(Washington, DC) –Today, as part of a series of Black History Month celebrations, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment are inviting community members to celebrate the rich legacy and ongoing influence of Go-Go in DC during the 4th annual “Keep the Beat Week.” From February 18-February 23, residents can attend a weeklong celebration of family-friendly events that will highlight local Go-Go talent and the District’s commitment to preserving the legacy and culture of Go-Go.
“Go-Go is the soundtrack of DC – we celebrate that all year, but especially during Keep the Beat Week,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are grateful for the champions of the culture who are bringing these events to life, and we look forward to seeing the community celebrating DC, celebrating Go-Go, and keeping the beat alive.”
This year, Keep the Beat Week marks the four-year anniversary of Mayor Bowser signing the “Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019” on February 19, 2020, making Go-Go the official music of DC.
Go-Go Honors: Join the Go-Go Museum & Café to honor the 2024 awardees who have worked to preserve the history of Go-Go and celebrate the four years of Go-Go’s designation as the official music of Washington, DC. The event will include a live performance from the Experience Band.
- When: Sunday, February 18 @ 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Where: 550 C Street SW
- Purchase tickets to attend the awards ceremony HERE.
Pulse of the Capital Concert: OCTFME, in partnership with the DC Public Library, and the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture, will host a free Go-Go anniversary concert that will bring together some of DC’s greatest Go-Go musicians at the historic Howard Theatre. The event will be hosted by De De Folarin and Kapri, and feature legendary performances by EU and Backyard Band with beats by DJ Frank White.
- When: Monday, February 19 @ 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW)
- Please note: Event is now sold out.
Women of Go-Go Panel: This event will feature a free panel discussion for residents to hear from the influential women of Go-Go, including Michelle Blackwell, Kimise, and Kacey from the band Black Alley, Sweet Cherie of Be’la Dona, and Tiffani “Sweet Thang” of Backyard Band. The discussion will be hosted by Poet Taylor, the host of the Midday Shenanigans on WPGC (95.5 FM).
- When: Wednesday February 21 @ 5:00 p.m.
- Where: The Alumni at Baby Wale (1124 9th Street NW)
- RSVP to attend HERE.
Love & Go-Go Café Spoken Word: Presented by 202Creates, this free event will take place after the Go-Go panel and will feature performances, a unique blend of spoken word artists, and live Go-Go music. The event will be hosted by spoken word artist Charity Blackwell.
- When: Wednesday February 21 @ 7:00 p.m.
- Where: The Alumni at Baby Wale (1124 9th Street NW)
- RSVP to attend HERE.
Go-Go Fitness & Mindfulness: This community health and fitness experience will feature Beat Your Feet dance aerobics set to the rhythm of Go-Go and led by the legendary King of Beat Ya Feet, Crazy Legz DC. There are two sessions for residents to attend and each will end with a south bath and guided meditation. The activation also spotlights February’s national Heart Health Month observance in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and FITDC.
- When: Friday, February 23, Session #1 @ 9:30 a.m., Session #2 @ 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Stead Park Recreation Center (1625 P Street NW)
- RSVP to attend HERE.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we're reminded of the power of Go-Go music as a unifying force in our community,” said LaToya Foster, Director of OCTFME. “Keep the Beat Week is not just about looking back at the history of Go-Go, but pushing forward its legacy through education, wellness, and celebration.”
OCTFME is also featuring a range of original programming and interstitials throughout Black History Month on District Cable Network (DCN) and District Knowledge Network (DKN), including:
- “Black History Through Song,” a series exploring the rich history of the African American experience through music, airing Sundays at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm through February 25.
- “Road to Representation,” is OCTFME’s Telly-award winning series. This BHM one-hour special takes a deep dive into the strides towards representation and equality. Five segments air Wednesdays at 8:00 pm thru February 28.
- BHM interstitials showcased throughout the day include “Who’s Your African American Hero/Shero,” “Straight Crankin’,” “Called to Serve” saluting African American military leaders,” “DCPS Crushing the Game,” and “Graduates of Dunbar.”
OCTFME’s dedication to highlighting the African American journey, coupled with the celebration of Go-Go music’s enduring legacy, exemplifies the District’s commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. Through these efforts, OCTFME not only honors Black History Month but also ensures that the vibrant spirit of Go-Go continues to thrive in the heart of Washington, DC.
For more information about the #KeepTheBeat Week and to RSVP for all events, visit creativeaffairsdc.com.
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