Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage celebrates global cultural diversity right in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival puts together a magnificent display of music and dance performances combined with craft and cooking demonstrations. The festival also brings forth discussions on cultural issues and generates awareness through storytelling. The 2011 Folklife Festival will be held June 30 through July 11 on the National Mall, near several Smithsonian museums.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Photo Credit: Jeff Tinsley, Smithsonian Institution)
Started in 1967, the Festival has established itself as a national and international model for research-based display of contemporary living and cultural traditions. Over the years, more than 23,000 storytellers, cooks, workers, craftspeople, performers, artists and musicians have demonstrated their skills, knowledge and traditions.
The 2011 festival focuses on Columbia, the Peace Corps and Rhythm & Blues. Check out the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival schedule.
The Columbian environmental diversity will be highlighted through the cultural ethos and art it inspires. Columbia leads the world in the number of bird species, has the second highest number of varieties of amphibians and plants, and is third in the diversity of its reptiles. Gold-mining activities, basket weaving, leather crafts, community performances and Columbian coffee - all things integral to this unique culture can be experienced at this year's festival.
It has been 50 years since President John F. Kennedy signed the executive order that authorized the creation of the Peace Corps to promote "world peace and friendship." This year's Smithsonian Folklife festival will present the work of volunteers in economic development, performances by musical, dance, and theatrical groups that Peace Corps volunteers have helped, and food and cooking experiences that have been critical to Peace Corps.
A uniquely 'American' genre of music, rhythm and blues has social and economic roots. The festival will focus on the social and cultural angles of the genre and will hold discussions with songwriters, musicians and singers. The series, Tell It Like It Is, will feature two large covered stages and a smaller stage highlighting unique styles associated with this cultural phenomenon.
And be sure to check out the special events related to these three programs.
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