CHICHA! A PERUVIAN DANCE PARTY!
On Friday, June 19th, 2015 Smithsonian at 8 presented, “Chicha! A Peruvian Dance Party” at Blind Whino in Southwest DC. For a little background to Chicha and the event, this description comes to you straight from the Smithsonian:
What’s chicha? It’s an urban music genre originating in Peru that combines a variety of global sounds like South American cumbias and psychedelic surf guitars with local Andean melodies. It’s also the knockout style of neon poster art that exploded as chicha bands
began to make their mark in the late 60s. Say chicha today and you’re talking about a distinct and vibrant mix
of color and sound that is unmistakably Peruvian.
The location was ideal for a dance party, as the colorful exterior immediately put you in a feisty mood – alerting you to be ready for anything once you entered the doors of the former church. The first thing one saw upon entering the main room on the main floor was a beautiful tree
with pink paper blossoms floating overhead and neon painted signs hanging on the far wall.
The first thing one saw upon entering the main room on the main floor was a beautiful tree with pink paper blossoms floating overhead and neon painted signs hangin wall.
People were mingling and enjoying themselves as the lines grew ever longer for drinks – Especially for those containing the famed Peruvian Liquor - Pisco!
After grabbing a Pisco with pineapple juice and a sprig of mint, we wandered the premises to explore all the event had to offer. There was a table with temporary tattoos where we saw plenty of people tatting up for the evening, and another table where artists were painting neon posters for sale with slogans such as, “Make love not war”. You could also do some silk screening with poster artists MONKY.
Wandering the rooms off the first floor corridor, we discovered artist paintings and sculptures for sale, many containing images of a helmeted warrior. In the final room we entered, the line to take pictures in the photo booth snaked around the room with people chatting and looking at the art on the walls as they waited.
Outside there was the ‘El Fuego’ food truck, serving up Peruvian delicacies to the hungry masses before and after burning off calories on the dance floor. The specials, which included an amazing stuffed avocado, were sold out by 9:30 pm!
By 9 pm the room was full – as diverse groups and individuals took to the floor to show off their interpretation of grooving to chicha. From the best view in the house, the third level balcony overlooking the dance floor, we watched the masses swirl and move to the music.
Girls night – chatting and catching up
Steppin’ out on the floor
Actin’ like a Cholo
Trying out some salsa steps
Upstairs on the second level and on the main dance floor, Lima’s DJ Sabroso and local DJ Kristy la rAt spun chicha beats. Everyone was getting into the chicha music spun by DJ Sabroso – at one point a hugely popular song began playing and half the dance floor broke out into a synchronized dance routine! Judging from the enthusiasm of the dancers, the event – and the chicha beats – This Event wins a HUGE success with the crown at Blind Whino!
THE PERUVIAN NATION THANKS YOU!
The event was presented in collaboration with the 2015 Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s Peru: Pachamama program. The Folklife Festival will be ongoing on the National Mall form June 24-28 and July 1-5 and will highlight Peruvian Culture.
Inspired by the world of the Smithsonian, the SMITHSONIAN at 8 event series offers one-of-a-kind experiences for guests 21+. With themes from the local to the global, these after-hours gatherings combine music, food and drink, and unique settings to create evenings that are smart, adventurous, and memorably entertaining. For Information on More Smithsonian Events and How To Support The Great Cause To Party For A Purpose Click Here!
Blog Credited to Nicole Slezak of Pursuit Of Rush. To view more of Nicole's Blogs Click Here
Instagram: PursuitOfRush Twitter: @PursuitOfRush
Photos Credited to John Mabasa of Shutter Pumpkin. To view more photos Click Here
Facebook: Shutter Pumpkin Instagram: ShutterPumpkin