The Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival

This years performers will be selected in the coming months prior to LAAFF 2010.

To apply for LAAFF 2010 please email lexfest@gmail.com. The music and stage performance committee keeps an ongoing list of previous performance requests from LAAFF's past and adds any new requests to that list. All types of Asheville bands are welcome to send their one sheet and demo cd to us for review; please email us for the physical address to send these to. When you email us, please include your full name, your band or performance act's name, any weblinks and video links, and a current phone number. Thanks!  ~The LAAFF Staff

Whatever the tag line to describe her music – post folk – Appalachian anti pop – operatic avant-garde folk rock – whimsical – she remains a slave to the melodies that move her, and writes straight from the loneliness and hope that surround everyone. "She finds a rapport with her audiences where an infinite exchange is possible, feeds off her viewers as much as they do her, and it creates a delicate balance of deep appreciation.” – Lydia See – Mountain Xpress

A 6-8 piece band founded some years ago by a few forest creatures in the misty mountains. We generally play a very danceable sort of sacred world music with an occasional space out thrown in, weaving improvisation together with the dancers energy to create a unique and interactive atmosphere. The band is normally comprised of 3 hand drummers, an electric sitar player, a banshee, a warlock, and a flutist.

Ash Devine's roots begin with Old Time music in the mountains of Virginia. Over the years, Ash's music has evolved into a strong original style of music which can be loosely described as an all original folk fusion, with integrated styles of country, jazz and reggae.

Asheville Dance Revolution is currently celebrating it's grand opening in the heart of Historic Biltmore Village. Today Jodi Taylor and her Pre Professional Performance Group are excited to be performing in the LAAFF festival for the third year in a row. LAAFF is a great way to start off a dance season. ADR is currently registering students for the fall/spring season

Baraka Mundi, the Bandit Queens of Bellydance, have been the source for tribal bellydance in Asheville since 1999. These multi-faceted artists are featured performers and teachers at many popular local venues throughout WNC. Onca, founder & Director, tours nationally sharing the art of bellydance. Combining traditional techniques with a theatrical twist, Baraka Mundi performances are lighthearted, dynamic, and rich with community spirit. For LAAFF 2009, the Bandit Queens present a Victorian Slumberparty, or 'Gracious! What Happened to my Corset? Good Girls Gone Wild'. Class and performance information at 828 232 2980

Blackjack has been together for over three years. The boys have done over 75 venues from Festivals, Clubs, Battles, Harley-Davidson Rallys, Weddings and Charity Fund Raisers.The boys are between 12-14. In December 2008 the boys are opened for Legendary Rock Blues Recording Artist Johnny Winter in Atlanta Georgia and Greenville South Carolina. Blackjack is most definitely a crowd pleaser. The boys perform rock/classic rock covers and have several original tunes, which they will be perfroming at LAAFF.

From playing piedmont juke joints to open-mic nights at some of the area’s most stalwart venues, the Blue Rags quickly took over the mid-‘90s Asheville music scene. Their startling brand of roots-music-on-overdrive earned them packed houses across the country, and a two-record-deal with venerable indie label SubPop. It was their wild ride and Asheville went with them.

If the Blue Rags were the roots, they helped grow a lot of branches, including the Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Scrappy Hamilton (now Truth and Salvage Company, touring with the Black Crowes).

Now Scott Sharpe, Jake Hollifield, Abe Reid, Woody Wood and Mike Rhodes will reconnect at the LAAF Festival on the same street that started it all 15 years ago. Stanging in for Bill Reynolds will be Jay Sanders on bass.

Featuring eclectic live performances showcasing inventive songwriting, educated musicianship, and a knack for making people dance, Brushfire Stankgrass fuses old mountain music with new for a remarkably original sound. The group was also voted into 2 separate categories for The Mountain Xpress's "Best of WNC 2008," including recognition in the Best Local Folk/Old-Time/Bluegrass category.

Ceol Leinn (Gaelic for "Music With Us") is a Celtic Performance band, and their music is traditional and what some may call, "World Music". The music is both romantic and stirring, as is the history that is so much a part of our collective Celtic ancestry. The roots of Blue Grass and American Gospel are explored, along with the music coming from the conflicts and trials of the Scottish Highlanders, their cousins in Ireland, and music that they have arranged or written.

