The recipients of the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowships have been announced
By Steven Brodsky
… Congratulations to the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellows!
From a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) news release that was issued today, April 21, 2026:
Washington, DC—The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowships, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. This lifetime honor recognizes artists whose work reflects excellence, deep knowledge, and a lasting commitment to sustaining our nation’s cultural traditions.
Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, said, “The 2026 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellows reflect the richness of America, carrying forward cultural practices that have been passed down over generations, sharing them with others, and continuing to shape who we are as a nation.”
The 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellows are:
Juan Díes and Victor G. Pichardo, Mexican folk musicians (Chicago, Illinois)
Through performance, teaching, and community work, Juan Díes and Victor G. Pichardo have helped sustain Mexican son, a rich tradition of regional folk music from across Mexico. As co-founders of Sones de México Ensemble, they have brought this music to national stages while training new generations of musicians.
Belen Escobedo, Conjunto Tejano Fiddler (San Antonio, Texas)
Rooted in the musical traditions of the Texas–Mexico borderlands, Belen Escobedo performs early Mexican and Tejano fiddle tunes once common across South Texas. Through decades on stage and in the classroom, she has helped keep this rare style alive.
Giovanni Hidalgo, Latin Percussionist (Ocoee, Florida)
Known for his speed, precision, and expressive playing, Giovanni Hidalgo has reshaped Latin percussion on the global stage. A virtuosic performer and dedicated teacher, he continues to influence generations of musicians.
Gerry Milnes, Folklorist & Documentarian (Elkins, West Virginia)
During a career spanning more than 50 years, Gerry Milnes has documented and shared the traditions of Appalachia through recordings, films, and public programs. His work has brought lasting attention to the region’s artists and cultural practices.
Milnes is the 2026 recipient of the Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship, presented in recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and awareness of cultural heritage.
Lloyd Kumulā‘au Sing, Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing, Hawaiian Twined Basketry Artists (Wahiawā, Hawai‘i)
Through decades of teaching and cultural stewardship, Native Hawaiians Lloyd Kumulā‘au Sing, Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing have led the revival of ulana ʻie, a traditional Hawaiian weaving practice once near extinction. Their work has helped restore and sustain this art form for future generations.
Patrick Olwell, Flutemaker (Athens, Georgia, and Nellysford, Virginia)
Central to Irish traditional music is the sound of the wooden flute—an instrument Patrick Olwell has helped revive and redefine. Drawing on historic designs and decades of study and craftsmanship, his flutes have set the standard for today’s makers and players.
Frank Rabon, CHamoru Dancer & Choreographer (Hagåtña, Guam)
For more than four decades, Native Pacific Islander Frank Rabon has led efforts to restore and sustain CHamoru dance, an Indigenous tradition of Guam and the greater Mariana Islands. His work continues to pass on the history, language, and cultural knowledge of the CHamoru people.
Cary Schwarz, Saddlemaker & Leather Artist (Salmon, Idaho)
Working at the intersection of function and design, Cary Schwarz creates custom saddles known for their strength, balance, and craftsmanship. His nearly five decades of work have helped sustain and advance the traditions of the American West.
Each Heritage Fellowship includes a $25,000 award and the recipients will be honored in Washington, DC in fall 2026. More details will be available later this summer.
Nominate a National Heritage Fellow
Each year, NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipients are nominated by the public—often by members of their own communities—and then judged by a panel of experts in the folk and traditional arts. The panel’s recommendations are reviewed by the National Council on the Arts, which sends its recommendations to the NEA chairman. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2027 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows is Monday, May 11, 2026. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website for more information and to submit a nomination.
About the National Heritage Fellowships
The National Heritage Fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Including the 2026 class, the NEA has awarded 502 National Heritage Fellowships since 1982, recognizing artists working in more than 200 distinct art forms, including bluegrass musicians, blacksmiths, tap dancers, quilters, folklorists, a birchbark canoe builder, children’s folk singer, and many others. More information about the National Heritage Fellows is available on the arts.gov/Heritage.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Posted 4-21-26
Information about the 2026 Frank P. Law Summer Carillon Concert Series at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
By Steven Brodsky
The Washington Memorial National Carillon tower at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… is posted at: https://www.wmchapel.org/frank-law-summer-carillon.
Two special anniversaries to celebrate in 2026: the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Washington Memorial National Carillon’s centennial!
From the above linked page: “In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, this year’s series will feature distinguished American carillonneurs performing music connected with our nation’s history and heritage. The concerts begin on Wednesday, July 1, with a recital by our own Chapel Carillonneur, Doug Gefvert.”
Admission to the carillon concerts in this series will be free.
Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Posted 4-15-26
The 95th Radnor Hunt Races to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026; the Brandywine Conservancy will no longer be serving the Races in the roles of sole operator and beneficiary after 2026; proceeds from this event will benefit the open space and clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy; all tickets must be purchased by May 6, 2026
By Steven Brodsky
The following news release was issued by the Brandywine Conservancy:
Chadds Ford, PA, March 18, 2026 — Celebrating 95 years of horseracing on the Main Line, the Radnor Hunt Races return on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Willistown Township, Chester County. Tickets are now on sale for this springtime tradition that draws the best thoroughbred horses, riders and trainers from across the country. This year’s event will mark the final year the Brandywine Conservancy will serve as the sole operator and beneficiary of the Races, which the organization has led for the past 45 years.
One of the oldest regional steeplechases, the Radnor Hunt Races will feature four thrilling jump races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. Special events throughout the day include the sixth annual Katherine W. Illoway Invitational Sidesaddle Race, the return of the adorable pony races, an antique carriage parade, and the much-loved parade of foxhounds.
