Astoria — The Astoria Public Library presents Chayag Andean Folk Music and Dance from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The program includes a dance workshop and presentation followed by Caminos del Ande (Andean Trails), a performance of Andean folk music and dance. Admission is free; all ages are welcome.

Chayag has been sharing and preserving the ancestral music, dance and culture of the indigenous people of the Andes for more than 20 years. The group was founded in Quito, Ecuador, and has traveled extensively worldwide, participating in many festivals celebrating multiculturalism. In 2001, Chayag member Alex Llumiquinga settled in the United States where he began performing in schools, public libraries and music festivals. Chayag’s current musicians and dancers come from Ecuador, Bolivia, Mexico and the U.S.

During the workshop, Chayag will combine a lecture focusing on the ethnic diversity of Peruvian culture with a panoramic illustration of the different musical and dance styles; followed by traditional dance from Cuzco, Peru, called Valicha. Warm-up exercises will place the body into the specific postures required and accustom the ear to the beat. Steps will be learned individually to later be adapted to couple and group combinations. Improvisation is encouraged.

A performance following the workshop will feature the Caminos del Ande, a beautiful representation of the Andean world from the pre-Columbian times to colonial era, featuring music and dances inspired by the Quechua culture of the ancient Inca Empire, oral traditions and folkloric representations of the Inca empire. In the performance, Chayag uses a wide variety of authentic instruments, including the Charango (10-string lute), El Bombo (Andean drum), Quena and Zamponas (Native South American flutes), guitar and others. The performance is bound to envelop the listeners and take them on a memorable journey to the Andean Mountains and Latin America.

The Astoria Public Library is located at 450 10th St. For more information, call 503-325-7323, email comments@astorialibrary, or visit www.astorialibrary.org