LEAF: Lake Eden Arts Festival, Black Mountain

Set amidst the Blue Ridge mountains, just below Mt. Mitchell and near Black Mountain, the LEAF Festival (Lake Eden Arts Festival) magical site is a short drive from Asheville. Formerly the historic Black Mountain College, presently a summer camp (Camp Rockmont), it's a beautiful 600 acre site. Rolling hills for camping, mountain lakes for swimming, canoeing, and ziplining, streams to play in, woods to hike and explore, and a setting which is relaxing and inspiring. Many folks come for the weekend with plenty of room to camp. Be sure to make advance reservations for camping or day passes since it is always a sell-out. Tickets are limited, since only 5,500 are allowed each day! It's only about 12 miles from downtown Asheville.

Next Dates: October 14-17, 2010
October 2010 Update: Discover the magic of the 31st LEAF with folk icons The Indigo Girls, the global music movement Playing For Change, and featured Caribean Traditions artists from Haiti- Boukman Eksperyman. and Bonga & Vodou Drums of Haiti.

Be a LEAFer and connect music, art and culture the weekend of October 14-17 at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. The 31st LEAF welcomes the Indigo Girls to the festival to celebrate and share some of their songs from their new release Staring Down the Brilliant Dream. A flavor of island spice will permeate the fall festival with several Caribbean Traditions Special performing artists, which is supported in part by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Southern Arts Federation (SAF) grants. And LEAF's very own neighbors, Swannanoa Gathering, showcase a sampling of their talents. A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multi-cultural musical and dance odyssey.

LEAF’s music is but one thread that holds together the cloth of a weekend experience that includes art and culture from around the world, and right here, for the entire family. LEAF's recent expansion of its "LEAFlet Kids Village" allows families with children to share the experience from the eyes of a child with their own stages for "kids" music, workshops and interactive area such as the "LIPZ- LEAF Instrument Petting Zoo", unicycle craziness, kids talent stage and many more playful adventures.

Amazing line-up of artists: The Indigo Girls • Jamaica’s The Original Wailers • Leon Redbone- Neo-Vaudevillian Legend • Playing For Change Band - Powerful Global Music Movement started w/ “Stand by Me”! • Red Clay Ramblers- Tony Award Winning String Band • Boukman Eksperyans – The Voice of Haiti  • April Verch –Canadian Fiddler featured at Vancouver Olympics Opening • The Wood Brothers- • La Excelencia- Salsa Dura • Pimps of Joytime- Funk  • Danny Ellis - #1 CD in Ireland • Jai Uttal – World Music Pioneer • Slavic Soul Party – Balkan Gypsy Soul • Hot Club of Cowtown - Swing • Umalali, The Garifuna Women’s Project of Belize • Bonga & Vodou Drums of Haiti • Unifire Theater • Contra Dancing • Poetry Slam • 1st LEAF Puppetry Slam • Music Jams • Steel Drums & Puppets  • Parade • Fiddle Contest • Circus Arts • Yoga & over 50 Healing Arts Workshops & so much to explore & experience!

Tickets:
Purchase tickets in advance - the more in advance you purchase tickets, the lower the price. Day tickets for 2010 are $73-$94 for all days, $29-$40 for Friday or Sunday and $38-$50 for Saturday. You can camp overnight (most do) or get a day pass - additional charge for camping. Often, the festival sells out their day passes early in the day - or even before the festival begins. More ticket info.

Directions:

• From West (from Asheville):
  1-40 to Swannanoa Exit 59. Left at end of ramp. Right at light onto US 70. Left at next light,cross small bridge, right at yield onto Old US70. 1.9 miles to light. Left onto Lake Eden Rd.
• From East:
  I-40 to 1st Black Mtn. Exit #65. Exit merges to Hwy. 70. 3.5 miles, pass lots of small businesses, Marine Boats & see large Ingles Warehouse on left. Right at traffic light onto Grovestone Road. Left at next light onto Old US 70. 1st light right onto Lake Eden Road.
• By Air:
  Asheville Airport w/ USAir, Delta, Continental, Northwest-25 minutes
  Greenville SC (GSP) Airport- 1.5 hours     Charlotte NC (CLT)- 2.5 hours
• By Bus:
  Ride the Asheville Transit Bus from Asheville, Airport or Black Mtn.
• By Bike:
  Discounts for bike riders who arrive in this environmentally friendly style. Park & lock bikes at tennis courts.

Ins & Outs:

• NO ARRIVALS prior to Thursday 4pm
• Thursday Arrivals - 4pm-11pm only.
• Friday - 9am-1am Saturday - 9am-10pm Sunday - 8:30am-4pm
• The festival ends Sunday eve at 7pm. Please plan to depart by dark.
• Happy & Safe Travels!!
• LEAFbit: Once you are parked please plan to leave only when necessary.

Help make LEAF more car-free:

• Carpool with friends or use the LEAF Rideshare Forum to find a ride. Saturday only (non overnight leafers) please park in our off-site shuttle parking at Owen High School. Comfy shuttle runs 9am-2am.
• For Vehicle Camping remember you must have a vehicle camping space (15w x 20d $20) reserved in advance.
• All Cars park in Gate 6 or designated parking areas. Plan once you park in car-camping not to leave and re-enter.
• All cars not needed as part of the campsite please park in Gate 6 lot. Thanks - less vehicles about-more friendly space.

Read and see more at the LEAF Web site.