OK, the Riverway Festival isn't a music festival, but music has a part in it:

Charlotte Baker Alston tells in the griot tradition, and will give a workshop on the use of rhythm instruments in telling stories.

I'll be travelling 200 miles for this because my son has become a Willy Claflin groupie since seeing him last fall. Willy seems goofy, using a puppet to tell childrens' stories. But the moral of one of his stories is "learn to be a folksinger and you will always have a job and a place to sleep." He also channels Gamble Rogers with a wonderful routine.

Add Donald Davis, who tells of North Carolina folks, Liz Weir (IF she can get here from Ireland), and many local tellers, and this looks like a great time for all! Most of the events are free, though you have to call ahead for seating.