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Perspectives
With the summer term fast approaching, new interns at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage may wonder how their experience here will help prepare them for future work experiences.
“If humanity survives another century, it will be because of music.” What Pete Seeger captured in a single line is the profound consolation that only music brings.
John Taylor’s “Stormy Monday” needs no accompaniment. The seasoned gospel singer’s bellowing voice can command a room with ease. It’s only after Taylor finishes singing that he’s introduced to audiences as an inmate
One name you’re sure to come across in a survey of classical Azerbaijani music in our time is that of Alim Qasimov. The beloved musician, who often performs alongside his daughter, Fargana
The largest adobe building in the world is located Djenné, Mali. Built in 1907 and towering above the town’s central square, the Great Mosque of Djenné is a prime example of Western Sudanic architecture.
On a low table in the backyard of a home in Voskevaz, Armenia, lay a plate of dried fruit confections. We were invited to help ourselves.
It might work like this: one man is attracted to another but isn’t sure if the feeling is mutual. To test the waters, he’ll ask, “Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
GALACTIC now hosts GALACTIC@SI, a living classroom at the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Folklife Magazine explores how culture shapes our lives. We publish stories about music, food, craft, language, celebrations, activism, and the individuals and communities who sustain these traditions.