SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL 2006

Folk Festivals began springing up in the United States during the 1930’s. As the Depression took hold in this country, an interest in folk arts started gaining momentum. Folklore represented a nostalgic look at past arts and practices and also rekindled patriotic notions of happier times. Early festivals would offer fiddle contests, dances and ballad singing that reflected the styles of the region in which the festival was held.

Some of these events combined elements of country fairs, incorporating crafts into the program. The New England Folk Festival, founded in 1944 was an example of festivals of this type. This festival continues annually, a festival now marked by the participatory aspects of music presentation.

By the time the folk revival boomed in the late 50’s, the music became the central focus of most major folk festivals. The Newport Folk Festival attempted to add presentations of folklife, but the music remained the draw.

The Smithsonian Institute has a long tradition of studying American cultural traditions. Much of the Smithsonians efforts were centered on the American Indian studies – starting with the Bureau of American Ethnology which was founded in 1880. In 1967 the Smithsonian recognized that a program that featured musicians, dancers and craftspeople would show the living tradition of our folk heritage. Ralph Rinzler, who had served as the director of field research programs at the Newport Folk Festival, was hired to direct the first Festival of American Folklife (it would become the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 1998).

The first festival was held July 1-4, 1967 and it offered two tents – one for crafts and another for sales, plus a stage on the terrace of the National Museum of History and celebrated the folklife of various native American tribes. The event was a success and it became an annual event.

Taking place on the National Mall in Washington DC, this year’s festival is showcasing Alberta, Canada; Latino Chicago; native basketry under the title “Carriers of Culture”; and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina – a special tribute to New Orleans. The festival began June 30 and runs through July 1 – 4 and then continues July 7 -11.

I spent most of the afternoon checking out the festival, braving the legendary Washington DC summer weather. (It wasn’t that bad!). At the Alberta “Jubilee” stage I witnessed an inspired performance from the group Zabava – Ukrainian Music and Dance. Alberta has a large Ukrainian community and the music and dance is popular in the region. I applaud all the dancers who stood up to the heat and appeared to be enjoying themselves. Also of note was a Aboriginal trio – Asani. The group formed in April 1997 and they perform original compositions in their native language. They are largely accapella, but they do use occasional drums and rattles to enhance their music.

In the celebration of Chicago Latino culture, it was wonderful to see Suni Paz in the lineup. Suni recorded for Folkways many years ago and local listeners might remember her when she performed at various festivals in our area. The Old Town School of Folk Music had a tent where they were featuring ongoing demonstrations of musical styles and instrumentation and rapping and record spinning! Very impressive!

The festival fruns from 11am to 5pm, and then there is an evening concert . Next Friday, July 7, a concert titled “Been in the Storm So Long” will feature the Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Gold Eagles Mardi Gras Indian Tribe.

Coming up on Sunday July 9 – An Evening with Ian Tyson with special guests, The McDades.

This is a very impressive event. You can spend hours viewing the various craft exhibits and skills demonstrations in addition to the great music. Oh yes, let’s not forget the food. I highly recommend the Andean Beef Stew from the Latino Chicago area!

Find out more by going to the Smithsonian’s website – http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2006/index.html.

Washingtonians know all about this gem of an event. It is well worth a trip to our nations capitol!!