Folklife director's picks

Among those going to this weekend's Northwest Folklife Festival for the first time is Folklife's new executive director, Robert Townsend, who was hired so recently most of this year's performers were chosen before he started his new job.

The four-day schedule includes hundreds of musicians, dancers and artists on a dozen stages, 12 hours each day. Taiko and tango. Salsa and bluegrass. Ukuleles and autoharps.

"I encourage everyone to explore new things, things that might be different or unusual to them," Townsend said. "As one of our board members says, as citizens of the world, we live more harmoniously when we understand people different than ourselves."

What's at the top of Townsend's must-see list? Noting the 2008 festival's cultural focus, "the Urban Indian," he pointed out a few performances:

Benefit concert: "Urban Indians: Local Heroes," 7 p.m. Saturday, Bagley Wright Theatre; $15.

A concert featuring Native artists, musicians, actors, dancers and poets in a performance that combines music with theatrical performance, poetry and comedy. Hosted by actress Elaine Miles, the show includes Little Big Band, violinist Swil Kanim, dancer Gene Tagaban and flutist Peter Ali.

Concert: "Indigenous & Indigenius Hip Hop," 7 p.m. Sunday, Bagley Wright Theatre

This hip-hop concert will showcase Native musicians and rappers, including Culture Shock Camp, Komplex Kai and Red Eagle Soaring.

Concert: All-ages alternative, 7 p.m. Sunday, EMP Sky Church

With the Nextdoor Neighbors, the Mission Orange, the Lonely Forest and others.

Kids' activities, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, Broad Street side of Seattle Center

Children 12 and younger have a place of their own at the festival, the Folklife Commons Kids Area, with music, activities, stories and dancing geared toward families. Sherry Nevins will lead a family dance at 11 a.m. Saturday; Tony Saletan will lead a dance at noon Monday.

Find a complete schedule at the festival's Web site, www.nwfolklife.org.