Celebrating its 97th anniversary, America’s longest-running folk festival is rife with talent. Founded by folk music legend Bascom Lamar Lunsford in 1928, the three-night festival will showcase some of the region’s premier old-time musicians, ballad singers, storytellers, and dance groups. Presented by The Folk Heritage Committee, these performers continue to preserve the tradition of the Southern Appalachian Mountains with the hand-clapping, toe-tapping style of Bluegrass, the festive rhythm of clogging, the gracefulness of the Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, and so much more, while honoring the hardships and tribulations that continue to this day. » Warren Wilson College, Kittredge Theatre, 701 Warren Wilson Rd.; Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; $20-$25 adults, kids under 12 and students, $5; www.folkheritage.org