Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

• Public libraries
  • Black Mountain
  • East Asheville
  • Enka Candler
  • Fairview
  • Leicester
  • North Asheville
  • Oakley/South Asheville
  • Pack Memorial
  • Skyland/South Buncombe
  • Swannanoa
  • Weaverville
  • West Asheville
• Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
• Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
• HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
• Elections at 59 Woodfin
• Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
• Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
• County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

• Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
• Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
• Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
• Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
• Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
• Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
• Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

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

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

• Public libraries
  • Black Mountain
  • East Asheville
  • Enka Candler
  • Fairview
  • Leicester
  • North Asheville
  • Oakley/South Asheville
  • Pack Memorial
  • Skyland/South Buncombe
  • Swannanoa
  • Weaverville
  • West Asheville
• Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
• Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
• HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
• Elections at 59 Woodfin
• Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
• Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
• County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

• Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
• Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
• Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
• Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
• Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
• Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
• Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

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

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

• Public libraries
  • Black Mountain
  • East Asheville
  • Enka Candler
  • Fairview
  • Leicester
  • North Asheville
  • Oakley/South Asheville
  • Pack Memorial
  • Skyland/South Buncombe
  • Swannanoa
  • Weaverville
  • West Asheville
• Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
• Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
• HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
• Elections at 59 Woodfin
• Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
• Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
• County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

• Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
• Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
• Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
• Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
• Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
• Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
• Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

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

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

• Public libraries
  • Black Mountain
  • East Asheville
  • Enka Candler
  • Fairview
  • Leicester
  • North Asheville
  • Oakley/South Asheville
  • Pack Memorial
  • Skyland/South Buncombe
  • Swannanoa
  • Weaverville
  • West Asheville
• Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
• Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
• HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
• Elections at 59 Woodfin
• Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
• Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
• County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

• Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
• Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
• Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
• Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
• Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
• Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
• Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

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

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

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

• Public libraries
  • Black Mountain
  • East Asheville
  • Enka Candler
  • Fairview
  • Leicester
  • North Asheville
  • Oakley/South Asheville
  • Pack Memorial
  • Skyland/South Buncombe
  • Swannanoa
  • Weaverville
  • West Asheville
• Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
• Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
• HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
• Elections at 59 Woodfin
• Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
• Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
• County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

• Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
• Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
• Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
• Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
• Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
• Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
• Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
• Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

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

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