Despite smoke in the atmosphere and a sudden downpour in the afternoon, Day Two of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival brought more vibrant voices and artwork to the National Mall. We also welcomed some VIP guests, including congressional staffers who trekked down from Capitol Hill for an annual picnic and tour, former U.S. Senator and Missouri Secretary of State Roy Blunt, and Senator John Boozman—both early supporters of the Ozarks program.
As Brad Braxton—senior curatorial advisor to Creative Encounters—and Anthony Pinn urged during their morning narrative session, “A Master Class on Behing Human,” we need more spaces to listen to and learn from each other with humility, curiosity, and vulnerability. We hope that the Folklife Festival can be that space for you.
See some favorite photos from the day below and share your own on social media with the hashtag #2023Folklife.
In the evening, we have a double-header, weather permitting: the NextGen Ozarks Showcase with Pura Coco, MARK Harmony, Sylamore Special, Grace Stormont, and Kalyn Fay, followed by a Community Square Dance with music by the Ozark Highballers and calls by Bob Zuellig. So circle left, circle right, and we’ll see you on the dance floor at the Ralph Rinzler Main Stage.
Elisa Hough is the editor at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and Daniel Zhang is a media intern for the Folklife Festival.
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