Appalachian culture was highlighted at the Smithsonian Institution's 2003 Folklife Festival, June 25-29 and July 2-6 at Washington D.C.'s National Mall. The event culminates the Year of Appalachia, designated by the U.S. Congress to run through July.

"Appalachia: Heritage and Harmony" celebrated the 75th anniversary of the 1927 recording sessions in Bristol, Va. that are credited with starting the modern country music industry. Dozens of Appalachia's finest artists-musicians, dancers, crafters, artists, storytellers and cooks-appeared or had their works shown. Some of the performers, like bluegrass musician Ralph Stanley, are famous; others, especially some of the young people, are just starting out. By showcasing young performers, the festival's organizers hoped to show that Appalachian culture is a living reality.

The festival also highlighted the cultures of Scotland and Mali. According to Smithsonian curator Jeff Place, there are connections between the cultures. Some of Appalachia's ballad tradition comes from Scotland, and the banjo descends from a west African instrument, he said.

Place said fund-raising problems in Appalachia prevented him from showcasing more of the region's crafts. He was able to raise only about $100,000 from the states and private businesses in Appalachia, compared with more than $2.5 million raised from Scotland and Mali.

Admission was free. The 2002 Folklife Festival drew an estimated crowd of 1.3 million.

2003 Smithsonian Festival Featured Appalachia