National Folk Festival Kickoff Event

Overview

A one-day kickoff event will provide a taste of what’s to come at the nation’s premier celebration of the artistic traditions of all Americans. It will feature an eclectic and dynamic program, ranging from Cajun to South Asian Kuchipudi dance, and from blues to salsa dura.

Artists featured at MMA include:

• Annie & the Caldwell Singers (West Point, Mississippi) – gospel
• Chief Shaka Zulu (New Orleans, Louisiana) – New Orleans Black masking craftsman & stilt dancer

Artists featured at the National Folk Festival kickoff are:

• BeauSoleil Trio (Lafayette, Louisiana) – Cajun
• Eddie Cotton, Jr. (Clinton, Mississippi) – soul blues
• Edwin Perez y Su Orquesta (New York, New York) – salsa dura
• Yamini Kalluri & the Kritya Music Ensemble (Lansing, Michigan) – Kuchipudi dance