By Lookout Staff

June 24, 2016 -- Ancient music from the Americas, traditional Japanese drumming and dance music that will get feet -- both young and old -- moving will be featured this summer at Tongva Park.

The park's free Family Saturdays -- held every fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon -- kicks off its summer programming this weekend with Music of the Ancient Americas with Martin Espino. Espino, who has performed for more than 45 years and crafted more than 60,000 traditional instruments, "is one of the world’s foremost experts in this rich culture," organizers said. A classically trained guitarist, Espino began composing original indigenous Mexican melodies in 1975 and in 1990 began building bamboo and gourd instruments in the ancient Aztec tradition.

Martin Espino Performer and Educator.

On Saturday, July 23, audiences can experience the resounding, hypnotic rhythms of taiko drumming, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered musical traditions.

Performers from the Taiko Center of Los Angeles will play traditional taiko music, which has been used throughout history as a form of communication, during military action, to accompany theatrical performances and at religious ceremonies.

Members of the center "will share their insights about the history and cultural significance of this ancient art," organizers said.

After the performance, the audience can participate in a taiko workshop and play the drums, which have heads on both sides of a sealed resonating cavity and are most commonly played with sticks.

The workshop will culminate in an interactive performance with musicians and audience, organizers said.

On Saturday, August 27, the park will host “Family Dance Jam,” which features two 45-minute sets.

The jam is "an inter-generational movement workshop designed for people of all ages, incorporating both open play and directed experience, ensuring that each participant and family gets their own unique dance party," organizers said.

The music will be provided by Sadubas, a DJ duo that combines recorded music with live drums, and the “Family Dance Jam” team of dancers will "help create an environment of fun and creativity."

Parking for the event is available at the Civic Center Parking Structure, 333 Civic Center Drive. The first 30 minutes are free, and each additional hour is $1, with a $5 maximum per day.

For bus routes to Tongva Park visit www.bigbluebus.com. Bike parking is located near each park entrance at Ocean Avenue, Main Street and Olympic Boulevard.

For more information visit smgov.net/arts.