LEAF is built around the idea that a stronger music community comes from sharing what we have: knowledge, resources, connections, opportunities, and support.
In its first year, that has taken many forms. Music industry professionals have shared their expertise with our Fellows. Community organizations have opened their doors and offered space and resources. Presenters have created new performance opportunities. Artists and mentors have shared what they’ve learned from their own careers. And donors to One Longfellow Square have helped make the entire program possible.
As LEAF continues to grow, there are lots of ways to be part of what comes next.
Support LEAF by Supporting OLS
LEAF is just one program of One Longfellow Square, and its future is tied to the strength and sustainability of our organization as a whole.
A gift to OLS’s Share The Music Fund supports the work that makes programs like LEAF possible, from artist development and accessible performance opportunities to the staff, space, and resources needed to bring it all together.
When you support OLS, you support LEAF and our continued investment in Maine musicians.
Your support helps provide:
- Direct financial support for participating artists
- Paid performance opportunities at OLS and throughout the community
- Workshops, mentorship, and professional guidance from working artists and industry experts
- Professional photo, video, and promotional resources Fellows can carry into the next stages of their careers
- Rehearsal space and access to OLS resources
- An immersive artist retreat focused on creativity, collaboration, and connection
- The staff and infrastructure needed to coordinate a full year of programming, partnerships, and opportunities
“Reflecting back on the opportunities that OLS has given us, I can’t help but get a little emotional. It’s hard to imagine how we could have scraped together the funding or the resources to make this EP [Sugarbowl] without the financial support and resources of the LEAF program. We’re super honored to be in your first cohort, and grateful beyond words for the chance you’ve given us. THANK YOU!”
– Caroline Homer of Lolabelle
Other Ways to Support LEAF
LEAF is strengthened by the people and organizations who choose to get involved. Community partners have supported our Fellows by sharing their expertise, offering mentorship and professional services, providing creative space and resources, making connections, and creating opportunities for artists to perform and reach new audiences.
These relationships are an important part of what makes LEAF work. They connect Fellows with the broader music community, offer perspectives and experiences beyond what we can provide within OLS, and help build relationships that can continue long after the fellowship year ends. As the program continues to grow, we’re excited to keep expanding that network.
If you or your organization have something to contribute, or an idea we haven’t thought of yet, we’d love to hear from you.
Our 2026 Community Partners
From performance opportunities and creative space to resources, mentorship, and new audiences, our community partners have helped extend LEAF beyond the walls of One Longfellow Square.
Our LEAF Community
In addition to our organizational partners, we’re incredibly grateful to the artists, presenters, venue professionals, educators, coaches, and other music industry professionals who have shared, or are slated to share, their time and expertise with our inaugural LEAF cohort:
Aimsel Ponti • Ben Cosgrove • Chris Brown • Chris Robley • Cilla Bonnie • Connor Garvey • Dave Gutter • Donna Stein • Genius Black • Griffin Sherry Williams • Joe K. Walsh • Josh Gass • Katie Matzell • Kyleigh Moore • Lauren Wayne • Louise Bichan • Matt Stein • Meg Shorette • Oliver Laroche • Paul Wright • Peter McLaughlin • Sam Monaco • Sean Oshima • Sonia Sturino • Toby McAllister • Wendell Gee • Zak Kendall
