In West Africa, Europe and the world-music scene, the beloved Senegalese singer-songwriter Baaba Maal is a superstar. He’s long been known for bridging the griot tradition of West African bards with popular music from around the globe. Maal has a notoriously open mind when it comes to sonic possibilities. Both lyrically and musically, his songs are indelibly African (most are in his native Pular tongue), and many address the gamut of political concerns south of the Sahara. The fusion of traditional African and contemporary Western musical styles enriches his griot heritage. “When you sing songs that talk about Africa, it’s not just the rhythm or the harmonies; it’s also the pictures that you have in your head,” Maal says. He is active politically: championing female empowerment in Africa, HIV/AIDS awareness and African debt relief by Western creditors. “I think African artists in general, and musicians in particular, who get the chance to travel and to have their voice very loud, should use that opportunity to help the leaders from Africa to understand what to do,” he says. “and all the people who make the decisions around the world [need] to know exactly what Africa is expecting from them.”  http://www.baabamaal.tv/home.html

In their fourteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Ozomatli has always juggled two key identities. They are the voice of their city and they are citizens of the world. Their music-- a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga-- has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. www.ozomatli.com

It's rare for such an elderly, historic group to have come so far and still straddle modern music's cutting edge. When the group first started singing in Alabama in 1939, few people would have ever envisioned the Blind Boys performing beyond a small circuit of Southern, black-community churches. By the 1980s, however, the group's breakthrough appearance in an Obie award-winning musical - "The Gospel At Colonus" starring Morgan Freeman -- led to diverse popularity far beyond the Blind Boys' original core following. Since then the Blind Boys have released or reissued nearly 30 albums, five of which - "Down In New Orleans," "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Higher Ground," "Spirit of the Century," and "There Will Be A Light" (a collaboration with Ben Harper) - have garnered Grammy awards. LEAF is honored to have such an amazing group of musicians on our stage. www.blindboys.com

"Funky and danceable with a message of tribal philosophy and celebration, Donna the Buffalo's music is a unique blend of reggae, rock, country, zydeco, Cajun, and folk traditions. The dual vocals of Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear provide a hypnotic quality to the melody, adding to the band's unusual instrumentation and original sound. While their swirling music ensures that audiences will be up and dancing, Topic material moves effortlessly between political, historical, personal, and spiritual themes, with ideas of social and moral responsibility that spring from the band members core beliefs."
Requested by Dancer Bob Heilman who always sparkles and Brothers Chuck & Lex who were always ready for any lifesaving festival moment for the beginning years of LEAF.
http://www.donnathebuffalo.com/

The Steep Canyon Rangers have carved out a special spot in the world of bluegrass music, creating a sound that looks forward and backwards at the same time. First formed in the stairwells and kitchens of Chapel Hill, NC, the Rangers arrive from varied musical backgrounds. On stage and in the studio, Woody Platt, Mike Guggino, Charles Humphrey, Nicky Sanders, and Graham Sharp have perfected their ensemble approach using fierce dynamics and seamless harmonies. The Rangers base their sound around a stunning catalogue of original songs, drawing on the sounds of early bluegrass, honky tonk, and blues. In 2006 the International Bluegrass Music Association voted Steep Canyon Rangers the Emerging Artist of the Year. www.steepcanyon.com

"The Duhks, this youthful band includes a bluesy lead singer, a Cuban percussionist, a Celtic-style guitar player, a clawhammer banjoist and a fiery, genre-morphing fiddler. They effortlessly fuse Folk, Old-time, Bluegrass, Celtic, French-Canandian, and polyrhythmic percussion (among many other influences) into a worldly concoction of wildly accessible folk, nee, Rock Music!" - Sugar Hill Records Festival fans have been found dancing and banging on the front of the stage during their sets, in spontaneous full-on, working mosh pits. For all of the delicacy that The Duhks bring to their quieter tunes and all the swing that drives their jazzier ones, the full-throttle force they bring to the whole endeavor yields something very much like acoustic rock and roll. www.duhks.com
Requested by Rodney Marett- LEAF's Welcome Director and longtime mtn top security Derek Debank.

