Rare Essence, aka The Wickedest Band Alive, is Washington’s premier Go- Go band for over four decades. Mentored by the Godfather of Go-Go as young teens, Rare Essence would be one of Chuck Brown’s earliest, and have remained his most enduring, progeny, with a consistently combustible live show honed through countless performances They have built a devoted fan base that spans multiple generations. Originated in the mid ‘70s by the late Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, Go-Go links songs together over percussion breakdowns—a raw, non-stop party groove fueled by congas, cowbells and timbales, with call and response interactions that obliterated divisions between a band that doesn't stop playing and audience that won't stop dancing. Dubbed “The Wickedest Band Alive” by rap pioneer Doug E. Fresh, who has collaborated with Rare Essence, one of many artists to incorporate Go- Go's percolating percussion, and some of its key players, into their own recordings.

Trouble Funk burst onto the scene in the 1980’s with signature hits “Pump Me Up”, "Drop The Bomb”, “Let’s Get Small”, “Say What?” and more. They toured the world alongside George Clinton, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, UB40 and Def Leppard. The band’s music has been sampled by Will Smith, Public Enemy, EPMD and The Black Eyed Peas  amongst many others.