Talented curatorial teams are quickly moving forward with plans for the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Steve Kidd, who directs the Festival, comments on the three stories that will unfold on our nation's front lawn:  "This year's Festival highlights Rhythm and Blues, featuring performances by contemporary musicians representing the regional hearths of this very American form of creative expression. We are also very excited about the Colombia program that captures the vitality, warmth and ingenuity of the peoples of Colombia, who have forged their community-based traditions through their relationship with the environment. Festival visitors are invited to view demonstrations in basket weaving and guadua (bamboo) construction, and we especially welcome Colombian Americans to join us for these dynamic programs. Finally, the Peace Corps program tells an enduring story of cultural exchange by focusing on cultural traditions that helped Peace Corps Volunteers better understand the communities in which they served."

We warmly welcome your visit and participation in the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival this summer, and until then, we look forward to sharing stories each week about some of the talented tradition bearers you will have an opportunity to meet at the National Mall.

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