Millennium Stage


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Free Performances Every Day, No Tickets Required
Performance Time: 6 p.m. Eastern

Tonight's Performance:


This performance: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, presents the Grammy®-nominated musician, a historian in the Griot tradition and master of the ngoni (a Malian stringed lute), as he shares the oral history, music, and song of his Malian culture, much of which is currently in danger due to political unrest the West African country is facing. The event will feature opening remarks and a post-performance book signing by UNHCR Goodwill Envoy Khaled Hosseini, #1 international bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
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    • Performance Schedule:

    Thursday, June 20, 2013
    Cheick Hamala Diabate

    UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, presents the Grammy®-nominated musician, a historian in the Griot tradition and master of the ngoni (a Malian stringed lute), as he shares the oral history, music, and song of his Malian culture, much of which is currently in danger due to political unrest the West African country is facing. The event will feature opening remarks and a post-performance book signing by UNHCR Goodwill Envoy Khaled Hosseini, #1 international bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.

    Friday, June 21, 2013
    Akua Allrich

    The multilingual jazz vocalist and D.C. native captures a broad range of musical genres with music that blends blues, soul, R&B, jazz, and pan-African music with lyrics akin to Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley, and Nina Simone. Part of The Legacy of Bob Marley.

    Saturday, June 22, 2013
    Emmanuel Jal

    The world-renowned Southern Sudanese hip-hop artist, a former child soldier, is now a humanitarian advocate for peace, social justice, and human rights. Part of The Legacy of Bob Marley.

    Sunday, June 23, 2013
    Arrested Development

    The Grammy-winning hip-hop group has been championing revolutionary music and spreading its unique sound across the globe since the early ’90s. Part of The Legacy of Bob Marley.

    Monday, June 24, 2013
    Diego Garcia

    The Argentine-American singer, who, prior to his successful solo career, was the front man of popular indie act Elefant, offers a set of his original songs.

    Tuesday, June 25, 2013
    Michael Alpert

    A pioneering figure in East European Jewish klezmer music for more than 30 years, the singer and multi-instrumentalist has performed with artists such as Brave Old World, Itzhak Perlman, and salsa legend Larry Harlow. Part of the Homegrown: The Music of America concert series and Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Wednesday, June 26, 2013
    Eszter Biro

    The acclaimed Hungarian singer, film, and stage actress offers a musical performance backed by her own band. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Thursday, June 27, 2013
    Los Masis

    The traditional Bolivian ensemble, which plays and promotes Bolivian folkloric music, offers a performance of traditional Andean music. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Friday, June 28, 2013
    Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

    The Chicago-based group features multiple improvisers who combine contemporary African American musical styles, jazz, and traditional African instrumentation and rhythms. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Saturday, June 29, 2013
    Dimen Dong Folk Chorus

    The group performs a multipart polyphonic singing technique unique to the Dong nationality, who mainly dwells in southwest China, which will be a Smithsonian Folklife Festival focus in 2014.

    Sunday, June 30, 2013
    Gázsa

    The folk ensemble, which plays Hungarian, Romanian, and Roma folk music, performs with dance house musician Gázsa as well as Moldavian flute player Zoltán Juhász and his daughter, singer and gardon player Réka Juhász. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Sunday, June 30, 2013
    Heveder Hungarian Folk Ensemble

    The folk ensemble, which plays Hungarian, Romanian, and Roma folk music, performs with dance house musician Gázsa as well as Moldavian flute player Zoltán Juhász and his daughter, singer and gardon player Réka Juhász. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

    Sunday, June 30, 2013
    Zoltán & Réka Juhász

    The folk ensemble, which plays Hungarian, Romanian, and Roma folk music, performs with dance house musician Gázsa as well as Moldavian flute player Zoltán Juhász and his daughter, singer and gardon player Réka Juhász. Part of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.