WHAT: Opening Ceremonies of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
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 Program On the National Mall, in front of the Smithsonian Castle
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Cristian 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.
Media Web site: http://newsdesk.si.edu/
CONTACT: Becky Haberacker, +1-202-633-5183, or Amy Kehs, +1-202-309-5543, both of Smithsonian Institution
