DISCOVER the rhythms of African and Latin American cultures at percussion and dance workshops led by Peru Negro on Saturday in downtown Oakland.

Spotlighting a blend of African, Spanish and native Peruvian musical styles, the workshops are open to dancers and drummers of all ages and ability levels, as well as people who want to experience other cultures.

"It's fun, plus it's different from other music," said Pedro Rosales, coordinator and percussionist who will be part of the percussion workshop. He says the Afro-Peruvian music has an unusual flavor, and the workshops give participants a look at a new culture and new percussion patterns.

"It's for people who like to watch the travel channel -- cultural adventurists," adds Theo Williams, a producer at Alice Arts Center. "It's for people who want to know what's going on in other countries."

Peru Negro has been around for about 35 years, says Rosales. The Lima-based group has more than 30 performers.

The percussion workshop is led by Lalo Izquierdo, a new East Bay resident and last living founding member of Peru Negro. The workshop is a mixture of past and present influences in the band.

The group supplies drums, hand instruments and the cajon -- the national percussion instrument of Peru. However, Rosales says people can bring their own congo or other drums.

The dance workshop follows the percussion workshop. Female dancers are encouraged to wear full skirts -- both Rosales and Williams say the swaying of the skirts work best with the movement -- however skirts are not required to dance. All ages and levels are encouraged to join in.

The percussion workshop starts at 11 a.m. Cost is $12. The dance workshop is at noon. Cost is $10. The Alice Arts Center is at 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Participants are encouraged to show up about 30 minutes before the program to register on site.

Peru Negro performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. Advance tickets are $35, $40 at the door. Workshop participants get a $5 discount. Call (415) 978-2787 or visit www.yerbabuenaarts.org for tickets.

The workshops are sponsored by CaribelinQ, DeRompe Y Raja and G-Life Culture.

For more information about Alice Arts Center, call 451-6100 or e-mail Caribelinq@hotmail.com . For information on Peru Negro, visit www.Perunegro.org