Wishing everyone a Happy July 4! Under sunny skies and a light breeze, there is great energy out here on the National Mall.

Come join us for the second week of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. On July 5, 2 to 4 p.m. EDT, NPR Talk of the Nation will be broadcasting live from the Festival's "Giving Voice" tent--interviewing participants from the Creativity and Crisis and Campus and Community programs as well as Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

Lots more great activities and performances to come. Get a jump on your holiday shopping, drop by the Marketplace tent on the front lawn of the USDA (Jefferson Drive).