Bio Ritmo writes and performs songs using essential elements from the 1970s, the golden age of salsa. The group's music respects traditional styles while embracing the concept of artistic exploration that once gave salsa its strength. With the chemistry that comes from 15 years of performing experience, each of its members contributes a unique musical voice that delivers an original alternative to the salsa heard on commercial airwaves. www.bioritmo.com

Originating in Mombassa, Kenya these talented acrobats/artists have thrilled audiences of all ages with their unique display of athleticism, art, movement, and acrobatic majesty. This breath-taking performance exemplifies the link between athletics and the arts as incredible acrobatics, contortions, tumbling, human pyramids, and chair balancing skill of these performers turns to dance with the Congo Snake Dance, the Flamingo Limbo Bar Dance, Skip Rope Footwork techniques and comedy to electrifying music. Audience participation is always included. .LSS
www.class-act.com/acts/JabaliAcrobats

Born and raised in Kentucky, the young cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee is changing the way people think of the cello. While Ben has studied classically, receiving his degree from the University of Louisville in 2006, his soulful voice and style of playing reflect his deep connection to American roots music. His cello playing is a unique alchemy of fiddling, percussive bow work, and three-finger style plucking. Beyond his work with The Sparrow Quartet Ben has toured and recorded with Avant Garde Blues man Otis Taylor. In 2007, NPR recognized Ben as one of the Great Unknown Artists of the year.
Requested by the BEST & HAPPIEST "COLD BEER" Staff Billy Jack & his rockin girlfriend Crissa who is part of the LEAF International team. http://www.myspace.com/bensollee

Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, afford them a rare opportunity to let loose. Big Sam's Funky Nation has undeniable personality, as well as masterful chops. http://www.bigsamsfunkynation.com/
Requsted by Crissa and Jennifer and we are especially excited about his special appearance with Ozomatli.

LEAF is excited to welcome Charmaine and her very talented band back to our stages. The Boston Globe had this to say, "There were simply no limits to her skills. Charmaine Neville performs blues, jazz, funk, rhythm & blues, rock and World Beat with astonishing range. She sang with open-hearted brilliance, switching voices (a mean impression of Louis Armstrong), scatting like a jazz diva & rocking like no tomorrow."
www.charmainenevilleband.com
Requested by Elbert who is an amazing LEAF Board Member and was part of the LEAF NOLA team who volunteered at Charmaine's home.

Robin and Linda Williams have thrilled folk, bluegrass, and country audiences throughout America for more than twenty years, from their many appearances with Garrison Keillor on "A Prairie Home Companion" and "The American Radio Company", to "Austin City Limits" and "The Grand Old Opry" to their tours with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris, The Seldom Scene, and many others. In concert they are joined by Jim Watson (formerly of the Red Clay Ramblers) on bass and harmony vocals. The group is rounded out most often with bluegrass veteran Jimmy Gaudreau on mandolin. www.robinandlinda.com
Requested by LEAF neighbors and friends from day 1 Mur & King Taylor

We are stoked to have the Asheville Hornsback to open Lakeside Stage on Friday and for another late night at The Barn as part of Pisgah Brewery's Late Night Funk Party! The Asheville Horns are a studio session and live horn section for hire. The Horns have recorded with Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, George Clinton, the Dirty Dozen Horns, Garry Shider, members of Galactic, Sidney Barnes, Belita Woods, Terrence Higgins, Donna the Buffalo, members of the Lee Boys, Ian Neville, Menage, Laura Reed & Deep Pocket, and Fisher Meehan. Asheville Horns have appeared onstage stage with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Galactic, Karl Denson, Umphrey's McGee, The Lee Boys, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Perpetual Groove, the Booty Band, Woody Wood, the Blue Rags, Cadillac Jones, members of P-Funk, and members of the Wailers.
www.ashevillehorns.com
Requested by a group of LEAF Staff & Board who love the magic they create in the barn!

Harper is a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Sonny Boy II and Little Walter with John Popper, and a musical visionary who is unafraid to mix the haunting drone of the didgeridoo into an eclectic mix of world blues fusion. Backed by his energetic band "Midwest Kind" , this Australian songwriter makes his dramatic debut at LEAF LSS
www.myspace.com/harperband

Wowed Jazz Fest Crowds with their lively mix of traditional Cajun, Zydeco, and Creole sounds.
www.pineleafboys.com

"The warm vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics are the extra flavor on top of their hypnotic musical dish. Bubbling bass and drums will put you in a trance while sparkling guitar opens your mind to the peaceful world this band has created. Well established in the NY-PA area, Sim Redmond Band has made recent trips to Colorado, New Mexico and the southeast" -Homegrown Music Network
www.simredmondband.com
Requested by LEAFers & our acupunture connection Richard & Audrey Kerber

