 4:30 5:30
DARRELL ROSE Drum & dance with Percussion master 6 7 pm
Elder ROY HARRIS Community & local historian brings his storytelling 7:30 8:30 pm
History of Black Mountain College Learn inspiring story that happened Here! 8:45 9:45 pm
Behind the Scenes walk about w/Jennifer Meet 9:45pm
Ukulele Workshop w/ ASH DEVINE Folk singer.Bring your own or borrow one! 4:30 5:30pm
MELISSA MCKINNEY International Blues Competition Finalist 6 7 pm
SADIE GUSTAFSON ZOOK NewSong winner w/ her ensemble 7:40 8:40 pm
Old Time Music Jam CAROL RIFKIN & Friends 9pm 12am
Roaming Artists: DOA Breakdancers
Asheville Hoops Troupe Street Creature Puppet Collective & more
Boats & SUPs: Fri 1
Sky Tent: Friday: OMotion Deep Dive w/ OMotion collective 12p 1p
Vagus Baby! Music for Somatic Self Care by Alison Hughey
2p
Install Your Inner Cheerleader with Hypnosis by Shannon Covart
Games for Community & Connection by Jen Hyde 3p 4p
Language of Emotions by Jon Handelman
5p
Joyful Yoga to Live Music by Luna Ray
6p Transformational Bellydance by Brandi Hubiak
7p
Drum
must
I AM Yoga Nidra **bring your mat and pillow or bolster by Maddie Bertl
8p
ZABUMBA w/ Schools & Streets Big Samba show, then parade to U LEA 9 10am
ROCKY DAWUNI of GHANA w/ Schools & Streets Reggae Star & Grammy Nominee 10:30 11:30am
ETHNO USA w/ Schools & Streets Global Orchestra 12:15 1:15pm
NU PARADIGM ENT Street Dance Spectacular feat D cing On Air Crew 2 3pm
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE Old time, Bluegrass w/ Americana 3:45 4:45pm
LEAF Board Presidents Special News w/Chief Shaka & Zulu Connection 5pm
LEAF INTERNATIONAL RWANDA JR TROUPE Culture Keepers w/ Schools & Streets 5:30 6:30pm
1st Artistic Curator CAROL RIFKIN Welcomes ALL to Sat Night at LEAF!
JORDAN SCHEFFER Amazing Vocalist, w/special guest CHINOBAY of Uganda 7:15 8:15pm
DAKHABRAKHA Ukranian super group folk meets punk & ethno chaos 9 10:15pm
ROCKY DAWUNI of GHANA African Roots Reggae 2 X Grammy Nominee 10:45 11:45pm"
DESTRO
Cool AVL Muralist paints LIVE! Artwork to be auctioned off.
LEAF SCHOOLS & STREETS
Star Youth & Artist Showcase Kids take the stage with their teaching artists MELISSA, VIRTUOUS, ADAMA, MCKINNEY, IRVEGG, DERIAN, STEVE TURNER, JOE CARROLL & more! 10:30am 12pm
DRIVETRAIN w/ BOB ISAACS & SUSAN PETRICK Contra dance bonanza 12:45 2:45 pm
BLUE RIDGE PRIDE
DRAG QUEENS
A true audience favorite, w/ a Q&A after the performance. 3:15 4:15pm
PLAYING With FYRE
Caller BOB ISSAC Contra, Swing & Waltz for your heart & feet's content! 5 8pm
DRIVETRAIN Contra dance for all! Callers BOB ISAACS & SUSAN PETRICK 8:30 11:30pm
DONNA THE BUFFALO A late night get down with Roots Zydeco Boogie! 12:15 2:15am
BILLY JONAS
A kids favorite since the 1st LEAF!! 8:30 9:30am
TOYBOX THEATRE Puppetry slam w/ Keith Shubert & friends. 10:15am 11:15am
THE DEAD POETS Poets musicians reunited for the 50th Jazz & Poetry! 12am 1pm
POETRY SLAM ROUND #1 Slammaster JAMES NAVE' 1:30 3:30pm
SADIE GUSTAFSON ZOOK & Ensemble NewSong Winner 4:15 5:15pm
R. DANIEL JOHNSTON Flash back to Town Pump Series 5:30 6:15
