WASHINGTON, DC.- This summer the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery launch two new series, "Asia After Dark" and "Asia Trash," in addition to their exciting repertoire of public programs. On June 4, the Sackler opens its doors for the debut of "Asia After Dark," an after-hours series held on the first Thursdays in June and September. "Asia After Dark" offers guests an evening of art, dance and creative fun, filled with spotlight tours in the galleries, performances by the Silk Road Dance Company, food tastings from local Asian restaurants and Persian electronic music by DJ Delbar of RadioJavan.com. "Asia After Dark" is a ticketed event for individuals over 21. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at http://store.freersacklershop.com/asiaafterdark.html and a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for $18; cash only. "Asia Trash" is the newest and grossest summertime film series held at the Freer on Thursdays from July 30 - Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. The series will celebrate some of Asia's finest cult movies including "Versus" about Yakuza gangsters, zombies and an escaped convict still shackled to a severed hand. This film is a must see for connoisseurs of good, trashy fun.

Fun-filled summer evenings at the Freer and Sackler will also include a June 6 performance by "Music from China Youth Orchestra," a 20 piece ensemble of musicians ages 8 to 18, performing on traditional Chinese instruments. Conductor Wang Guowei has performed with renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and the Shanghai Quartet. On June 13 and 20, the galleries will present "The Sensual S: Form and Movement," a workshop led by Daniel Phoenix Singh and members of the Dakshina Dance Company. Participants will interact with Anish Kapoor's steel sculpture, "S-Curve" to explore how scale, shape and form reflect and distort perceptions.

The Freer and Sackler Galleries offer a summer-long celebration of Asian music, dance, films, and special tours and talks.