One of the hottest new voices on the contemporary contra dance scene, LIFT TICKET fuses kickin' fiddle tunes with grooves that are smokin' and sublime. Old-time, funk, tunes from Quebec, originals, Motown, Cajun, and blues all come together in an incredible dance experience.
www.rexblazer.com
www.sethhouston.com
www.liftticketband.com

Nightingale was formed in 1993 by Jeremiah McLane (accordion, piano), Keith Murphy (voice, guitar, mandolin, foot percussion), and Becky Tracy (fiddle). The nightingale bird is a poetic figure that appears in traditional songs and is used as an emblem for a band committed to drawing inspiration from places in Northern Europe, Canada and the United States. www.nightingalevt.org

One Leg Up, from Asheville, NC, plays acoustic swing in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. They have been performing together since 2003. This Parisian style of jazz is an upbeat swing with a repertoire of 1920s, 30s, and 40s jazz standards, originals, and modern jazz tunes. The members of One Leg Up have opened the traditional gypsy style to influences of big band music and the blues. One Leg Up is one of the few bands that plays this Django-style swing in the southeast. Their show is lively, intimate, danceable, and brings about the atmosphere of a sociable 1930's French café.
www.onelegup.com

Akira discovered the banjo through his brother 's Flatt and Scruggs recordings while growing up in Osaka, Japan. After relocating to New York he spent two decades honing his innovative banjo style in venues from Village clubs to Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He went on to master the shamisen (Japanese banjo) in his own original style. Satake garnered international attention with his collection of original compositions, "Cooler Heads Prevail," and shared the 1998 German Music Critics ' Award for Best World Music Recording with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He has recorded with such artists as Shawn Colvin, Jim Lauderdale and Tony Trischka. He's produced award-winning CDs for Tim O 'Brien, Mamadou Diabate and Gerardo Nunez. American banjo virtuoso Tony Trischka calls Satake "a brilliant banjoist with a split-level passion for the fiery breakdowns of southern Appalachia and the kaleidoscopic rhythms and melodies of World Music. www.akirasatake.com/music.asp LSS
requested by several longtime LEAFers & friends

Atmospheric and mesmeric, 'throat singing' is almost too difficult to describe in words. It must be heard to be believed - the music, produced by resonating low sounds in the throat, creates a middle note and a haunting, flute-like harmonic. Chirgilchin is a group of musicians from Tuva, a small Russian province north of Western Mongolia. Singing the ancient folk songs in the Tuvan language, the group also plays hand made instruments. Tuva is Geographical Center of Asia - north of Mongolia and inside of Russian Federation. http://www.chirgilchin.com/
Requested by LEAF Culinary Arts Staff & former Intern Paul Dekenberger

Kinobe (pronounced "CHI-NO-BÉ") is an extraordinary new talent from Uganda whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. He began playing music at the age of 5, and at 10 traveled to the Netherlands for his 1st international performance. Soon he began performing at festivals Europe that featured such figures in African roots music as Youssou Nídour, Miriam Makeba, and many others. He is a lifelong student, teacher, lover, and purveyor of the great diversity of African and world musical traditions. Kinobe has inaugurated several outreach programs helping to promote music education and eradicate Malaria among Africaís youth. In 2007, under the support of Cultures France, Kinobe made his first major tour to 18 countries around Africa and the Indian Ocean. Kinobe is touring the United States in 2009/2010 with his band Soul Beat Africa. Sonic Bids Artist! LSS www.kinobemusic.com
Loraine, LEAF's Outreach Director, picked Kinobe as her NEW featured LEAF artist.

Sisters Leah and Chloe grew up bouncing between the streets of Atlanta's concrete jungle and the southern Appalachian foothills. Born in a family overflowing with music and art, they were raised with old-time mountain melodies as their lullabies, and their young veins pumping red with underground hip hop and spoken word movements of the urban South. Rising Appalachia(R.I.S.E) stays true to their deep love of storytelling, poetry, lyricism, ballads, hip hop, jazz, blues, soul, folk, and roots music from around the world. Joined by newest members John Branigan, Imhotep, and a selections of Asheville's finest. LSS http://www.myspace.com/risingappalachia
Requested by Tune Town's Michael Ginsburg who has been to EVERY LEAF!!!

