GLOBAL RHYTHMS

September 5, 2026 • 12pm – 6pm | Global Rhythms: Music, Dance & Storytelling from Around the World
 

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents a FREE showcase of music, dance, and storytelling from around the world. This event features performances by artists sharing traditions from a variety of cultures.

RSVP (Preferred, not required)

Performances / Presentations

"Mon vélo" (12-min Short Film) | Screenings at 1:00pm, 2:45pm & 3:45pm | Ballroom Back Room

Mon vélo is a 2024 short film directed by Francky Tohouegnon from Benin, shown in collaboration with House of Djeli Inc.

The 12-minute short film follows Oumar, a 12-year-old boy who desperately wants a bicycle. His father promises to buy him one if he finishes at the top of his class. Overwhelmed by stress when results are announced, Oumar suffers a distressing dream where his new bike is stolen and teams up with his friend Comlan to find it.

Francky Tohouegnon, a film enthusiast, began his career as an assistant director before co-founding "Chapêtre 3 Films" with his twin brother Franklin. He gained recognition for his socially conscious short films, including internationally acclaimed Symphonie, Courriers Vides, Indélébile, and Mon Vélo. His work, broadcast on Canal+ and TV5MONDE, sensitively explores social issues.

Learn more about Mon vélo >>

 

 

Kata Juhász (Contemporary Hungarian Dancer/Choreographer) | 12:00pm - 12:55pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

What if immortality became as ordinary as buying a new phone? What if you could purchase “two years of additional guarantee” for yourself, pause your life like a streaming subscription, or decide to wake up from hibernation only “if something interesting is going on”?

Rechargeable (Consequences of an Almost Eternal Life) is an intergenerational dance performance that brings together professional dancers and community participants of different generations to imagine a future where living forever is no longer science fiction but everyday reality.

Performers: Máté Czakó, Kata Juhász and community participants
Music: Tijana Stanković, Albert Márkos
Text, dramaturgy, and concept: Tamás Lóky
Choreography: Kata Juhász

Learn more about Rechargeable >>

 

Tisza Ensemble with Szikra (Hungarian Folk Dance & Music) | 1:30pm - 2:45pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

For over 40 years, Tisza Ensemble has captivated audiences with the vibrant traditions of Hungarian folk dance and music. Inspired by the authentic táncház ("dance house") movement, Tisza brings to life the rich cultural heritage of Hungary and Transylvania through energetic dances, stunning traditional costumes, and  music that invites audiences to celebrate alongside the performers. Learn more about Tisza Ensemble >>

Szikra ("Spark") brings the vibrant folk music of the Hungarian Csángó people of Moldva and Gyimes to life with infectious rhythms, soaring flutes, violins, jaw harp, and traditional percussion. Their energetic performances invite audiences of all ages to experience one of Europe's oldest living musical traditions—whether by listening, clapping along, or joining the dance. Learn more about Szikra >>

 

The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance | 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance performs Irish dance and music.

The Culkin School keeps Irish dance and music alive through a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for ages 5 through adult. Founded in 1997 by Sean and Denise Culkin, the school prides itself on its sense of community and has been able to foster relationships that last a lifetime through the ties of Irish culture and the interest in Irish dance.  Learn more about Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance >>

 

 Zedicus (World Music) | 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

Prepare to be transported to a world of mesmerizing rhythms and soul-stirring melodies with Zedicus, the dynamic world music, reggae and jam band artist taking the music scene by storm. Hailing from the culturally vibrant Washington DC area, Zedicus has crafted a sound that defies boundaries, fusing reggae, rock, alternative, and world music into an irresistible sonic tapestry. Learn more about Zedicus >>

 

Capital Horns (Latin Music) | 5:15pm - 6:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

Washington Conservatory of Music's Capital Horns invite you to tap your toes—and maybe even grab a dance partner! Join us for an entertaining program of arrangements for horn ensemble by Capital Horns members Doug Fox and Nielsen Dalley. The program travels through a lively mix of musical styles, including a tango by Astor Piazzolla, bossa nova by Antônio Carlos Jobim, spirited sailing songs, folk songs, polkas and waltzes, ABBA’s Mamma Mia, and the global hit Despacito. Learn more about Capital Horns >>

 

 

View the Image Gallery from 2025 Global Rhythms
 

Directions and Parking >> | Park Map >>  

FREE parking in our main parking lot at 5801 Oxford Road. Search "Glen Echo Park Parking" in Google Maps.

Suggested Donation: $10

Every contribution helps us present free festivals and concerts, preserve and maintain the Park's historic buildings, and more.

Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Click here to see our Labor Day Weekend Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information, please email development@glenechopark.org. 

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