Story Filed: Monday, June 24, 2002 3:51 PM EST

Jun 24, 2002 (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX) -- News Advisory:

WHAT: Opening Ceremony of the 36th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival

WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

WHERE: On the National Mall, near the Smithsonian Metro station Samarkand Square Tent

WHO: -- Lawrence M. Small, secretary, Smithsonian Institution -- His Highness the Aga Khan -- Yo-Yo Ma, artistic director, the Silk Road Project -- Diana Parker, director, Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The 2002 Smithsonian Folklife Festival kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, on the National Mall, as performers and speakers highlight the cultural diversity and cross-cultural influences among the lands of the ancient and fabled Silk Road. Performances (beginning at 10:30 a.m.) will include a Mongolian Long Song, a throat-singing demonstration and sing-a-long, and a performance by the Silk Road Ensemble with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Remarks begin at 11 a.m.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is free and attracts about 1 million visitors each year. The 2002 Festival runs from June 26 to June 30 and July 3 to July 7, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with special concerts and events continuing until 8 p.m. It features a vast array of music, food, arts and crafts, all in a colorful setting that evokes the look and feel of the Silk Road through elaborate pavilions.

Note to Editors: Reporters must sign-in at the Festival Press Tent, located on the Mall near the Smithsonian Metro stop, then be escorted to the Samarkand Square Tent. (Look for the banner that says Festival Services. The Press Tent is between the Volunteer Tent and the First Aid Tent.)

All media wishing to cover the Opening Ceremony must call Smithsonian Public Affairs, 202-357-2627, ext. 108, 111, 114 or 130. Risers for video crews will be placed approximately 65 feet from the main stage. Mult boxes will be available. Video crews must be in place on the risers by 9:30 a.m. Final access to the opening ceremony for media is 10 a.m. The Opening Ceremony is not open to the public.

http://www.usnewswire.com /U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 06/24 14:27

Copyright 2002, U.S. Newswire

CONTACT:          Vicki Moeser,  202-357-2627, ext. 111; or
                  Roni Pomerantz, 202-357-2627, ext. 114, both of the
                  Smithsonian Institution Office of Public Affair