Smithsonian Folklife Festival Opens June 25
WHEN: Wednesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.-noon(performances begin at 10:30 a.m.; remarks begin at 11 a.m.)
WHERE: Dancehall Stage, Texas ProgramOn the National Mall, in front of the Smithsonian Castle
| SPEAKERS INCLUDE: | Cristián Samper, Acting Secretary, Smithsonian Institution His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs of Bhutan His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Prince of Bhutan Michael Coats, former astronaut and Director of Johnson Space Center Hon. Shana Dale, Deputy Administrator, NASA Gary Gibbs, Executive Director, Texas Commission on the Arts Hon. Rick Perry, Governor, Texas Lindi Harvey, Deputy Director for Support Services, National Park Service Richard Kurin, Acting Secretary for History, Art and Culture, Smithsonian Institution |
| MUSIC: | Performances by Smithsonian Folklife Festival participants |
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held outdoors on the National Mall from June 25 to June 29 and July 2 to July 6, will feature three programs: “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon,” “NASA: 50 Years and Beyond” and “Texas: A Celebration of Music, Food and Wine.”
The Festival opens to the public at noon on Wednesday, June 25, following the opening ceremonies. Members of the media are welcome to accompany speakers as they tour the Festival programs.
Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with concerts, dance parties and special events extending into most evenings.
REPORTERS: Please check in at the Festival press tent, located near the Smithsonian Metrorail stop.
SI-294-2008
Amy Kehs
202-309-5543
