In this, our inaugural Festival Audio post, we are replaying highlights from the Opening Festival Ceremony recorded on June 30, 2011. Speakers include Daniel Sheehy, the Director of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian; Lonnie Bunch, Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture; Mable John, American blues vocalist and Pastor of Joy in Jesus Ministry; Stephen Kidd, the Director of the Festival; and Richard Kurin, Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture at the Smithsonian. This audio post also features a performance by the Stax Academy from Memphis, Tennessee.

Running time is 28 minutes. Enjoy!