THE DEAD POETS Master musicians and poets open the SLAM 6:30 7:30pm
The 50th GOLDEN POETRY SLAM Slammaster: JAMES NAVE A LEAF tradition returns in full force w/ 13 All Star Poets! 8 11pm
African Dance with NIYA ZULU
Chief Shaka Zulu's daughter teaches NOLA and West African traditions 11am 12pm
Juggling Class #1 w/ MOUNTAIN CIRCUS ARTS 12:30 1:30pm
Clowning 101 w/ RANDALL THOMPSON Learn with Master Busker 2 3pm
LEAF PARADE 3pm w Zulu Connection, Niya Zulu, Zabumba, Street Creatures & more artists! 3pm
Belly Dancing w/ MONIKA GUERRA Beginners for families 3:30 4:30pm
NIYA ZULU Learn & Experience West African Stilt Walking 5 6pm
APHIEME Heartfelt family sing along workshop kirtan. 6:30 7:15pm
LUMINARY CEREMONY
In honor of Patrick, Logan & so many Loved Ones w/ RIVER GUERGUERIAN & CHRIS ROSSER 7:30pm
UNIFIRE THEATER A performance of fire masters. & LEAF tradition 8 9pm
SIERRA HOLLISTER Moon Yoga w/ Kundalini & Book Signing!! 9 10am
TREK 6 Art Show World renown artist brings his artwork to showcase and sell 10:30am 11:30am
DAKHABRAKHA Meet & Workshop journey into Ukrainian music history & art! 12 1pm
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE Workshop about the history of bluegrass 1:30 2:30pm
LEGENDS OF AFRICA Panel. Led by CHINOBAY w/ Rocky Dawuni, Adama Dembele, Masankho Banda, David Kwizera, Schree Chavdarov & other legends 3 4pm
VINTAGE LEAF STORIES
A montage of 27 years of LEAF. Hosted by Founding team: Jennifer Pickering, Kelly Hanson, Carol Rifkin, Mike Compton, James Nave, Sierra & others. 4:30 5:30pm
Behind the scenes Walk About w/ Jennifer 5:30
DONNA THE BUFFALO Workshop Dive into Donna's folky world with the Herd 6:45 7:45 pm
TOYBOX THEATRE Keith Shubert ADULT Puppet show 9 10pm
Sprouts Market
6pm
Rng Toss Challenge
Sharks &
Community Soccer
Ultimate Family
SUPYoga:10am
Boats&SUPs: Sat11a4p
ZipLineSat124p Swim:Sat123
ClimbingWall:Sat13
RoamingArtists: DOABreakdancers
AshevilleHoopsTroupe
StreetCreaturePuppet Collective&more EaselRiderMobileArtLab
Liquidbody: Myofascial magic by Emily Smith 9a 10a
Chakra Journey w/ Crystal Singing Bowls by Sok Hwee Tay 10a 11a
Family Fun Yoga by Emily Grace 11a 12p
KHALED Project Algerian African Legends Music & Workshop 11:15 12:15
ASH DEVINE TRIO Folks singer & entertainer brings her ensemble 12:45 1:45pm
MCKINNEY Amazing singer bassist & her band 2:30 3:30 pm
DARRELL ROSE w/ Schools & Streets Uplifting West African percussion 4 5 pm
MASANKHO BANDA w/ Schools & Streets Malawian Legend Rhythm, & Dance 5:30 6:30pm
OLD TIME MUSIC JAM
As in days of old, return of the fabled Jam Session, led by Carol Rifkin & Art Menius! 7 12 pm
RoamingArtists: DOABreakdancers AshevilleHoopsTroupe StreetCreaturePuppet Collective&more EaselRiderMobileArtLab
Pickleball10am
ForgingForPeace BlacksmithsatShip102
ElfhavenChildcare 12pm1am 8pmBedtimeSongsw/ RonnaDragon inhonorofSarahEshan
SOUNDCHECK:Festival lifeSubstanceFree w/WillStraughan 121
LEAFPARADE3pm StartatULEAF wZuluConnection,Niya Zulu,Zabumba,Street Creatures&moreartists! 3pm
DecorateaLuminaryto
Acroyoga for All: FInding your Inner Flow by Jen Hyde 12p 1p
