Perkutao

Perkutao is an Afro-Peruvian jazz ensemble founded in 2005 by percussionist, dancer, and educator Percy Chinchilla with percussionist and composer Robin Axel. Based in the Washington, D.C. area after relocating from Lima, the group combines Afro-Peruvian traditions with Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and jazz influences to create a rhythm-driven celebration of African diasporic culture.

The ensemble has toured internationally and appeared at venues including Blues Alley, Mr. Henry’s, and Peru’s National Theater. Its debut album, *Mis Ancestros* (“My Ancestors”), was produced by percussionist Manongo Mujica as part of the *Perspectivas de la Música Afroperuana* series. Perkutao also collaborated with the Cuban group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas in 2022 and performed at the National Theater of Peru in 2023 for World Folklore Day.

Percy Chinchilla grew up in Lima’s Callejón del Buque and comes from a distinguished Afro-Peruvian musical lineage that includes Caitro Soto and Ronaldo Campos. He won a national dance competition at age six and Peru’s National Cajón Championship at 15. A former member of Perú Negro, he has performed internationally with Perkutao and artists including Eva Ayllón, Cecilia Barraza, and Afroperú.

Robin Axel has more than two decades of professional experience performing Afro-Peruvian and jazz music in the United States and Asia. He spent 10 years with Nori Company, a New York-based Korean drumming and dance ensemble, and has also composed for the dance production *Untethered and Unseen: The Mysterious Life of Hilma af Klint*. His studies include performance, composition, and ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University.

When: Tuesday, October 6

Showtimes: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

Tickets: $30, plus a $7 fee

Food and beverage minimum: A $15 minimum per person applies and is not included in the ticket price.

Lineup: Perkutao, led by Percy Chinchilla and Robin Axel

Genre: Afro-Peruvian jazz incorporating Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and contemporary jazz influences

Presented by: Co-presented with the Embassy of Peru

Seating: Seating is first come, first served at the door. Doors open at 6:00 PM for the 7:00 PM performance and at 8:45 PM for the 9:30 PM performance.

Ticket policy: Tickets are final sale, nonrefundable, and nontransferable.

Venue rules: Photography and recording are prohibited during the performance, and guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum.