For the second year, LEAF brought its multicultural festival into downtown Asheville for two days of music, art, creative collaborations and community spirit. This year’s theme was “Soultown,” and programming included dance performances, a variety of street performers, community activism forums, food and craft vendors and interactive stations such as the Full Circle Arts Flow Zone and the Slack-librium Slack Park.
The Voices of Asheville tent hosted multiple forums with leaders of innovative community art projects and social justice organizations such as Hood Huggers International, Anam Cara Theatre, Green Opportunities!, representatives of the Black Lives Matter and Justice 4 Jerry movements and more. African drumming and dance lessons were also held in that tent.
Dance performances by Studio Zahiya took place both days and a Saturday morning yoga session was offered by Asheville Community Yoga. Sunday afternoon brought the signature LEAF Second Line Parade featuring horns, drummers, costumes, jugglers and stilt walkers.
Music performers pictured in the photo gallery are Nex Millen, MOOK! Massacre, Matt Townsend, Jon Stickley Trio, The Broadcast, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Mosso-Kan (featuring Barakissa Coulibaly), Old Landmarks Spiritual Revival (hosted by Les Amis).
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