WHAT: The Benefit of Culture: World Dance Party!
WHEN: 7- 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6
WHERE: Highland Brewing Tasting Room
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Zahiya, LEAF Creativity Engagement Coordinator (828) 242-7595 [email protected]
PRESS LINKS: theLEAF.org
TICKETS/Info: http://leafticketsales.org/ $25 advance/$30 door or $50 for VIP • 828/ 68-MUSIC (686-8742)
LEAF is at the forefront of bringing multicultural experiences to Asheville and Buncombe County, through the twice-yearly Lake Eden Arts Festival and its two main arts outreach programs: LEAF in Schools & Streets and LEAF International.
LEAF’s Benefit of Culture: World Dance Party! is a major fundraiser that helps hundreds of local youth experience world cultures, and helps youth in countries such as Haiti, Tanzania and Guatemala to learn and preserve their own traditions.
DJ Marley Carroll will spin throughout the dance party, and the event will feature professional dance performances representing cultures where LEAF International programs are based. Dancers include Lisa Zahiya, Bala Bhangra, Deva Laxema, Kathleen Hahn, the Asheville Ballet and more.
Benefit of Culture will also give amateur individual and group dancers the chance to participate in a “sudden death” dance contest. The winner will receive a vacation through Festiva Travel.
Party attendees will enjoy “slow food, right quick” provided by Homegrown, which serves up delicacies gathered largely from local producers. Beer will be provided by Highland Brewing Company.
A silent auction and raffle will give partygoers the chance to bid on and win items from local restaurants, spas and artists.
A highlight prize is a low-rider New Belgium Fat Tire bike.
All event proceeds will equally benefit LEAF in Schools & Streets and LEAF International. Funding for after LEAF in Schools & Street programs in the Burton Street Community, Woodridge Learning Community, and William Randolph School all need support for the 2012-13 school year. Leaf International programs in Guatemala, Tanzania, Bequia and Haiti need continuing support for teaching artist salaries, tuning and new instruments.
The $25 ticket includes entrance to the event, catering by Homegrown, French Broad Chocolate Lounge truffles and two drink tickets for Highland beverages. The $50 VIP ticket includes all the above, plus pre-event cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. with LEAF’s directors, a hospitality lounge, a customized Oowee Koozie LEAF pint glass holder, and a LEAF CD.
LEAF in Schools & Streets is a local arts in education outreach program matching artists with youth in schools and communities for hands-on workshops, residencies, interactive performances and mentoring. LEAF International collaborates to empower youth through their musical traditions with local artists, to enhance self-esteem, to educate and to create skills, connections and community.
