Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
Southside Community Farmers Market
Sep 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Southside Community Farmers Market

Listing

About Southside Community Farmers Market

Southside Community Farm hosts a farmers market featuring all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) vendors on the first Sunday of every month, May-Oct. from 12-3 PM. The market is EBT accessible. Come enjoy delicious patties, hot sauces, veggies, fruit, flowers, medicines, crafts and more!

Monday, September 25, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Sep 25 all-day
online
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 25 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 26 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 26 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

West Asheville Tailgate Market
Sep 26 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market

WATM Flier.png

ABOUT WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET

•  We accept SNAP EBT + Credit Cards  •

At the West Asheville Tailgate Market, vendors’ tables are abundant with an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, milk, meat, poultry, and fish.  You will also find plant starts for gardens, locally made specialty items, natural beauty products, herbal medicine, and locally made art and crafts. We have live music and free kids activities so there’s fun for the whole family.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Sep 27 all-day
online
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 27 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 27 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Etowah Lions Farmers Market
Sep 27 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Etowah Lions Farmers Market

On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Farmers Market, which
showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold are made by or
grown by the vendor.

River Arts District Farmers Market
Sep 27 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
River Arts District Farmers Market

cutmypic.png

Located in the River Arts District, and surrounded by art galleries and breweries, come find out about Asheville’s favourite mid-week market!

Weaverville Tailgate Market
Sep 27 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Thursday, September 28, 2023
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 28 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

RAHZEL OF THE ROOTS AT LEAF FESTIVAL
Sep 28 all-day
online

What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.

Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.

Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it! 🔥🔥🔥

Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”

Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.

LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.

Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 28 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
Sep 28 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
75% of Enka-Candler Tailgate Market proceeds go towards a student and summer camp scholarship fund for Asheville Farmstead School to promote diversity and accessibility to children learning about themselves and nature through farm and forest. The remaining 25% will be given back to the local Enka-Candler community, directed by the Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Advisory Committee.

List of Supporters (Discounts, donat

Flat Rock Farmers Market
Sep 28 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Flat Rock Farmers Market

Join us on Thursdays from 3-6 pm through October

 

Celebrating over 15 years of bringing fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods to the community of Flat Rock NC.
Join us every Thursday, May – October at our location at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church at the corner of Upward Rd and Greenville Hwy. 

Flat Rock Farmers’ Market
Sep 28 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pinecrest Presbyterian Church

Flat Rock Farmers’ Market, Every Thursday 3pm-6pm, The Flat Rock Farmers Market celebrates over 15 years of bringing fresh,
local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through October to Flat Rock, NC. This farmers market is made of a diverse
group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and merry makers. You will love the friendly, informative,
creative vendors that set up for the market. Be sure you stop by each one to introduce yourself and ask questions. Located at
Pinecrest Presbyterian Church

Friday, September 29, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Sep 29 all-day
online
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 29 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

RAHZEL OF THE ROOTS AT LEAF FESTIVAL
Sep 29 all-day
online

What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.

Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.

Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it! 🔥🔥🔥

Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”

Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.

LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.

Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden

WNC Farmers Market
Sep 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Blue Ghost Oktoberfest Celebration
Sep 29 @ 1:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Blue Ghost Brewing Company
Join us for a 3-day Oktoberfest celebration September 29th through October 1st!
German-inspired brews on tap:
Harvest Festbier – 5.4% ABV, 20 IBUs. Specially brewed for the Harvest season. This beer is a tribute to the Munich way of celebrating Oktoberfest. It features a deep gold color, creamy mouthfeel and hints of toasty bread in the flavor.
Kolsch Ale – 5.2% ABV, 23 IBUs. The Kolsch ale is a beer light in color and malt character. This style’s fermentation process yields a light, larger-like characteristic which is accompanied by a slightly dry, crisp finish.
Hefeweizen – 5.3% ABV, 12 IBUs. Made with a grain bill of mostly malted wheat and fermented with a Hefewiezen ale yeast, this brew feature flavors and aromas of banana, apricot, and a hint of clove.
Food:
Friday & Saturday: The Hungry Ghost will tap into German flavors and be serving a variety of German inspired eats including Pork Schnitzel, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Pretzels & Cheese, & more!
Sunday: Kinfolk will be serving from 1:30-6:30PM
We’ll be playing Oktoberfest inspired tunes all weekend and we strongly encourage y’all to dress in your finest German attire!
The bar will also serve wine, hard cider, seltzer, ginger beer, and will offer a variety of non-alocholic beverages.
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Sep 29 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Tailgate Market

🖤 Vendor list drop! Welcome new vendors @blazingstarflowers @djspickles and @monkasbakery and welcome back @wildgoodsforaging!

2022 Market Season: Every Friday April – October

Eliada Fall Festival
Sep 29 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Eliada Homes
Saturday, September 30, 2023
LEAF announces Festival Line Up
Sep 30 all-day
online
LEAF Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas’: Full schedule announcement
Sep 30 all-day
Lake Eden, Black Mountain, NC

🧡 LET THE HEALING BEGIN:
HEALING ARTS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 🧡

LEAF Global Arts is here for ALL the arts, from music and dance to visual and performance art. Add to that list Healing Arts, which allow us to more deeply experience LEAF Festival — and ourselves! (Look for a reveal of Handcraft Artists & Vendors next week.)

Expand your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more.

“Incredibly excited for the Fall healing arts and earth skills workshop offerings. There is something for everyone, including various types of yoga, meditation, kudzu basket weaving, sound healing, dance,

forest bathing, exploring your personal strengths, and more.

Fill your weekend with self care for your mind, body, and soul.

We are grateful for all the artists coming to LEAF Festival.”

~ Madison, LEAF Vendor Coordinator 

Buy Tickets & Lodging

🎉 READY, SET, LEAF! 🎉

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES ANNOUNCED!

“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our meticulously crafted schedule for LEAF’s Fall Festival, ‘Legends of The Americas,’ October 19-22, complete with TIMES and all the latest updates. Every moment has been designed with you in mind, forging connections that transcend borders and ignite the spirit. We call to every soul, near and far, to dive deep into the enchantment that awaits. Let the rhythm of these magical cultures enthrall you, let the melodies tell stories that resonate with the heart.

The world of LEAF beckons — are you ready to witness the magic?

Dive in now!”

~ Otto Vazquez, Artistic Curator

Mills River Oktoberfest
Sep 30 all-day
Appalachian Mountain Brewery Taproom and Kitchen

Mark your calendars for our first Mills River Oktoberfest! We’re bringing Oktoberfest to Mills River and we’re so excited to celebrate with y’all. Brush those lederhosens and dirndls off and get ready for a day full of German-inspired food, beer, live music, stein hoisting, and much more. Keep an eye on our social media for more details to come.

RAHZEL OF THE ROOTS AT LEAF FESTIVAL
Sep 30 all-day
online

What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.

Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.

Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it! 🔥🔥🔥

Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”

Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.

LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.

Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden