Visiting Teaching Artist Programs
Global Artists Take the Stage and the Classroom
LEAF invites performing artists from around the globe to lead weeklong residencies with elementary, middle, and high school students across Buncombe County. These are artists culturally rooted enough to grace the Festival stage and mission-oriented enough to guide youth toward becoming global citizens and leaders, on stage and off.
It's a chance for students to learn directly from international culture keepers, build confidence through performance, and share what they've created with their community at the festival.
Pricing & Schedule
Visiting Teaching Artist residencies take place the week preceding large-scale Leaf events:
Daily Classes: 1.5–3 hours per day
Cost Range: $650-$1,200
Culminates in a performance at the event
LEAF @ Grier is partnering with the Lake Eden Reunion to provide visiting teaching artists to a space that holds 45 years festival traditions.
Visiting Teaching Artists 2026
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Adama Dembele
Adama Dembele is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Born into a family ofmusicians, he has toured several continents with various major acts such as Oumou Sangare, 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.
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Los Vega Son Jarocho
Los Vega is a family-based ensemble with over 20 years of experience performing son jarocho, a traditional music from Veracruz, Mexico. Known for their strong cultural roots, refined musicianship, and dynamic stage presence, the group has become a standout name in the world of traditional Mexican music.
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Masankho
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.
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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 youth to share their voice and to help them grow their confidence so they can stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the world around them. In 2026, Melissa’s band, MAMA, came in 2nd place in the International Blues Competition.
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Fife and Drum
A living link between African rhythm, early blues, and American roots — carried forward across four generations. The musicians in Rising Stars grew up together in Tate County, Mississippi, bonded over a shared passion for sound, rhythm, and beats.