Festival Welcomes a Major League Sponsor
The National Folk Festival is excited to welcome the Baltimore Orioles as a 2019 stage sponsor for the 79th National Folk Festival, which returns to downtown Salisbury, September 6 – 8.
“The City of Salisbury is overwhelmed with excitement to welcome the Baltimore Orioles as a major sponsor of the National Folk Festival,” said Jake Day, the mayor of Salisbury. “We invite our community to join us in celebrating during an event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards this June.”
The 79th National Folk Festival in 2019 marks the second year of the event’s three-year residency in Salisbury. Over 350 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 35 different musical groups performing on seven outdoor stages throughout downtown Salisbury.
“This winning partnership brings America’s national pastime, layered in its own right with tradition, ritual and community celebration, together with the National Folk Festival for shared experiences that will inspire and connect our fans. Thank you to the Angelos family for their support of the longest-running celebration of traditional arts and culture in the United States,” said Lora Bottinelli, executive director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA).
As part of the Orioles’ sponsorship, the organization will host a combination of events in support of the National Folk Festival at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2019.
10:30 a.m. – Announcement of the Maryland Folklife Program at the 79th National Folk Festival
Members of the press and the general public are invited to the official announcement of the Maryland Folklife Area & Stage program. Festival organizers will share details about the performers, craftspeople and demonstrators who will be featured in this special area of the National Folk Festival in 2019, which is produced in partnership with the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). The press conference will take place at Orioles Legends Park at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Camden and Eutaw Streets). Several masters of Maryland folklife who will be among those featured in the festival’s 2019 folklife program will be on hand to perform and demonstrate their traditional art forms, and be available for interview. Leadership from the National Folk Festival and the MSAC will also be available for interview.
1:00 p.m. – An All-Star Event at Oriole Park: A Fundraiser to Benefit the National Folk Festival
Starting with a behind the scenes tour of Oriole Park, sponsors will enjoy VIP Access to a pregame musical performance, refreshments in a private suite, and an exciting vantage point to watch the ball game. Sponsor tickets are available at nationalfolkfestival.com/oriolepark.
2:00 p.m. – National Folk Festival Pregame Performance
Orioles fans will enjoy a live performance from the Budweiser Roof Deck in center field in support of the National Folk Festival approximately one hour prior to game time. This special performance features the music of Baltimore’s own Billy McComiskey, a National Heritage Fellow and master of the Irish button accordion. Billy will be joined by friends from Charm City’s distinguished Irish traditional music community.
2:50 p.m. – Mayor Jake Day to Throw Out First Pitch
Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury will throw out the ceremonial first pitch when the Baltimore Orioles face the San Diego Padres at 3:05 p.m.
3:05 p.m.— San Diego Padres vs. Baltimore Orioles
Orioles and National Folk Festival fans are invited to come out to the park and cheer on the home team from National Folk Festival Fan Section 388 at this exciting summer game. General admission tickets can be purchased at orioles.com.
