Folks

Not in BrE.

It's part of American English.

Informally, yes. It is used to address a group of friendly people.

PonyFanCould you tell me whether you use the word "folks" in the meaning of "people" in your daily conversation like the above quotation?

No, I do not. I rarely use the word at all, and when I do it means 'parents', occasionally 'relatives'.

CJ

CalifJimNo, I do not. I rarely use the word at all, and when I do it means 'parents', occasionally 'relatives'.

That proves you're not a Texan. We use "folks" a lot.

AlpheccaStarsThat proves you're not a Texan.

Yes, it does. You've found me out. I'm so ashamed.

In the US, the word "folks" is often heard, not just in rural areas, but in the biggest cities and in exclusive suburbs too. You generally use it when you want to sound friendly and informal. Some examples:

"Where're you folks from?" ("Where're you people from?" sounds stiff and formal in comparison.)

"You folks from around here?" ("You people from around here?" sounds almost

Anonymous You generally use it when you want to sound friendly and informal.

It doesn't leave the same impression on everyone, however.

CJ

President Obama uses it a lot. Here's a whole article about how politicians use the term a lot to give the impression that they understand and identify with ordinary people:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/magazine/folkwisdom.html?_r=0