Watson's 2003 debut album, "Paper Bird," was named one of the top 100 albums by WNCW. Watson took to the road for inspiration, spending parts of 2005 and 2006 traveling and absorbing herself in blues, roots and Americana music. Watson and producer Aaron Price began work on her latest release, No Static in October of 2006 at world class recording studio, Echo Mountain in Asheville NC. A who's who of musicians appears on "No Static," including Bill Reynolds, Tyler Ramsey, Sarah Dugas and Scott Senior of The Duhks to name a few. Kellin is a local treasure.
Sonic Bid Artist! www.kellinwatson.com LSS
Kellin is always a big favorite of former LEAF Board President Elizabeth Hunter.

Masankho Banda is a multi-disciplinary Performing Artist, InterPlay Leader, Spiritual Healer, and Peace Builder from Malawi, Central Africa. Masankho learned to dance and tell stories in his country growing up as a child. His Elders also taught him about healing and subtle energy. Masankho brings this learning to all his presentations and classes. All are welcome to come and experience Masankho's gifts. Masankho is the recipient of the "Unsung Heroes of Compassion" Award awarded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in May, 2001. LSS http://www.ucandanc.org/
Meg McLeod, a longtime LEAFer and African Dancer, has been great at helping us bring Masankho to LEAF!!!

Carol was LEAF's Assistant Director for the first 23 festivals.

Stories from the banks of Paul's Creek mix with traditional mountain sounds, originals, folk, bluegrass and more. With a focus on singing and harmonies, Carol plays guitar and dances, Jamie's on upright bass, Troy's on banjo and Tim Gardner plays fiddle. This group loves fun, with the crowd shouting requests and singing along.
www.carolrifkin.com

Spark It Fire Fusion of Virginia offers an array of wonderful artistic adaptations of fire poi, staff, fire fans, hoops, double torches, fire fingers, and fire bowls. We include the following variety of dance choreography such as: Hula Kuhiko/ Auwana, Hawaiian Chants, Tahitian, Maori Poi, American Tribal Belly Dance (sword, veils, voy, zills, basket, flags), traditional Middle Eastern Dance, and Hip Hop/Funk to create exciting, thought provoking, and memorable performances! www.rhythmfiredance.com

Sharing an enthusiasm for street performing and a desire for play and physical activity, Katie and Kaci are better known as Acro Entertainment-a performance duo with roots in partner yoga, gymnastics, and circus fundamentals. The two explore oppositional forces in balance and expressive body position while maintaining a lively, creative and entertaining atmosphere.
www.acroentertainment.com

High Flying Interactive Trapeze experience that is life-changing!
Requested by longtime LEAFer and teenager Tristan Hazebrook

Amy Hamilton graduated with a BA in dance. Amy is a second generation dancer who grew up both backstage and onstage and has worked with internationally known choreographers. She has taught, performed and choreographed in New York, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Peru. She has presented her original choreography at Dixon Place, the Angel Orensanz Center, El Centro Cultural de Espana de Lima, and the Asheville Fringe Festival, where she recently performed with her daughter as part of the Pipsissewa Movement Project. She teaches locally at Vance Elementary School and the Asheville Culture Project. Amy is a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist with the 21st Century program at Enka Middle School with the YMCA of Western NC and Buncombe County Schools. LSS

Asheville Hoops Troupe present "hoopnotic" hoopdance routines that are sure to mezmerize the eyes! Checkout nightly roving LED Hoopdance performances that are hard to miss! Asheville Hoops will be offering Hoops for sale, demo hoop usage at the booth. Catch a Hoopdance Workshop at the Earht tent on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to keep you eye out for Asheville Hoops Troupe in the Kids Parade! Hoop to see you around!
www.ashevillehoops.com

Forget about juggling, polka-dot pants, red rubber shoes and fake noses. Unicycling has moved beyond the circus tent and onto the trails. Mountain unicycling, more popularly called Muni, is a relatively new sport involves riding a unicycle on the same terrain one would take a mountain bike. Muni has been growing rapidly in the Blue Ridge since it first took hold in the 1980s. Come see first hand what all excitement is about. Jack Igleman and his crew of muniers will amaze and delight you with their sick muni skills.

