Walk down the National Mall today, and you will see about 65 white tents, and within them, you will hear the syncopated rhythm of hammers and electric tools, as our production crew finish the stages and demonstration areas. Festival staff and volunteers are working furiously to get everything prepared for the arrival of the artists and to gear up for Opening Day. You can feel the anticipation crackling in the air!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• Colombian Progressive Structure on the National Mall.
  Photo by Van Luong
• Setting up signs.
  Photo by Van Luong
• Peace Corps program gate
  Photo by Van Luong
• R&B Stage
  Photo by Van Luong
• Peace Corps World Stage
  Photo by Van Luong
• Soulsville
  Photo by Van Luong
• Setting up the seating for one of the performance tents.
  Photo by Van Luong

Van Luong is the festival blogger for the 2011 Folklife Festival.