Developing Intimacy by Jon Handelman 1p 2p
Poetry of Yoga by Tara Eschenroeder w/ Live Music by Hope Griffin 2p 3p
I am Enough: Hypnosis for Confidence by Shannon Covart 3p 4p
Rock your Breath w/ Rhythm: Guided breathwork with high vibe music by Alison Hughey 4p 5p
Mantra Yoga Group Chant Circle by Binah Love 5p 6p
Embodied Percussion: Bring your Drum or Be the Drum by Brandi Hubiak 6p 7p
LightheartDrumCircle
Align: Yoga Nidra by Katelyn Wargo **Bring your mat and pillows or bolsters
8p
The Kalimba Man summons audio magic! 10 11am
LEAF INTERNATIONAL
RWANDA JR TROUPE Culture Keepers 11:30am 12:15pm
DONNA THE BUFFALO
Fabled Roots Zydeco Rockers play just like they did at the very 1st LEAF! 1 2:30pm
RISING APPALACHIA
World changing Folk superstars who grew up with LEAF! Their soulful songs & storytelling ignite revolutions that light spirit fires 3:15 4:45pm
50th Closing Ceremony & Parade Masankho Banda, Chief Shaka & Zulu Connection + ETHNO Members 5:15 6pm
In Honor of:
Morning YOGA w/ TARA ESCHENROEDER & HAVIKEN HAYES
Chill, downtempo beats. Bring mats but be ready to dance! 9 10am
PLAYING With FYRE
Caller BOB ISAACS Sweet Morning Waltz 10:30am 12pm
GREEN GRASS CLOGGERS
50th Anniversary! Clogging Workshop & Dance 12:20 1:20pm
DRIVETRAIN W/ Caller SUSAN
PETRICK
Contra till the wheels fall off 2 5:30pm
All Contra Dancing will feature positional, all inclusive calling. LARKS(positional left) and ROBIN(positional right)
FUNKIN' AROUND WITH GARFIELD
Jazz Up The AM NOLA Style
9 10am
ART OF MASS GATHERING
Experiential learning in real time at LEAF for event & emergency professionals Register in Advance. 10:30am
RIVER GUERGUERIAN & Friends
Rhythms, Traditions & Dance of North Africa & Middle East 12 1pm
REDA of Ali Baba Egyptian Cooking Demo 1 1:20pm
MENAGE AVL's original skirt & boots trio returns to the stage 1:45 3pm
WESTSOUND
Solid gold Motown hits and Soul grooves to end the 50th dancin' on a high note! 3:45 5:15pm
Sprouts Market 10 4pm
Football & Open Field
am
Soccer Game
pm
Swordsman
4
NIYA ZULU West African Stilt Walking & NOLA Culture 10 11am
MOUNTAIN CIRCUS
ARTS
Juggling Class 2 Keeping It up in the Air 11:30am 12:30pm
MASANKHO BANDA
Malawi African Dance for Kids & Families 1 2pm
MOUNTAIN CIRCUS
ARTS Clowning 102 Teaching Kids some Fun to take home to their friends 2:30 3:30pm
WEST AFRICAN FAMILY DRUM CIRCLE & DANCE JAM 4 5 pm
FRIDAY
Embodied Meditation: Activating Light & Grounding Presence by Narayani Gaia 2 3pm
Fire by Friction: The Bowdrill Method by James Clinkscales 3 4:30pm
Tiny Experiments in Authentic Connection by Sarah Poet
5 6pm
Join Cellist
STEPHANIE WINTERS & Friends Music, Movement, Mindfulness =Magic 9:15 10am
MEMBERS COFFEE HOUSE w/ MC Brian of Tanzania LEAF INTL RWANDA Culture Keepers, CHINOBAY, Youth Talent Winner & LEAF 50th Super Star Guests 10 11:15am
RISING APPALACHIA Meet & Greet+ Workshop 11:30 12:30pm
DR. BEN GILMER, JOHNNY IRION & CHINOBAY Music as a Advocacy for Mental Health in prisons featuring "The Other Dr Gilmer" Book Journey 12:45 1:45
ART OF MASS GATHERING Event Experiencial Learning Safety, Accessibility, Sustainability, Community
