Community to celebrate 5th anniversary of go-go music as official music of DC
WASHINGTON () — In Washington, D.C., the community is coming together to celebrate go-go music as the official music of the city, nearly five years after Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the designation into law.
On Feb. 19, 2020, Bowser signed the '.' The legislation not only marked the genre as the official music of D.C. but also implemented programs to support and archive go-go music and its rich history in the District.
Go-go, an Indigenous genre known for its distinctive rhythm, originated in the District during the mid-1960s to late 1970s and has served as the heartbeat of the city ever since. The genre, which got its name from one of its founders, Chuck Brown, is a mix of many different musical forms, including blues, soul, funk and salsa.
Go-Go Museum: Preserving DC's iconic music history, culture
To celebrate the designation, the DC Public Library, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment are set to host 'Roll Call Volume 1: Live at the Howard.'
The free event, which will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, at the Howard Theatre, will feature live performances from the Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, Northeast Groovers, Pock3tBand, DJRemii and DJ Big John.
'This isn't just a show—it's a movement. A celebration of resilience, culture, and the heartbeat of the city. Pull up, rep the culture, and let's keep Go-Go alive!' wrote At-Large Councilmember Robert White regarding the celebration, in a .
Officials noted that Junkyard Band, Backyard Band and Northeast Groovers have not performed live on the same stage together in 25 years.
For more information about the free event,
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