Ossian Hall Park showcases music and dance of Peru

The show opened with a marinera dance.

The musical traditions of Peru came alive at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale July 8. Centro Cultural Peru presented dances from different regions of the country at Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night, featuring performers ranging from very young students to competition-winning professionals.

Centro Cultural Peru, a nonprofit organization based at the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, was formed to teach children from Peru the dances, and musical instruments of their native country and help the immigrant community stay connected through their nation’s folklore traditions.

A festejo dance.

The group hosts classes and performs at community festivals, including the 2016 Taste of Annandale.

They’re playing a percussion instrument called a cajon.

The next show at Ossian Hall Park, July 15 at 7:30 p.m., is Bavarian Cultural Heritage Night, featuring music and dance from Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein.

Grupo Etnia

There are also free concerts three times a week at Mason District Park at 7:30 p.m. The National Concert Band of America performs Sunday, July 9. On July 12, the Forlorn Strangers will be on stage, while the folk trio Harpeth Rising appears on July 14. Next Sunday, July 16, the Capitol Steps present a humorous look at the Washington political scene.

There are children’s shows at Mason District Park on Saturday mornings. Next up, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet will entertain the young ones on July 15.

The audience joins in.