The cool kids cringe, but every year hundreds of people still manage to have an awesome time at Folklife. And why not? Where else are you going to hear such a fantastically varied mix of global music, from West African beats to Celtic harp to Balkan brass to Ukranian Bandura? Tango, swing, contra, and square dance all get a turn on the floor (along with countless others). It’s four straight days of uncynical entertainment. And if you must have your tastemaker-approved sounds, Vera is also plugged into the festival with a bunch of shows (Pufferfish, Ivan & Alyosha, etc.). Those who absolutely cannot abide drum circles should indeed stay away. Everyone else who loves music, stop on by. MARK D. FEFER

May 28-31, 2010