The Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF), May 12–15 at Black Mountain’s Camp Rockmont, brings award-caliber entertainment in a family-friendly, multi-arts event. Twice a year, just before summer camp at Camp Rockmont and just after (October 20–23), LEAF provides an ever-surprising lineup of culturally diverse and globally appealing performing arts and dance presentations, gourmet food, and an area just for children.

In its 32nd year, the festival will feature Africa’s “premier diva” Angelique Kidjo, the special Treasure Chest Tour with bluegrass and country Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs, along with legendary soul and funk saxophonist Maceo Parker, among others.

There will also be fire dancers, contra dancing, a poetry slam, the first LEAF puppetry slam, steel drums, a fiddle contest, and circus arts. The Kid’s Village has two stages this year with great entertainment and fun. The weekend will also play host to more than 50 healing arts workshops.

LEAF is a nonprofit organization with the mission of connecting cultures and creating community through music and arts. One program, LEAF in Schools and Streets (LSS), is a perfect example of the organizations efforts. LSS is working with 15 music and arts programs in local public housing communities and centers for after-school programs.

A special family-friendly performance by Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues will be held at 11 a.m. on May 16 at the Orange Peel. Tickets for the event are $2 for children and $3 for adults and are available at theorangepeel.net. More than 20 of the LEAF artists will also be participating in LEAF in Schools & Streets through arts-in- education workshops and concerts in local schools and centers.

Ticket option for LEAF range from day passes ($34–45) to weekend packages ($84–174). Children under ten receive free admission. For more, visit theleaf.org or call 828.686.8742.