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.

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.