The inaugural LEAF Downtown AVL takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2. The free event includes live music on three stages as well as local food and drink, healing artists, the Easel Rider, workshops and dance parties.
Press release from LEAF:
LEAF is thrilled to announce the stellar lineup of performing artists for the inaugural LEAF Downtown AVL, taking place August 1-2, 2015 in the heart of Downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park. Join us to experience the essence of LEAF as we celebrate communities, creativity, diversity and families and work toward our long-term vision of building quality of place by intentionally infusing the power of the arts, culture and creativity. The event seeks to showcase talent in a wide variety of musical genres and backgrounds with artists such as Bootsy Collins’ Rubber Band making their encore visit back to the Asheville area after a highly memorable performance at the May 2014 LEAF Festival; the pioneering Brooklyn Bhangra party Red Barrat; and Baltimore Sun warns to “…prepare to be blown away… frontwoman Arleigh Kincheloe (of Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds) has one of the biggest voices in the soul-funk business”.
“Long has it been our dream to bring the performance magic, cultural majesty, and beautiful family atmosphere cultivated over 20 years of LEAF Festivals to the city we call home, says LEAF Performing Arts Director Ehren Cruz. It is our firm belief that music & art has the power to cross all social & cultural boundaries, and bring people together to learn, grow, and celebrate our diversity through creativity. We welcome One & All to LEAF Downtown AVL for two days filled to the brim with music, art, workshops, great food & drinks, family activities, and lifelong friendships!”
LEAF Downtown AVL features local performers LEAF Love Band, an Asheville mash-up of musicians and surprise guests led by Josh Blake; Old Landmarks Gospel Blow Out, led by Lyric; Santos, self-proclaimed social activist and passionate singer-songwriter Unifire Theater; Whee Ah Faerie Kin; and Asheville Yoga. In the days leading up to LEAF Downtown AVL, there will be a Cocktail Crawl showcasing the skill of local mixologists; Bootsy Funk Dynasty Day; and a Kick-Off party at New Mountain AVL. LEAF Downtown AVL officially begins at 9am on Saturday, August 1st with the LEAF Art Dash – an artistically rooted 5K & Family Relay benefiting LEAF Schools & Streets. LEAF Downtown AVL concludes at 6pm on Sunday, August 2nd.
LEAF Downtown AVL 2015 Performing Artists Lineup:
Bootsy Collins’ Rubber Band | Red Baraat
Dangermuffin | LEAF Love Band
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds | The Main Squeeze
Old Landmarks Gospel Blow Out | The London Souls
Empire Strikes Brass | Arouna Diarra | Santos
Marcel Anton | Indigo de Sauza | To All My Dear Friends
Unifire Theatre | Faerie Kin | Asheville Yoga
Old Timers in the Round | Fritz Beer & The Crooked Beat
And Many More…In addition to music from three stages and various art displays, LEAF Downtown AVL also features healing artists, local craft brews, Easel Rider, workshops, dance parties and food from local independent restaurants and vendors. This event is FREE and open to the public. Full lineup details and other info available at http://www.theLEAF.org or by phone at 828-686-8742.
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