Led to Earth by an intercepted transmission of T. Rex on the John Peel Show, Baron von Rumblebuss and his crew of Cosmusicologists have undertaken a study of the most moving music in the Galaxy: Rock and Roll. The exiles from Euphonia have aimed their music at the wee of stature because kids are so big of heart, and generally less self-conscious about leaping about expressively. You'll hear the lingering echoes of the Kinks and the Who, the swagger and shimmer of Powerpop merchants Big Star and the buzzy New Wave textures of Devo; there's even a dash of funk. Come ride The Redd Zepplin! www.rumblebuss.com

High Energy Pop Trio
www.BigBangBoomBand.com

Erinn has founded Anam Cara Theatre Company (ACTC), with the mission of creating socially progressive theatre in her community. Most recently, she directed and performed in a production of The Vagina Monologues for ACTC. Erinn also works at the YWCA of Asheville in the After-School and Summer Camp programs, where she is developing a drama program for children. She worked in the Twin Cities for several years as a freelance designer and scenic artist and has taught various workshops in the theatrical arts to people of many different ages and abilities. Erinn has worked as an artist at regional theatres, including the Guthrie Theater and the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis. She is currently a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist at the Deaverview Learning Center. www.anamcaratheatre.com LSS

Forty Fingers and a Missing Tooth are a true example of just how extremely sexy a juggling troupe can be. When it comes to performance not much surpasses the beauty of the spectacle that is Forty Fingers. What else, besides juggling, could be so seductive. You're right, only Star Wars trading cards. Forty Fingers, recommends bringing smelling salts, an extra pair of underwear, and as many thorn-less roses as you can to throw to all shows. Check these adonises and adonisa out at
www.fortyfingersjuggling.com.

Glenis's love of words has carried her across the country for 13 years. She logs 35,000+ miles a year bringing poetry to the masses. This Road Warrior Poet though steeped in Afro-Carolininan roots, speaks a universal tongue of love, loss, celebration, sorrow and hope. Her verse uplifts family, culture and community. Glenis is a gentle pen pusher as she encourages others at diverse venues across the country from prisons, universities, festivals, conferences, camps, keynotes, rallies, to schools. Glenis is a workshop leader with the Kennedy Center's Partnership in Education Program in Washington, D.C. Glenis' work has aired on National Public Radio. She is a past winner of the Southern Fried Poetry Slam and a top ten finalist in the National Poetry Slam. Glenis has been published most recently in Meridians, African Voices, and the Appalachian Journal. Her poems soothe, illicit and inspire others to pick up their pen and travel their own poetic road. www.glenisredmond.comLSS

Graham is a veteran stage performer and educator with over 14 years of professional stage experience and event producer. His work promotes personal and community development through cultural awareness. As founder and director of POETIX, an experiential arts program centered on spoken-word poetry, Graham serves a broad range of youth populations. including juvenile inmates, public, private, and charter schools, community centers, and numerous after-school and summer programs. His work offers the power of personal expression through innovative, media-saturated workshops. Graham has also performed at Bonnaroo, Trinumeral Festival, LEAF as well as Westside Rhyme in New York City. Graham is a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist at Pisgah View Community Center with 21st Century Community Learning Centers with the City of Asheville. www.poetixonline.com. .LSS

The Hunab Kru is devoted to creating art in the spirit of concious Hip-Hop and embraces the positive roots of Hip-Hop culture. Through movement and dance we challenge our physical limits, Explore individual and collective expression, as well as entertain audiences with an engaging and enthusiastic performance. The Hunab Kru are also teachers and students. Joe Adams, the leader of this crew is LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist at Montford Center. http://www.myspace.com/joetse LSS

Imhotep, a Resident Reaching Artist for LEAF in Schools & Streets at Pisgah View Learning Center and Klondyke Housing Community, is a Mardi Gras Indian Drummer from New Orleans that relocated to Asheville. He teaches song and drumming to local youth out of his passion for carrying on the musical traditions of his New Orleans culture. Currently, Imhotep is a drummer for a number of local bands, including the "Absurdist Gypsy Folk Funk Punk" band Sirius.B, and for UNC Asheville. When Imhotep is not teaching, rehearsing or performing he does work for Alternative Roots, a regional group that provides support to artists by helping them find gigs and venues, and Red Zebra, a company in California that creates drumming exercises for corporate team building. Imhotep's up and coming projects include producing a new band in Asheville and appearing in a local movie called Wanderlust. LSS

Ira Bernstein is one of the world's premier solo percussive step dancers. Full-length concerts are a stunning display of a wide variety of these dynamic, rhythmic dances. Ira will be teaching a cajun danceshop on Saturday and leading an all-ages flat-footing workshop and dance on Sunday. www.tentoepercussion.com

