A Latin-percussion workshop and Hmong New Year celebration

Latin-percussion workshop

Catch the beat at the "Latin Percussions" discussion and demonstration at the Seattle Public Library Green Lake branch today. Johnny Conga will discuss the history of percussion instruments including congas, bongos, timbales and hand percussion as well as demonstrate how they are played. If that sounds like fun, audience members will also be given the opportunity to try out the instruments. 1-3 p.m. today, 7364 Green Lake Drive N., Seattle; free (206-684-7547 or www.spl.org).

Also today

Hmong New Year celebration: Celebrate Lunar New Year and the unique culture of the Southeast Asia highlands at Seattle Center. Storytelling, dance, demonstrations, music and the tradition of ball tossing will be featured. Popular singer Mai Xiong will be performing along with a variety of local artists from the Hmong community. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. today, Seattle Center House, 305 Harrison St., Seattle; free (www.seattlecenter.com).

Laurie Dunlap, Seattle Times staff

For more community events, go to seattletimes.com/listings and search the category "community."