Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Smithsonian Folklife Festival - DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

If you’re looking for something to do over the long weekend, be sure to check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The festival is designed to give visitors and DC residents the opportunity to explore three unique cultures. Visit the Mall for a chance to interact with these three cultural showcases all rolled into one:

“Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture” relies on African American oral tradition. Explore venues from a large tent with a loud, boisterous performer in the middle of the Mall to a smaller, more intimate circle of stools arranged for audiences to participate with the storyteller. Activities include theater, poetry, storytelling, radio and humor through performances, discussions, radio broadcasts, childrens programming and community celebrations.

“Las Americas: Un Mundo Musical” celebrates the musical traditions and styles prominent in the Americas. This includes the Puerto Rican bomba, plena and jibaro music; Mexican son music; mariachi music; Columbia vallenato, joropo and curralao; Dominican merengue tipico, bachata, and salve; Venezuelan musica llanera; Paraguayan polca; and Salvadoran chanchona music. There is definitely something for everyone! This aspect of the festival continues with performances at the Kennedy Center (http://www.kennedy-center.org/)and the Smithsonian Folkways Tradiciones/Traditions recording series.

“Wales Smithsonian Cymru” explores the lifestyles of this rich and industrious nation halfway around the world. Explore various activities including language, literature, crafts & occupational skills, music and cooking of this extraordinary civilization. From pioneering the industrial revolution to being the world’s leader in sustainable solutions, the Welch people have made an exceptionary impact on our world today.

The festival starts up again tomorrow (July 1) and continues until July 5. Don’t miss this spectacular cultural opportunity!

For more information, visit http://www.festival.si.edu/

Source: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

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