LEAF announces spring lineup with Shovels & Rope, members of Buena Vista Social Club and more

PRESS RELEASE:

LEAF is thrilled to announce its dynamic lineup of performing artists for the Spring 2016 LEAF Festival, taking place May 12-15, 2016 near Asheville at the majestic Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC. We welcome you to experience ‘World Fusion with Cuban Spice’ with Juan De Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All-Stars (featuring original members of Buena Vista Social Club), which is comprised of international stars such as Ruben Gonzalez, Ibrahim Ferrer, Guillermo Rubalcava, Amadito Valdes and Manuel “The Guajiro” Mirabal; alt-country powerhouse duo Shovels & Rope; dancer, actor and magnetic songstress from Mali – Fatoumata Diawara; Afro-Cuban Jazz & Hip-Hop singer and composer making her premier U.S. Debut, Danay Suarez; world bridging “ethnic chaos” with soul stirring rhythms and vocals, DakhaBrakha; and many others!

Ehren Cruz, LEAF Performing Arts Director states, “For the 42nd LEAF Festival, prepare to ignite your imagination and immerse your soul into the sites, sounds, sensations, and spice of Cuba! For generations, the artistry and culture of Cuba has fueled the spirit of Latin music, dance, and performance throughout the globe. Now Cuba spreads its wings and prepares to descend upon the United States and into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. From salsa, to timba, to Afro-Cuban jazz, percussion, and brass – we welcome one and all to be inspired by a world of passionate rhythm and infectious groove. And in true LEAF fashion, over 20 additional fusions of world & roots music along with dozens of family adventures, workshops, and activities will be offered for all walks of life to enjoy!”

LEAF sustains a 3rd year consecutive win as the #1 Festival for Music, Kids and Camping via Mountain Xpress, Best Of. LEAF Festival thrives with close ties to the Western North Carolina community through sponsorships, partnerships and collaborations. The Annual NewSong Presents: LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition is an example of successful collaboration. Rachael Kilgour, a Minnesotan musician, applied through the competition in 2015 and was named overall winner in Lincoln Center! The 3rd Annual Competition to launch later this month.

42nd LEAF Festival (Spring 2016) Performer Lineup

Juan De Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Shovels & Rope
Fatoumata Diawara, Danay Suarez, DakhaBrakha,
Sarah Jarosz, Marchfourth!, Pedrito Martinez,
Tizer Feat: Raul Pineda, Ric Fierabracci, Jesus Diaz, & Lao Tizer,
Cimarron, Scythian, Fruition, Kaya Project
Nano Stern, River Whyless, Jon Stickley Trio, Viva La Hop,
Masankho Banda, The Screamin J’s, Bailey Spiritual Sounds, WiseWater
Contra Ft: Stringrays, Nova, Buddy Sytem, Will Mentor & Steve Zakon
Sankofa Elektrofolk, P-Lo Experience, Sol Rhythms Band, DJ Malinalli
Unifire Theater, Ka Amorastreya, Trillium, Asheville Hoops, Faerie Kin,
Miss T’s Art V Boogie, Clan Destiny Circus, Illuminera Jelly Dome, Osirian Flora
42nd LEAF Poetry Slam, 3rd Annual Newsong Singer Songwriter Competition…
and many MORE!

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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