Jamuna was born in Moscow, the granddaughter of a wandering gypsy. She attended Moscow's Classical School of Music, Russia's leading college for jazz and pop. But she put her classical education on hold, preferring to play on the streets and in the subways of Moscow, to really reach the people. It was during a deeply spiritual visit to an Indian ashram that she was reborn as Jamuna - like the mysterious river. Jamuna's musical career flourished and she toured and performed around Russia and Europe, appearing in top theaters. Her performances weave a rich tapestry of traditional Russian folk, Gypsy, Ukrainian and Soviet-era songs and a new kind of music she calls "city folk". She has witnessed recent and dramatic Soviet history and freely shares her experiences with listeners. www.jamuna.us

Jimmy Magoo performs hip, happy and heartfelt music for folks of all ages. Best known for his family album Short and Sweet and his work with PaperHand Puppet Intervention, Jimmy has been delighting audiences old and young for nearly two decades. He delivers a dynamic blend of popular favorites and original gems that will soon have you out of your seat and on your feet, singing and clapping and dancing along.

Josh Batenhorst is a theatre artist, storyteller and educator from Asheville, NC.  His company, Bat & Horse Theatre Arts opened in 2009 to critical acclaim.  He is the lead drama teacher and arts integration coordinator at ArtSpace Charter School, and a teaching fellow in the A+ Schools of NC network.  This summer he will be directing NOISES OFF at Asheville Community Theatre.  His interactive and comedic tales come from around the world and address universal themes of fear, hope, togetherness, and belonging.  Come join in the fun!. LSS

Kenya also known as Goundo Diabate is a educator, musician, teacher, performer and lecturer. Kenya serves as the director for the Shiloh Community Center with the City of Asheville and was the previous FutureVision Director for the YWCA of Asheville's Teen Programs. Kenya's approach is often times seen as holistic, therapeutic and inclusive. Kenya's degree is in Music from Brevard College and has continued to incorporate her love for music and the arts in every aspect of her life. Kenya's is very passionate about African Drumming. She had the pleasure of residing in Mali, West Africa. Kenya looks forward to exposing the youth at heart to something so dynamic, so powerful, so engaging yet so foreign so that our youth of tomorrow might shine on the forefront of society through the realm of music. She is also a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist in the Woodridge Learning Center. LSS

Swampy Southern Blues
Travis who started LEAF2Go is a big fan of Laura & requested her for the 30th!

Lemira Elementary percussion group has been in existence for 11 years and consists of approximately 33 students (preschool-5th grade). It was founded after Lemira received a Target 2000 grant to enhance the musical curriculum and promote cultural awareness of other countries. They were designated as a winner for the state of South Carolina in the Oscar Mayer School House Jam Talent Search. Their music reflects different musical styles such as: classical, bucket drumming, Taiko, Latin American, jazz, Drumline and utilizes unique instruments such as boomwhackers, pipes, buckets, trash cans and PVC pipes. Each school year, students in the ensemble invest over 600 hours in rehearsing, traveling, and performing.

Lisa is a powerful and dynamic performer and an engaging and disciplined instructor specializing in bellydance, urban fusion and Indian dance. Lisa regularly travels around the country and will be teaching her first international workshop in 2010 in southern France. Lisa is based in Asheville and owns Studio Zahiya, a studio dedicated to empowering dancers to find their voice in dance. She works with children and women with body issues, using dance as a tool for self discovery and healing. Lisa is as a resident teaching artist for LEAF in Schools & Streets arts education outreach program at Deaverview Learning Center, Burton St. Center & Erwin Middle School. Lisa earned the title of "Tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe" in 2008, winning a competition in Long Beach, CA and won the Alternative Category at Wiggles of the West 2009. http://www.lisazahiya.com/ .LSS

Melina Palumbo has been in pursuit of dance for the past 10 years. She has extensively studied the dance styles of the African Diaspora, those of Cuba, Haiti and Brazil, as well as the traditional styles of many West African countries. Melina has traveled to Africa on three separate occasions to witness, practice, and participate in the dancing traditions that have changed her life. She has danced in three performing arts companies, the latest being Jeh Kulu - a company based in Vermont that specializes in educating and empowering communities to celebrate Africa and the richness it brings to all of us and has been teaching in the local area for the last several years. She is a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist at Pisgah View Learning Center. LSS

