Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-05-12
LEAF Global Arts is kicking off the countdown to Deep Roots following a featured appearance during the National Endowment for the Arts’ recent visit to Western North Carolina.
Following that appearance, LEAF Global Arts is turning its attention toward Deep Roots, its upcoming one-day cultural festival taking place May 30 at Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, NC.
As national arts leaders gathered in Asheville this month to discuss the role of arts and culture in Western North Carolina’s recovery, LEAF Global Arts helped showcase the region’s creative resilience and community-centered cultural work. Now, just weeks later, the organization is preparing to bring that same spirit of connection, healing, and celebration to Deep Roots.
The beloved spring LEAF gathering returns this year in a new format: a full-day, family-friendly festival experience featuring live music, art, healing arts, workshops, food, vendors, and community programming from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Featured artists include New Orleans blues legend Corey Harris, Virginia folk trio Palmyra, and Asheville favorites River Whyless. Also taking the stage is Asheville-based blues powerhouse MAMA, fresh off earning second place at the 2026 International Blues Competition.
Additional performances and experiences throughout the day include Lotus Feet, Ashley Heath, Adama Dembele, Nicholas Edward Williams, Mountain Circus Arts, Street Creature Puppet Collective, and a free community pre-party performance by Petah Iah & The Mind Renewers.
“We're bringing the music, the energy, and the community back together again,” said Kyrie Antoinette, Artistic Operations Director for LEAF Global Arts.
“Come reconnect with your roots and your LEAF family,” added Executive Director Erinn Hartley. “This year’s event feels especially meaningful as our community continues rebuilding and reconnecting through shared experiences, creativity, and culture.”
This year’s LEAF theme, “Deep Roots,” draws inspiration from river cane, a native plant known for its deep interconnected root systems that help stabilize riverbanks and regenerate land following floods. LEAF says the theme was chosen to reflect the resilience of Western North Carolina and the role culture, land, and collective experience play in healing communities.
Deep Roots Festival
Pisgah Brewing Company
Black Mountain, NC
May 30, 2026
1 p.m.–10 p.m.
Live Music • Vendors • Healing Arts • Workshops • Family Fun
Tickets: theLEAF.org/deep-roots
2026 Key Events
Deep Roots
May 30, 2026
LEAF Festival
October 16–18, 2026
LEAF Masquerade Ball
November 7, 2026
LEAF Global Arts has been connecting cultures and creating community through music, arts education, and experiences to cultivate curiosity, preserve cultures, and promote global understanding since 1995.
LEAF Global Arts is celebrating over 30 years. To learn more, stay connected, or support the organization, visit theLEAF.org.
Best of WNC: #1 Music Nonprofit • #1 Music Festival • #1 Festival for Kids + Camping
