Folklife Festival Opens Wednesday

This year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival opens on Wednesday and, as usual, focuses on three regions or traditions. This year we have

• Giving Voice - the Power of Words in African American Culture

• Las Americas - Music in Latino Culture

• Wales

I enjoy travel and learning about other countries, so my favorite part of the festival has always been learning about the traditions, listening to the music, and talking to people from Bhutan, Mali, Oman, or some other places I may never get to visit. Oddly, Latino music now pops up almost every year at Folklife (actually it's been featured in 4 of the past 6 festivals; 5 if you count some of the music from Texas last year.) I love Latino music, but I'd also like to hear a bit more music from Asia, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East. Still, no matter what the subject matter, Folklife always offers an interesting afternoon, at the very least.

Tip: if you work downtown and can take a long lunch, or if you can take a day off, try to get to the festival on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. It's an entirely different experience from what you'll find on a hot, packed Saturday or Sunday. The weekdays have a fraction of the crowds, allowing you time to talk casually with some of the musicians, artists, and presenters. I've learned more in two hours on a Wednesday than an entire Saturday afternoon.

This year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs from Wednesday, June 24 to Sunday, July 5 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It's open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with some evening events. http://www.festival.si.edu/#