The Social Power of Music

The “social power of music” animates 2019’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Be it the lilt of a lullaby, the syncopated rhythm of a sacred drum, or the wail of a funeral dirge, music conveys cultural values while expressing an unlimited range of meanings and emotions. This year we celebrate the power of music to entertain, educate, inspire, preserve history, strengthen identity, and build community.

Although the Festival takes place over only one weekend this year, July 29 and July 30, these two days are packed with programs and performances.

Saturday, June 29, Noon to 10 p.m.

Join us on the National Mall outside the Freer Gallery of Art for a local record label market, zine-making activities, a bluegrass jam, and archiving demonstrations at the D.C. Music Preservation Pop-Up. Grab some drinks and food truck delicacies and stay for the evening concert featuring Ruby Ibarra, Quetzal featuring Alice Bag and La Marisoul, and Kokayi.

Sunday, June 30, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sing along at the Smithsonian Folkways tribute to Pete Seeger with The Bright Siders, Sonia De Los Santos, Dan & Claudia Zanes, and Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower. This special family day features instrument-making workshops, drum circles, community sings, and much more. Turntable pioneer Grandmaster Flash closes out the weekend with a history of hip-hop for families.

D.C. The Social Power of Music

In addition to the preservation pop-up on June 29, D.C.: The Social Power of Music is presenting arts workshops, performances, and more leading up to a full program in 2020. celebrating local Washington D.C. music movements and communities, including how D.C.’s punk and go-go scenes developed in a city that is at once a hometown, the nation’s capital, a tourist destination, a sanctuary city, an international crossroads, and a Chocolate City whose once black majority is now a black plurality. Don’t miss any upcoming events.

Performances and programs will highlight D.C.’s local music scene.

Kennedy Center Concerts

In addition to daily performances and activities on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is co-presenting five additional free concerts on the Millennium Stage June 29 through July 3. All concerts will stream live from the Kennedy Center’s website. Check out the full schedule at https://festival.si.edu/visit/2019/related-events/smithsonian#sisterfire 

The Sisterfire showcase at Millennium Stage features Ysaye Barnwell (singer, composer, arranger, and Sweet Honey In The Rock alum), Ariel Horowitz (violinist, composer, activist), Be Steadwell (vocalist, composer, and director), and Yasmin Williams (acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and composer).

There’s still time to volunteer

Want to get involved? We could still use volunteers on the Festival grounds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. See instructions on signing up for shifts online: festival.si.edu/volunteer. For details including a calendar of events, food and beer garden vendors, and complementary programming throughout D.C., visit festival.si.edu. The Festival does not happen without the support of staff, volunteers, and interns from throughout the Institution.

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