Perkutao
Perkutao delivers a rhythm-driven evening of Afro-Peruvian jazz at Blues Alley, blending traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms with Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and jazz influences. Founded in 2005 by renowned percussionist, dancer, and educator Percy Chinchilla alongside percussionist Robin Axel, the ensemble recently relocated from Lima, Peru to the Washington, D.C. area and has quickly made an impact on the local jazz scene. Their debut album, *Mis Ancestros* (“My Ancestors”), produced by percussionist Manongo Mujica, is the fourth installment in the celebrated *Perspectivas de la Música Afroperuana* series. The performance is co-presented with the Embassy of Peru, highlighting the cultural significance of this event.
When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Showtimes: 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM. (Note: Blues Alley’s general door times are 6:00 PM & 8:45 PM Monday through Saturday, but this event has a single show at 7:00 PM.)
Tickets: $30 plus $7 in fees. A $15 food and beverage minimum per person is required and is not included in the ticket price. All sales are final: no refunds, no transfers.
Lineup: Percy Chinchilla (percussion, dance, direction) and Robin Axel (percussion, composition) lead the ensemble. Chinchilla is recognized as one of the world’s foremost practitioners of Afro-Peruvian music and dance; he won the Valentina de Oro dance competition at age six and Peru’s National Cajón Championship at 15. He is a former member of Perú Negro and has performed with artists such as Eva Ayllón and Cecilia Barraza. Robin Axel has performed Afro-Peruvian and jazz music professionally for over 20 years, was a core member of the traditional Korean drumming ensemble Nori Company for a decade, and composed for the dance performance *Untethered and Unseen: The Mysterious Life of Hilma af Klint*. He studied at Wesleyan University.
Run time: Not specified in the provided details.
Ages: Not explicitly stated; Blues Alley generally welcomes all ages for most shows, but patrons should confirm directly.
Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Note: Seating is first come, first served. No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Keep conversation to a minimum during the show. This event is co-presented with the Embassy of Peru.