A variety of entertainment packages are available, from regular and tented tailgates and box seat options to the all-inclusive Skip’s Fox’s Den—which offers both individual ticket options and table rentals for groups of 10. Returning to the Hillside this year, Skip’s Fox’s Den includes gourmet catering, full beverage service, private restrooms, and the best view of the homestretch. New this year, we are also offering a limited number of General Admission tickets, giving attendees more flexibility in how they experience and enjoy the Races.
Admission to the Radnor Hunt Races is sold in advance and must be purchased by May 6—there are no Race Day sales. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.radnorhuntraces.org or by calling 610.388.8383. The Races will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the W. Burling Cocks Racecourse at the Radnor Hunt. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. The four jump races include The Milfern Cup at 1:30 p.m.; The Radnor Hunt Cup at 2:10 p.m.; The National Hunt Cup at 2:50 p.m.; and The Henry Collins Steeplechase at 3:30 p.m. Timing subject to change.
Since 1967, the Brandywine Conservancy—the sole beneficiary of the Radnor Hunt Races—has worked to preserve and protect water resources, breathtaking landscapes, history and active farmland in this region. With the help of the Races and many likeminded partners, the Conservancy has protected over 70,200 acres of open space—including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands—and continues to improve and safeguard water quality, land protection, outdoor recreation and historic preservation in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. Built on a rich history of horse racing that has been cultivated in this region for nearly 100 years, the Radnor Hunt Races is supported by the legacy of protecting the stunning open spaces that make this region such a beautiful place to call home. For 45 years, the Radnor Hunt Races have been “Racing for Open Space” in support of the Brandywine Conservancy—raising over $5.5 million for the organization’s clean water and open space efforts to date.
The 95th Radnor Hunt Races are generously sponsored by Black Stallion Estate Winery, Brosnan Dental, Cherry Knoll Farm, David L. Hain, Jr., dfYOUNG, Fox Rothschild, JPMorganChase, KPW Productions, Lamborghini Philadelphia, Lockton, The National Bank of Malvern, Peter Zimmerman Architects, Porsche Main Line, RDS INEOS Grenadier, Sallie F. Dixon, Today Media, and Warren Claytor Architects. For more information about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call 610.388.8104.
About the Brandywine Conservancy:
The Brandywine Conservancy protects water, conserves land, and engages communities. The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff work with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds more than 510 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of over 70,200 acres of land. The Conservancy is a program of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art:
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites, and important artists. The Conservancy protects the lands and waters throughout the Brandywine Valley and other priority conservation areas, developing sustainable approaches to emerging needs and assuring preservation of majestic open spaces and protection of natural resources for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
Posted 4-8-26
Romanticized notions about nature
By Steven Brodsky
… pass away for the speaker of Seamus Heaney’s poem “Death of a Naturalist.”
Many “naturalists” have had a similar experience.
And most would, with sufficient exposure to realities of the natural world.
May we all acquire and retain a sense of wonder in regard to the natural world.
This brief article appeared at: Conversations About Nature.
Posted 3-3-26, Revised and reposted 3-21-26
Spring
By Steven Brodsky
… is referenced in the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” as are the other seasons.
Some readers of this column “join with all nature in manifold witness” to God’s “great faithfulness, mercy and love” (every season)!
In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical spring will arrive this Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. ET.
May you have a blessed spring 2026!
Posted 3-16-26
The belief that is sure to arise from possible dormancy this spring
By Steven Brodsky
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… is the “secret belief in perpetual spring.”
Though astronomical spring will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, some of this column’s readers across the globe will experience that belief emerging (not prematurely!) from dormancy before spring’s arrival after they read the poem “In Perpetual Spring,” by Amy Gerstler.
Enjoy: In Perpetual Spring by Amy Gerstler | Poetry Foundation.
Posted 3-6-26
Everyone needs to be connected to a caring and supportive community
By Steven Brodsky
… as did Edgar Allan Poe, the author of this linked poem that’s saturated with extreme aloneness: “Alone” | The Poetry Foundation.
Poe wasn’t connected to such a community, unfortunately.
The link to Poe’s “Alone” appears here on the evening prior to Poe’s birthday.
Poe was born on January 19, 1809.
I like to think that a few people might have reached out to Poe on his birthday to communicate that the poem deeply resonated with their own experiences with aloneness in extremis.
If they had, perhaps they and Poe may have had their aloneness at least temporarily alleviated, and if that happened, Poe’s birthday would have been somewhat better.
Posted 1-18-26
A crow, a hemlock tree, and a ‘dust of snow’
By Steven Brodsky
… serendipitously affect a day in the life of the speaker of this poem by Robert Frost: Dust of Snow by Robert Frost | Poetry Foundation.
Who knows how elements of the natural world will similarly bring about pleasant surprises and benefit to Entertainment, Culture and More column readers in this winter of 2026?
Knowing would ruin surprises!
Photo by Steven Brodsky
Posted 1-4-26
Steven Brodsky hosted a radio show for 3 and a half years. The show focused on coverage of entertainment, the arts, and all manner of culture. He is widely known for his many live on air interviews with guests such as: Rodney Crowell, Charlie Louvin, Richie Havens, Eric Whitacre (composer, conductor), Solomon Burke, Janis Ian, Percy Sledge, Billy Joe Shaver, Jack LaLanne, Gene Shay, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie,” Jerome “Little Anthony” Gourdine, Pat Cooper, Jett Williams (daughter of Hank Williams), Steve Forbert, Chris Smither, Lukas Nelson, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dan Fante, Harold Camping (Harold Camping was the radio broadcaster and Bible teacher who famously proclaimed that Judgment Day and the Rapture would take place on May 21, 2011. Harold Camping passed away on December 15, 2013.), Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, curators, historians, scientists, and newsmakers. He welcomes email.