Dehlia Low's music focuses on songwriting that draws from the sounds of early roots country music with instrumentation that is influenced by early and modern bluegrass. Since August of 2007, the group has quickly developed a devoted fan base with the help of their self-titled EP, receiving national and international reviews and radio play. Dehlia Low will be traveling across the US in 2009 appearing on the national festival circuit in support of their first full-length release 'Tellico.' The new release showcases the group's exceptional songwriting talents as well as outstanding vocal and instrumental performances.

A selection of various vinyl spinning Djs that frequent Bobo Gallery throughout the year…

A selection of various vinyl spinning Djs that frequent Bobo gallery throughout the year…

The E.Normus Trio is an adventurous Jazz spirit comprised of Jay Sanders on bass, Billy Seawell on drums and Steve Alford on alto & bass clarinet. The essence of creativity is emphasized in collective improvisation that traverses the wide musical spectrum from Paul Whiteman and Duke Ellington through to Bill Frisell and MMW. This is the spirit of music.

"EYMAREL's blend of ambient chords and head-nodding beats paints a picture of Esthero and Gnarls Barkley having brunch on Sunday Morning." Eymarel has recently released their 2nd album entitled, "Mary + Lee." The album was recorded and produced by DJ Le Spam in Miami and features the Spam Allstars on several tracks. "Mary + Lee" marks a sonic step towards their organic-electronic vision.

“With the care and meticulousness of a gourmet chef”... the Asheville, NC - based Galen Kipar Project cooks up an ever-evolving musical experience that fluidly combines folk blues, classical, jazz, and world music in a “melodically adventurous, rich sonic vernacular. The arrangements defy expectations and the lyrics take surprising turns” as they continuously challenge themselves to create a memorable musical experience for their listeners and for each other. Instrumentation - 8 string guitar/ bass, acoustic and classical guitars, vocals, harmonicas and drum kit.

The Hillbillyonaire$ are a rollicking good time, born of a fetish for multi-alternate-identities. The HB$ are made up of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, whose music varies according to what "band" they are performing as; ranging from punk-rockabilly to gospel to acoustic jug-band. Their tongue-in-cheek presentation is a comedic, yet reverent homage to everything they ever imagined Country Music (in the philosophical sense) could, would, or should be.

The Hillbillyonaires are Rev. Horace Lomax, Eddie Frank Dunham, Cajun Garland, and Whit N. Wesson. (Smith McAulay, Brad Pope, Kevin Smith, Wes Whitson)

The Hunab Kru is an Asheville based Bboy dance troupe. In the spirit of conscious, positive, and truthful Hip Hop, the Hunab Kru perform with acrobatic, technical, contorted, and improvisational skill. They promote and relish creative movement. This troupe has performed at many local and regional festivals offering entertainment and workshops. The Hunab Kru also works with outreach programs, non-profits, and charitable organizations in effort to bridge cultural gaps in our own community.

The Hunab Kru is an Asheville based Bboy dance troupe. In the spirit of conscious, positive, and truthful Hip Hop, the Hunab Kru perform with acrobatic, technical, contorted, and improvisational skill. They promote and relish creative movement. This troupe has performed at many local and regional festivals offering entertainment and workshops. The Hunab Kru also works with outreach programs, non-profits, and charitable organizations in effort to bridge cultural gaps in our own community.

JEN AND THE JUICE wow audiences with a singularly hipster mix of swingy, bluesy, refreshingly original funk and folk. Together in Western North Carolina for more than five years now, their second CD “Meet the Hooligan’s of Bohemia” in 2007 hit a home run with fans and earned a juicy spot in WNCW 88.7 FM radio’s top 10 albums of 2007. Now the Juice is heading into wider territory with a newly released CD “Fruit”, an even more dynamic cast of characters and a step up to regional and national touring.

While Jenny writes most of the songs, the bands help make the arrangements smart, smooth and funky. Rolling melodies gently cruise through a lyrically painted canvas and stories dot the landscape of their tunes. After five years, their sound and reputation have grown, there are a few new members and a more polished, vibrant sound.

Coming off their very succesful Summer Season at the Asheville Arts Center, the Feral Chihuahuas sketch Comedy Troupe are ecstatic to be a part of the 2009 LAAFF Festival.Drawing from several different styles, the Feral Chihuahuas love to create sketch comedy with social and political commentary, absurdism, satire and even existentialism. Their biggest influences are: Monty Python, Mr. Show, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Kids in the Hall and numerous other non traditional sources. Their collection of sketches is large as is their wig collection. (Pause) That's what she said.

