autumn leaf

i have found it difficult to get this post out there. one day the pictures got edited. one day they made it to the blog. then to find the time to write. i still don't really have it, so here is the edited version.

yes, the tents are that close together and their are hundreds!

i have attended this festival off and on since i was in middle school. it has changed a bit, and so have i, but it is still an experience that is close to my heart. festival life is so far from our everyday routine and it is such a joy to share this with my children.

this season we camped the whole weekend. considering that i went into it with a bit of a cold, i overdid it considerably but it was worth it completely.

we camped together with three other families. dear friends that we share connections with through our children. we awoke each morning to a warming campfire, thanks to daddy! the children were adorable all cozied up in their pajamas and blankets circled around the fire.

we are one of the green tents to the right of the teepee on the hill.

letting go of our schedule, the computer, meetings, school, and everything that comes with all of that was so necessary for us right now. i do wish we could have savored that freedom for a bit longer!

a huge highlight for the children is getting to stay up later one night for the fire show. unifire puts on an amazing show that captivates the children and adults alike.
one of the amazing things about this festival is their community outreach efforts. leaf in schools and streets puts musicians from all over the world in local schools working with children of all socio-economic backgrounds. it is inspirational for us to see these children on stage.this is dende of dende & hahahaes. we missed his performance with his band but we did get to see him lead a group of children drumming on five gallon buckets following his native brazilan rhythms. he is so warm and encouraging with the children. both of my kids loved him. afterward, jasper connected with him for a little one-on-one drumming.
there were several bands from haiti there this time. it was so touching to experience the love and incredible energy of these people and to hear their story firsthand.

this is the lead singer of boukman eksperyans. their music was unlike anything i have heard before. they had a very vibrant and energetic stage performance, which truthfully did not remain entirely g-rated. given that we were right up front, i did feel a bit uneasy at one point. however, the music was greatly enjoyed and sienna named them as her favorite musical act.
we also saw the wood brothers (chris wood of medeski, martin, and wood). about as far on the other end of the spectrum as you can get from boukman! incredible vocals and a very enjoyable show. a low key and lovely way to spend a sunday morning.
these fairies on stilts wander through the festival. the children are completely captivated by them. i enjoy watching the children even more than watching the fairies. their little faces awash with awe and wonder.
i even got in a little girl time! one of our gals isn't pictured here. so nice to boogie with the ladies. that has not happened in a very, very long time!

it is almost mandatory when at a festival dubbed *leaf*, in the autumn no less, that one adorn themselves with leaves. relaxing together during the pack up.

we also saw the original wailers, , a great puppet show medley with several area puppet companies presenting, an incredible salsa band, and one of the most unique and entertaining bands of the weekend, slavic soul party. their *balkan soul gypsy funk* was incredibly lively and infectious. with six horns, an accordion, and two dancing drummers, they put on a show that i won't forget soon! many thanks to matt for remaining at the campsite on child duty so that the rest of us could take in this late night show. so fun!!

you can see some pics of spring leaf here. off for more adventures now! see you soon!