LEAF: Bringing the Funk Back to the Mountains

Bootsy Collins and the Funk Unity Band

Article by Jeremy Chrzan

The LEAF Festival is the region’s premier family friendly camp out and music/arts extravaganza.  This three day multicultural conglomeration of the arts happens twice a year at the beautiful Camp Rockmont on Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC.  They call it Lake Eden for a reason: the venue is absolutely paradise.  LEAF Festival features astounding mountain views and fun outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and even a zip line.  LEAF is also the perfect place to bring your whole family.  There are entire stages and installations devoted to entertaining children and teaching them to appreciate music and art.  There are workshops for people of all interests and ages, not to mention traveling visual arts performers and parades that you can find wandering the festival grounds at any time.  One of the greatest things about leaf is the blend of world cultures that all come together to create a melting pot for people to experience. From Contra Dancing and West African percussion to didgeridoo workshops and Qi Gong, this festival has it all.

Bootsy Collins Funks the Halls

Legendary bass-man Bootsy Collins brought the funk to California this December for a week that went down in the books. Bootsy Collins is the Cincinnati funk master associated with James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton, Dee-Lite and many other acts. Collins is a member of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and has been regarded as the Jimi Hendrix of the Bass Guitar. Collins is a pleasure to photograph as his outfits change every couple songs. Bootzilla played all the classics and one of the best versions of "Cosmic Slop" and "I'd Rather Be With You" that I have ever heard in all my years of lovin' the funk. "Everyone have a good New Year, baby."

Images by Doug Siegel