LEAF in Schools & Streets (LSS) is an arts education outreach program of the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF). LSS matches performing artists & more into schools, educational centers and housing communities for hands-on workshops, residencies and interactive performances. Artists are from the local, regional & international community. The program is designed to reach children and adults of different socio-economic backgrounds in the Asheville area and Western NC. Since 2004 LSS has had over 18,000 youth and more participate in its programs! Youth at Jazz has been a long-time collaborator and participant in LSS.

Lulo is a rhythmic minimalist duo exploring pure sound through unconventional approaches to conventional instruments. It is the side project of Shane Perlowin and Ryan Oslance, guitarist and drummer for the band Ahleuchatistas

Mad Tea Party brews up rock 'n' roll, garage-pop and honky tonk to create a fresh and intoxicating sound. "It's B-52s meets Buddy Holly with a lot more thump." Musical conspirators Ami Worthen and Jason Krekel serve up an exciting live show to music lovers thirsty for upbeat, original refreshment. Delicious harmonies glide over electrified ukulele, juke-joint guitar, scratchy fiddle and pulsing foot percussion. Catchy songs about love, life, sex and dancing are steeped in raw rockabilly with shreds of doo wop and devilish blues. Drink deep - Mad Tea Party concocts a musical recipe that will make you boogie.

Asheville Hoops is the source for hoopdancing classes, workshops, fire/LED performances, kids events and media by Master HoopGoddess MelMacPink. She is available for public performances, specialized courses, community outreach, and most importantly, fun.

Conferring with their childhood influences of grunge rock, the reemergence of electro-pop, and the nostalgia of the jazz swagger, Modo crosses genres and intertwines inspiration. Modo, a fresh new incite of the “twenty somethings”, is a culture led by Craig Larimer’s sultry vocals and Jake Rosenbloum’s eclectic guitar work. A capacity for in depth and classical songwriting is evident in the music as well as the ability to produce an enchanting and simple melody to catch the ears at the slowest of apertures.

Now You See Them is a super-fun acoustic indie/folk trio dedicated to delivering a great time. Appealing to virtually all audiences through beautiful harmonies, slow burning lyrics, and non traditional instruments, NYST combines thoughtfully ironic originals alongside carefully selected covers making their shows and albums a not-to-be-missed breath of fresh air.

Soulgrass Rebellion is about a family of friends making music, making people dance, feeling good. The band is fronted by soulful singer/songwriter/guitarist Oso Rey, who moved to Asheville in 2006 from southern California where he shared the stage with giants like Sublime, Leftover Salmon, and No Doubt. The all-star group includes heavy-hitters who have played with several of the Southeast's top bands—Silas Durocher on electric guitar, Brian Jones on drum set, and Justin Powell on upright bass.

"Known for his gravelly growl, he somehow manages to simultaneously encapsulate the likes of Bruce Springsteen, George Thorogood and Elvis, and every so often a softer Willie Nelson-ish side will emerge — a curious and remarkable style to be sure." -Brent Fluery Bold Life Magazine.

Pilgrim is the project of songwriter/poet Jaye Bartell. His songs are delicately crafted in-depth narratives and poetic portraits, delivered unflinchingly. He has been called "a young Leonard Cohen". His band weaves a haunting minimalist tapestry of color and texture around his words. Pilgrim is Jaye Bartell on vocals and guitar, Shane Perlowin on guitar and a rotating cast of other players including Michael Libramento on organ, Meghan Mulhearn on violin, Dave Lynch on bass, Patrick Kukuca on drums, Ryan Oslance on drums.

The Poetix Vanguard a squad of spoken-word poets specializing in verbal acrobatics pushing cultural evolution. Serving up dynamic group pieces as well as solo verses, the PxV features some of the finest wordsmiths in the southeast: Weaver, Coert, Q.U.N., Grace, and the Cook at the core, with many more stepping in and out of guest spots... listen up!

Roberto Hess, spoken word percussionist, has been writing poetry since the age of ten. Growing up in a military family, he has traveled the world and has come in contact with many different cultures and perspectives. Roberto Hess blends soul, poetry, and percussion while performing modern lyrics that merge political and social observations with personal revelations to form his very own original style of "organic hip hop”.

