Sports Commission to partner with 2015 Asheville YogaFest

Yoga is a big part of the culture here in Asheville. To honor this, Asheville YogaFest, was
born in 2014 and exceeded all expectations. Now in its second year Asheville YogaFest is
returning with expanded offerings this July 10, 11 and 12 at the Morris Hellenic Cultural
Center in the Montford neighborhood.

Asheville has long been viewed as a yoga centric community with studios opening here
over 35 years ago, far before its popularity of today. Asheville’s studios and instructors
train over 750 yoga teachers each year. Asheville currently features more than a dozen
yoga studios that are thriving.

Asheville YogaFest 2015, will feature three full days of asana workshops with fourteen
local teachers and both national and local kirtan bands will delight festival attendees. The
2015 Festival will also feature Out of the Blue food truck, a Vendor Village, Yoga
Photography, Thai Massage and a Yogi Dance Party. Local charities Homeward Bound and
Trips for Kids will be conducting collections to support their causes.

Teachers for the event are an all-star cast. Each will present a two hour workshop for their
fans and followers; including Joe Taft, Michael and Stephanie Johnson, Cindy Dollar, Dr.
Saraswati Markus, Cat Matlock, Lewis Rothlein, Lindsay Fields, Leaflin Winecoff, Denise
Daneck. Mado Hesselink Biddle, Allison Lindquist, Rich Fabio and Sean Johnson.

Festival attendees will also have the opportunity enjoy music throughout the weekend.
Friday will feature Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band from New Orleans with a kirtan.
Saturday night brings the Yogi Dance Party, with DJ Will Hamilton and Acrobatic Theater
from Bodhi Rajata. On Sunday, Osel, with Michael and Stephanie Johnson will be the finale
for Asheville YogaFest 2015, with an All Star kirtan featuring music from their four CD’s.
Concert quality sound for all events is provided by Mountain Sound Services.

Festival Director, Mike Heirs shares his excitement on the festivals return "For many years
Asheville yoga lovers tried to hold a festival worthy of our yoga culture. With good timing,
hard work and the invaluable help of our beloved teachers, we made that happen last year.
Now, we must earn longevity, as we grow Asheville YogaFest into a regional celebration.
Tickets have sold this year to yogis from New York to Florida and even one yoga teacher
from Sweden. Folks that miss the YogaFest are going to need a lot of Meditation to
overcome that loss!"

Tickets for this three-day event are available in advance for $165 with a price increase at
the door. The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Publix Supermarkets,
Synergy Health Solutions, Zen Tubing and other local and regional sponsors are supporting
Yogafest 2015.

For tickets, schedule and information please visit: www.ashevilleyogafest.net