Dr. Milton Crotts holds both Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from UNCG and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of SC. As Music Director for the Guam Symphony 1984-1999, Dr. Crotts was awarded three Governor's Arts Awards for Music and received the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1999 he was nominated for the National Medal for the Arts and was included in 2000 Who's Who Among American Teachers. Milt has conducted orchestras in the U.S. and Japan, including the Tokyo Symphony, Tokyo Memorial Orchestra, and Tokyo City Philharmonic. His former academic appointments include Associate Professor of Music at Davidson College and the University of Guam.
www.warren-wilson.edu/~music .LSS

Orlando-based Mr. Richard & the Pound Hounds infuse their catchy tunes with strains of Beatles pop and Replacements-style punk into kid's music that everyone can groove to. Even parents find themselves humming these kindie beats long after their little ones have gone to sleep. Find out more at http://www.mrrichard.net

Don't let their ages fool you-- these very talented, energetic 12-year-olds belt out classic rock and new alternative with the style and skill you'd expect from twice their age. MHAMD is a 5-piece Atlanta group that has been together for less than a year, but they've already performed at The Hard Rock Cafe, the Georgia Governor's Mansion, in talent shows and on street corners, and now they're bringing their energy & passion to LEAF!
www.youtube.com/user/MHAMDmusic

Nina Ruffini graduated with a bachelor in art and a theatre minor. After continuing her education in theatre and dance at UNCA, she became a puppeteer with P. O'Connor Puppetry. Her hand printed clothing and original artwork are unique. She has co-written and performed her own works of puppetry from Maine to NC. She is currently a member of the Asheville-based Runaway Circus, that has performed in Guatemala, Canada, and most of the US. Nina also has her artwork displayed on city buses in Asheville - with the Art in Transit project. She is a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist in the Woodridge Learning Center. www.runawaycircus.com .LSS

One World has been creating circus and street theater with children and adults for over 20 years. They are accomplished musicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, escape artists, and clowns, and have made giant puppets for performances and workshops throughout the United States, in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Since 1999 they have been creating giant puppet plays and pageants, leading huge colorful parades, performing at festivals and in schools, and working hard to make the world a better place. Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger co-created and co-founded Paperhand with inspiration and support from their friends, families, ancestors, and the fantastically beautiful planet they call home. Their mission is to make art that celebrates life's gifts and speaks directly to the human heart. www.paperhand.org

Randall, from the North Carolina clown troupe, Mountain Circus Arts, has taught in North Carolina public and private schools for many years, helping children and teenagers learn new skills, perform comedy routines with impeccable timing, and gain confidence. Snap training and stage performance, as an interactive act involving many members of the audience is always a wonderful crowd pleaser.
www.mountaincircusarts.com

Based in Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama, and Clemson, South Carolina, we play for dances all over the Southeast and beyond. Our music spans many styles, including Celtic, Up East, Quebequois, Old Time, and contemporary tunes with a little classical, jazz, pop, and reggae stirred into the mix.
Rec by LEAF Slammaster for 30 festivals James Nave'

Her movement training includes the study Indian Folk, Odissi Classical, Afro-Brazilian, Butoh, Hatian Folk, Middle Eastern (Bellydance), Modern Dance, Folk Dances of the Quechua, Chinese Sleeve Dance, Fire Dance Theater, Prenatal and Postpartum dance training, and 10+ years of yoga study.She is also a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, and brings her understanding of anatomy and kinesiology to her teaching. Sara is a LEAF in Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artist with the 21st Century program at Enka Middle School with the YMCA of Western NC and Buncombe County Schools. .LSS

As the sun sets over LEAF, something special happens in front of the fireplace inside Thunderbird Lodge. Friday and Saturday evenings, the vaudeville-style storytelling of Sarah Eshan creates a magical setting entertaining children of all ages. Her stories, characters, and songs take audiences places that span the globe and connect them to ancestral and cultural roots with laughter and the occasional lesson for life. Come experience the storytelling spirits with her!