The Runaway Circus and the Loose Caboose performance troupe has astounded the Asheville area with their breathtaking performances in the Cold Cut Circus, the Extremely Soon Circus, Sun-Up Giddyup, and Glug Glug Glug Boat. With extraordinay feats of acrobatics, juggling, diablo, clowning and musical talent, they are sure to leave any audience member with their jaw dropped and their stomach aching from laughter. Watch out for fun! Woohoo!

Since their first performance at Bobo Gallery in the Fall of 2007, the Secret B-Sides have become a mainstay of Asheville's burgeoning
'Future Soul' scene. Mixing elements of Old-school Soul music with modern R & B and Hip-Hop, this band deftly spans generation gaps to
bring people together for pure listening pleasure and dancing fun. No wonder the Secret B-Sides are all about 3) Flying saucers, 2)
Dinosaurs, & 1) LOVE!

The Swayback Sisters are Laura Blackley, Nikki Talley & Lyndsay Wojcik. Hailing individually from Asheville, North Carolina, these "sisters" decided to join forces & create a diverse musical experience for themselves as well as their audiences. While each Sister is proficient in her songwriting & crafty guitar work, the real treat is the blending of their voices in three-part harmony. Performing mostly their own originals, this trio also has select older standards and re-vamped covers in their repertoire. (Accapella versions of old Appalachian folks songs side by side with popular hits done the Swayback way!) As well as guitar, they accompany their beautiful voices with other instruments including banjo and fiddle. The Swayback Sisters have brought a truly unique, diverse, entertaining show to each venue played & continually are asked “When is the NEXT Swayback Sister Show?”

By its nature, a recording is a snapshot. A document that captures for posterity a fleeting moment that otherwise would be allowed to pass us by without notice. These days the popular fashion is to use this ephemeral nature as an excuse for disposability. Songs with gloss and sparkle on the surface and no heart beneath permeate today’s radio dial. By rejecting the fickle demands of synthetic fashion and focusing on what lies below the surface, Taylor Martin brings you music with a beating heart. Sparse, gritty, real and powerful, Engine is filled with music born of genuine experience painted true and honest with raw and uncommon sincerity. This is music as it should be. Simple music that expresses the difficult and complicated nature of human interaction with a candid and unflinching sense of reality that makes this record a valuable and shining example of what is right in American music today.

The Chx (formerly Chix with Stix) is an all woman's drum and dance troupe with thunderous presence. By combining traditional African rhythm and dance with original choreography and modern flare, The Chx will be sure to entertain, to inspire, and to make you move!

A random guy once labeled tHE POLES as “tectonic-rock”. One thing is for certain; tHE POLES play subtly intricate rock that is moody, visceral, and heady in a slow-burn kind of way. As the name implies tHE POLES exude a multi-faceted aesthetic. They are simultaneously complex and minimalist, intricate and straightforward. tHE POLES new release, Twelve Winds is their full length debut album on doubleplusgood records. tHE POLES are made up of front man Todd Lemiesz (Vox, Guitars), Bruce Rogers (Guitars), Matt Gentling (Bass) and George Waterman (Drums)

U-N-I verse. Roots. Reggae. Vibe.
Hailing from Asheville, NC with Multi Dimensional Sounds. Featuring original Members of Natural Healing and Zion Project. Bringing Rastatfari awareness and the inity of one people one world.

Kelly Barrow, frontwoman of local faves the Luvsix, Vendetta Creme, and the Dorchesters, has a rockin' new one-girl-band!  Just five foot two and eyes of blue, Kelly mans the band, with kick, snare, high-hat, guitar, and vocals. Playing rock-n-roll's greatest hits of yesterday and tomorrow, from Buddy Holly classics to spunky originals.

Fresh off the release of their self titled debut album, Velvet Truckstop's music represents a culmination of the band's hard earned experiences and travels. What you get are tight vocal harmonies, searing guitars, heavy keyboard driven groove and a tight rhythm section that holds it all together. Velvet Truckstop recently participated in the 2008 Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, and they are currently touring the southeast in clubs and at festivals.

"If Velvet Truckstop ain't careful, they just might make rock and roll relevant again," Laura Blackley, WNCW

Parade will start near the Bobo Stage at 4:15pm Zabumba! is a Brazilian drum and dance group that has its origin in the streets of New Orleans’ samba scene during Mardi Gras. Now located in Asheville, the group has grown into a performing group for parties, festivals and parades and features some of Asheville’s finest drummers and dancers.