An Inspiring Weekend at Fall LEAF Festival 2014

The Mystical Arts of Tibet performing at LEAF Festival

Photography by David Oppenheimer
Article by Jeremy Chrzan

Once again, the Fall 2014 LEAF Festival came and left with a bang. October’s event once again featured the best in family entertainment and culture in Western North Carolina. Located in Black Mountain, NC, about 15 minutes from the cultural mecca of Asheville, the LEAF Festival is nestled beside the serene Lake Eden at Camp Rockmont. Since its inception in 1995, LEAF has become well known for its diverse cultural atmosphere with family friendly vibes. LEAF has been voted the best music festival for camping and kids two years running in the local periodical Mountain Xpress. The event occurs in the spring and fall of every year and typically sells out every time. Fall LEAF really lives up to its name, with the leaves on the trees on their way to changing into a beautiful palette of reds, golds, and yellows. Despite the cold, the fall LEAF packed a solid punch of exceptionally good times for all in attendance.

Bela Fleck and Abigal Washburn Performing at LEAF Festival

Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn performing at LEAF Festival

Part of what separates LEAF Festival from other festivals is the focus on local arts and food. The Fall LEAF Festival had dozens of charming crafts of all types. From clothing and accessories to ceramics, leather, and jewelry, LEAF had it all. Notable craft vendors included LEAF veterans Andremi Designs (leather work) and Mountain Metal Works (metalwork), as well as newcomer Arouna Diarra (African drums and instruments). A welcome addition this fall was Health Force Naturals, one of the leaders in organic food based supplements and superfoods. LEAF also consistently has amazing all-local food vendors including Barley’s Pizza, Mojo Taco Lounge, and One World Kitchen, as well as coffee and drinks from local legends Izzy’s and French Broad Chocolate Lounge. New on the scene this festival was Roaming in the Raw Juices. These Asheville up and comers kept their customers healthy throughout the weekend with raw cold pressed juices.

There is always something happening for every age group at LEAF. The LEAF Festival features outdoor activities such as boating, a zip line, games, and sports. Numerous family friendly tents and installations keep the youth entertained with games, stories, workshops, and plays. LEAF is also full of fun and healthy talks and workshops including yoga, qi gong, meditations, contra dance, and educational workshops.

Talib Kweli Performing at LEAF Festival

Musically, the Fall LEAF featured performances from some of the top musicians around, spanning all genres including bluegrass, hip-hop, and funk. Friday was headlined by fan favorites Rising Appalachia and Nahko and Medicine for the People. Saturday was the leading day for music. Fans were able to see amazing performances from hip-hop legend Talib Kweli who came with a full live band. Other notable Saturday performances included March Forth Marching Band, latin funk band Suenalo and New Orleans powerhouse The Nth Power. Sunday was much folksy and included a gospel set from The Nth Power as well as laid back performances from Robert Randolph and the Family Band as well as Bela Fleck and Abgail Washburn. Closing out the festival was a powerful meditative performance from The Mystical Arts of Tibet.

Every single LEAF Festival is a powerful cultural experience and never fails to live up to the high standard that its organizers perpetually strive for. Between the music, arts, creativity, and inspiring activities, LEAF always attracts the most positive and beautiful people that come together to create this positive community in a tradition that will be upheld for many years to come.