leaf_colThe 36th Annual Spring LEAF Festival, May 9-12, 2013 in Black Mountain, will be headlined by R&B icon Mavis Staples; urban Latino culture-mashers Ozomatli; the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, led by the bluegrass legend; Zimbabwean maestro Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits; and Abigail Washburn, Appalachian songbird & long-time LEAF favorite.

Supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, LEAF will present an eclectic sampling of vocal traditions, ranging from American folk, vocal jazz, and gospel traditions to Tibetan a cappella, Zimbabwean afro-pop, and classical choral customs.

LEAF’s performing arts passport offers visitors the favelas of Brazil (Matuto); the swamps of New Orleans (Papa Grows Funk & Honey Island Swamp Band); the hills of Ireland (Solas); the tablas-tuned halls of India (Talavya); and local, western NC’s The Broadcast. The festival will also include Contra, Latin, Swing, Cajun, and Square dancing; poetry slams, folk art & craft exhibitions, outdoor adventure, and the LEAFlet Kid’s Village.

Tickets and volunteering opportunities are available through LEAF’s website (www.theLEAF.org) or by calling the LEAF office at 828-686-8742. Tickets are sold in advance only. LEAF, a non-profit organization, builds community and enriches lives through the arts – locally and globally – with festivals, community events, and arts in education programs. Its three main branches include the twice-a-year festival, LEAF Schools & Streets, and LEAF International.

The Spring LEAF 2013 Performing Arts Lineup:

Mavis Staples • Ozomatli • Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band • Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits • Abigail Washburn • Solas • Papa Grows Funk • MC Yogi • Lizz Wright • Ben Sollee • Honey Island Swamp Band • Yungchen Lhamo • Dirk Powell Band with Riley Baugus • Orgone • Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Contra with Elixir & The Mean Lids, called by Nils Fredland & Diane Silver • Late-Night Techno Contra with DJ Jor-D & caller Maggie Jo Saylor • The Broadcast • Como Mamas • Matuto • Sheila Kay Adams • Talavya • Sirens in the Round, featuring Laura Blackley, Mary Ellen Davis, Cary Fridley, Kellin Watson, and Lyric • Blue Ridge Orchestra • Unifire Theatre • Green Grass Cloggers • The Spring Chickens • WWC Old-Time String Band • Royal Kingdom of Happyland • Freewheelin MaMas • Art Farm • Toy Boat Circus Tent • Warren Wilson Gamelan Ensemble • Asheville Community Movement • Whee Ahh Faerie Kin • 40 Fingers & A Missing Tooth

LEAF Schools & Streets Resident Teaching Artists: Adama Dembele • Christine Garvin • Erinn Huntley • Gary Bradley • Imhotep • Kuumba Zuwena • Lisa Zahiya • Nina Ruffini • Santos