WHAT: LEAF’s Benefit of Culture: A Pirate Hullabaloo
WHERE: Highland Brewing tasting room, 12 Old Charlotte Highway
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 7, 5-10 p.m.
WHY: Arrrrren’t you ready for a fun time with LEAF? The arts education outreach program is holding its annual FUNraiser to raise support for both its local and international programs.
“At first it seems a little odd for an organization that promotes connectivity to have a party centered around marauding swashbucklers,” says development director Adam Bowers. “But we’re thinking of our pirates as being adventures or explorers that go out and then bring back knowledge of these other cultures. So we’re culture-exploring pirates, connecting cultures through the arts.”
The event will feature food from HomeGrown, beers from Highland Brewing and performances by the LEAF Schools & Streets Circus Performers and Sirius B. There will also be a performance by a surprise group billed only as The Swashbuckling Sea-Stars — an established Asheville group you may know under another name who have a connection to LEAF’s Costa Rica program.
Though funds raised at the event will support both the organization’s local and international work, Bowers notes that there is a special emphasis on LEAF’s programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. Bowers describes the programs as “all-encompassing arts experiences,” which include instruction in percussion, vocal training, dancing, music, jewelry and more — all with the intention of preserving cultural traditions.
“We’re looking to tie all three of these locations together and create cultural enrichment between all of them,” says Bowers.
Tickets are $35 for individuals, $60 for families (2 adults plus children) or $75 for VIP. They are available for purchase at highlandbrewing.com. For more information, visit theleaf.org.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.