4pm
Saturday Mandala Nature Hike by Tara Eschenroeder
*Meet at Boathouse
11a 12:30p
Regenerative Life Design Playshop by Keri Evjy 1 2pm
Fire by Friction: The Bowdrill Method by James Clinkscales 2 3:30pm
Edible Wild Food & Plant Identification by Tootsie Jablonski
4 5pm
Trance for Collective Liberation by Kat Houghton and Chris Parker 5 6pm
Sunday
Fall Woodsy Ethnobotany Hike by Marc Williams
11a 12:30p
You are an Ecosystem by Keri Evjy 1 2pm
Homemade Herbal Medicine by Tootsie Jablonski 2 3pm
#LEAFLove Fact:
The original 1995 LEAF crew are ALL still part of LEAF! Jennifer, Carol, Kelly, Nave & Mike Compton.
ADAMA DEMBELE & Friends Ivory Coast rhythms & Culture 10:30am-11:30am
JAM Junior Appalachian Musicians w/ an opening by EDEN 12 1pm
JESS TOAN "Back to Eden" Book Reading & Signing
*fun LEAF Fact: Jess met her husband at LEAF & their daughter is named Eden ❤ 1:15 2pm
AGUSTIN FREDERIC A journey of Costa Rican & global rhythms 1:45 2:45pm
ASH DEVINE TRIO Folk singer and supreme entertainer closes out the day! 3:45 4:45pm
SUP Yoga: Sun 10am Boats & SUPs: 11am 4pm ZipLine: Sun 12 2pm Beach Play: 12 3 pm Buy Rockmont Adventure & Lake Pass at Boathouse Pickleball 10am
12 Step Meeting at The Base behind Brookside 10am Elfhaven Childcare at Buckeye Lodge 12 4pm + Songs w/ Ronna Dragon
Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab
Forging For Peace Blacksmiths at Ship 10 2 Silent Auction Treasures Final Bids 2pm
Conscious Manifesting: Aligning Passion & Purpose by Narayari Gaia 9a 10a
Tiny Experiments in Authentic Connection by Sarah Poet 10a 11a
Family Yoga: Gratitude is Raditude by Emily Grace 11a 12p
Myofascial Release: Foam Rolling and Rocking by Emily Smith 12p 1p
Journey to your Power Symbol by Katelyn Wargo 1p 2p
Heart Healing Yoga by Maddie Bertl 2p 3p
Cacao Ceremony by Binah Love 3p 4p
Trance for Collective Liberation by Kat Houghton and Chris Parker
4p 5:30p
Dianne Prohn, "LEAF has enriched my life. I have formed lasting friendships with people from around the world. I feel like I am a better person because of ALL my LEAF experiences and I will be forever grateful."
Jarod Brown, "LEAF is, and has been the touchstone for my family and community since its conception. We all authorize ourselves to disconnect from our daily lives and tune into the healing vibes that LEAF stewards. I know the hearts of my community's children because of LEAF. Thank you for your years of careful soulful stewardship."
Denise Mills, "LEAF through the years was the place where my children experienced an unprecedented level of safe freedom, to be completely their unique selves and independent, and developed a level of global awareness and appreciation that has informed their life paths ever since childhood. I know without a doubt that we are all better global citizens thanks to LEAF!"
Sherry Griffith, "LEAF is a place to connect with friends, To learn about other cultures, to meet people from other countries, and to be part of a larger community while listening to great music and enjoying yummy food."
