Podgy, bearded men wielding ukuleles might once have embodied folk music, but David De Santi reckons it's time to take another look.The Illawarra Folk Festival artistic director insists the scene has shaken off its fuddy-duddy reputation, luring a whole new generation of bright young things."The festival has moved on from its traditional base and we've had lots of other influences coming in like jazz improvisation and African drumming," Mr De Santi said."Young people are realising it's not just about old fiddlers - we've got bands here with real punch."Fans of alternative folk acts such as The Go Set, Rumjacks and Jigzag will kick up their heels alongside more traditional folk lovers when the gates open today."That's the beauty of the festival," Mr De Santi said."We've got 11 venues with different styles, from heavy folk rock in the marquee to lovely, genteel folk in the chapel surrounded by grevilleas."The festival kicked off on Wednesday with a folk music summer school, where enthusiasts learnt the finer points of the Dobro guitar, boogie piano and French-Canadian foot tapping.Among them was Lucy Crighton, 16, of Port Kembla, who said folk offered a welcome release from the constraints of her classical music training."My main instrument is the flute and piccolo, but today I was playing the penny whistle," Lucy said."It's a very different sound from the stuff I usually play - it's a lot freer than classical and a more fun expression."Mr De Santi's son Sam, 13, has recently formed his own folk band after years of being "dragged along" to folk music events.While he loves the rhythm of a good folk jig, it's a passion he prefers not to share with his mates."They don't technically know about it. It's sort of embarrassing so I keep it to myself," he said.The festival continued yesterday with an Italian-style lunch at the Bulli Showground Grandstand Restaurant. The main music schedule kicks off today at the Bulli Showground. Go to www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au for more information.