Our apologies: due to technical difficulties during the webcast, there are several audio drop-outs during the taiko drumming performances. On September 23, 2011 we honored the recipients of the 2011 NEA National Heritage Fellowships, the nation's highest award in the folk and traditional arts. Held at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD, and emceed by American Routes host Nick Spitzer, the concert featured performances by and conversations with quilter Laverne Brackens, percussionist Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, family members of Mardi Gras Indian Chief, Bo Dollis, folklorist Jim Griffith, taiko drum leaders Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, ukulele and slack key guitarist Ledward Kaapana, Baptist singer Frank Newsome, Piedmont blues songster Warner Williams, and Bulgarian saxophonist Yuri Yunakov.