*The new Go-Go Museum & Cafe in Washington, DC’s historic Anacostia neighborhood will officially open in early 2025, providing a permanent home for the city’s go-go music scene.
Chuck Brown is considered the Godfather of Go-Go, DC’s brand of funk music that originated in the 1970s and has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity within the Black community, ESSENCE reports. The museum, founded by community organizer Ron Moten and curated by Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, was inspired by the #DontMuteDC movement, which aims to preserve the DC’s musical heritage. Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SE, the Go-Go Museum will feature interactive exhibits, live performances, and historic memorabilia from go-go legends.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting on November 18 will inaugurate the first institution dedicated to preserving the genre, which was designated as the city’s official music in 2019. Per ESSENCE, “Rooted in syncopated beats and live performances, go-go has provided the soundtrack to countless DC block parties, political protests, and neighborhood gatherings,” the outlet writes.
“Today, we are proud to say that DC’s official music will always be Go-Go, because there is no DC without Go-Go and there is no Go-Go without DC!” said Mayor Bowser previously said. “Go-Go music is a creative force that has inspired generations of Washingtonians socially, culturally, and artistically, and this legislation will empower us to preserve and celebrate our native sound.”
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie added, “Go-Go is DC’s indigenous musical genre, and I am pleased to have championed the efforts at the Council to designate it as the official music of DC. I look forward to working with Mayor Bowser and her administration for a thorough and impactful implementation, which will bring the Go-Go community closer to the District’s already strong economy and, in doing so, make our city more equitable and prosperous for all.”
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“We wanted to create a space where the community could come together to celebrate and experience go-go in all its glory,” Moten said of the museum, per ESSENCE.
Equipped with a recording studio, outdoor stage, and café, the Go-Go Museum is poised to become a lively cultural hub that will thrive for years to come.
The museum is set to officially open in January.
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