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is the King of Kid Hop! From rockin live shows that are cooler than yer favorite Underoos to a #1 XM Radio hit about having good luck by believing in it ( see how that works? ), 23 Skidoo's brand new brand of positive hip hop for kids is a blast. Golden Age sounds for the underage crowd, Old School jams for grade school fans!
http://www.myspace.com/secretagent23skidoo
http://www.childstyle.org/

Sol Driven Train is an enigmatic creative force that blends horns, guitars, and percussion into an exciting musical adventure. The band has spent the last 5 years touring the country and releasing a steady stream of original music that draws comparisons to Paul Simon and The Talking Heads. The train rolls through Camp Rockmont this spring for two performances for children, but the band's musical cohesion and zany enthusiasm will appeal to LEAFers of all ages. . www.soldriventrain.com

Madison J. Cripps came to puppetry on a farm in Western Massachusetts in the Fall of 2006. He studied with The Sandglass Theatre of Vermont and has since been performing with his original puppets throughout North America from Canada to Mexico.
Vintage cabaret style marionette show full of tricks and surprises!

When emcee Pierce Freelon (son of 6-time Grammy nominee, Nnenna Freelon) joined his buddy Stephen Coffman, bass phenom Peter Kimosh and 3-time ASCAP Young Jazz Composer's Award-winner, pianist Eric Hirsh for a jam session, no one was prepared for what was to come. During their first time playing together, the quartet discovered an almost clairvoyant level of musical communication, which resulted in the creation of genre-bending songs that have been praised as, "eclectic and intricate Hip-Hop shot through with soul and Afrocuban influences (The Independent Weekly)." The Beast has made an impact on local and national scenes with their high-energy live show. They have appeared NPR and CBS News. The Beast is also dedicated to education and cultural outreach, as the group devotes time and energy to developing workshops on creativity, improvisation, and the history of African-American music. Thus far, they have given clinics to children and college students from New York to Atlanta. www.thebeastmusic.com .LSS

The Blue Dragons blend the classic sounds and instrumentation of jazz, americana, rock and blues into a vibrant and exciting live performance. The female vocals and accompanying harmonies are reminiscent of the late jazz divas; combined with the improvisational acoustic and electric instrument work, The Blue Dragons provide an original sound from a familar place.

The Blue Fairy (aka Alina Ever on stilts) sprinkles magical fairy dust and blessings of well-being on festival-goers tall and short, young and old, one and all. Close your eyes, make a wish... and so it will be! The Blue Fairy is accompanied on flute by the Prince of Pipes (aka Chris Deerheart). www.alinaever.com

Tribal electronica fused through world-beat percussion in a unique fashion, that is Thunderdrums. Looping unlike most audiences have ever seen is this melding of organic percussive instrumentation with electronic nuance bringing Frank Bloom to the crossroads of tribal, trance, house, drum-n-bass, and afro-beat compositions that have audiences nationwide on their feet and wanting more.
myspace.com/thunderdrums77

Unifire Theater based in Asheville, NC promises to excite the senses with their respectful play with fire. Years of experience with the Flame and with one another Unifire performs with numerous tools including double dutch jump rope, staffs, hoops, poi, and more! It's a show not to be missed when night comes and the spark awakened.
http://www.unifiredance.com/

From M.T.V. to the historic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Yewande's socially charged music has taken center stage with the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, and India Arie, but it is her work as an internationally renowned public speaker, scholar and social activist that has become perhaps her greatest achievement. As the President of the Global Institute for Diversity and Change, her award-winning programs are redefining the face of social change in the 21st century. In Malawi, Africa, Ms. Austin is recognized as an honorary cultural ambassador to US Embassy for her commitment to promoting education, sustainable development and AIDS prevention through the arts. Her current research in Ethnomusicology presents an irrefutable connection between music and social change. Ms. Austin applied this methodology in developing programs for underprivileged youth who had lost parents to drugs and incarceration. On the fringes of society, her programs gave youth a chance to turn their pain into power through artistic expression. Yewande has witnessed miraculous transformations using a combination of music therapy and sustainable skill training under her humanitarian organization, The Change Rocks Foundation. It is this inspirational commitment to social justice, enlightenment and change that has captivated thousands around the world. LSS www.yewande.com

Developing talented, young, jazz musicians in Asheville and Western NC. LSS
http://www.youthatjazz.org/

Masters of the African form of stilt dancing and ancient mystical masquerades, Zulu Connection spellbounds its audiences with its colorful and elaborate costumes, tremendous heights, extraordinary acrobatics and magnificent dance moves. In the course of a concert the program entertains, but educates as well on African customs, history, musical instruments, masquerades and legends, dispelling common held myths.
www.zuluconnection.com .LSS