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DC Public Library & OCTFME Present
Pulse of The Capital: A Free Go-Go Anniversary Concert
Mon, 19 Feb, 3:30 PM EST
Doors open
3:00 PM EST
Howard Theatre
620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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Description
On Feb 19 2024, we will be celebrating the 4th Anniversary of the Go-Go Music Designation Act at The Howard Theatre, the home of Go-Go since the 1970s. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019 to make Go-Go the official music of Washington, DC. The legislation, introduced by Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and unanimously passed by the Council, calls for the implementation of a program to support and archive Go-Go music and its history in the District.Go-Go originated in the District during the mid-1960s to late 1970s and is a fusion of many different musical forms, including funk, blues, soul, and salsa. Come join us with EU, Junkyard Band, Backyard Band and R&S Band, as well as many incredible speakers and DJs.
Event Information
Age Limit
All Ages

R&B
EU
EU
R&B

R&B
Junkyard Band
Junkyard Band
R&B
The Junkyard Band began in 1980 as a group of kids playing in a lot with plastic buckets, soda cans and other found objects, emulating the sounds of some of their favorite go-go bands who performed in their Southeast, DC neighborhood Barry Farms also known as "the projects". The band began to play talent shows and street performances throughout DC, taking audiences by storm with tight musical performances and polished presentations - playing from the grounds of the Smithsonian and Washington Monument, to the streets of Georgetown.
The band became a novelty act across the District, Maryland and Virginia areas (DMV). Their popularity led to a local TV commercial with one of the area's most popular retailers - Cavaliers Men’s Clothing Store. Shortly thereafter in 1983, the band landed an appearance in the movie "D.C. Cab" because it had quickly become a tourist attraction and Washington, DC institution.
Although the band members were kids ranging in age from 9 -14 years of age, they began to present an unintended challenge to the adult groups they emulated. In 1984, the band regularly began competing for performance slots in the DMV's popular go-go music genre. The band’s overwhelming popularity bumped many of its competitors aside.
In 1985, Junkyard caught the attention of Def Jam Records and was signed that same year to a multi-year recording deal. The band worked closely with producer Rick Rubin, recording and releasing the national hit "Sardines" and an underground favorite "The WORD". After release of the songs, Junkyard began a national tour which included dates with a variety of groups such as Slayer, Fishbone and the Beastie Boys. Following that, in 1986 Junkyard appeared in the Def Jam produced movie "Tougher Than Leather" alongside Run-DMC.
Because of the unique beginnings of the band, it has performed on all types of stages, in all types of situations from street corners, to weddings, to the Apollo Theater, to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band has opened for and performed with numerous artists such as Tupac, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, Doug E. Fresh, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Chuck Brown and so many others.

R&B
Backyard Band
Backyard Band
R&B
Backyard also known as BYB is the most successful and widely known Go-Go band in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area as well as nationwide. BYB consists of Anwan ‘Big G’ Glover (lead talker) whom is nationally known for his role on HBO’s the Wire as Slim Charles. Leroy ‘Weensey’ Brandon (vocals), Earl Vincent (vocals), Tiffany ‘Sweetthang’ White (vocals), and Carlos ‘Los’ Chavels (rapper) who all make up the frontline. Keith ‘Sauce’ Robinson (percussion), Paul ‘Buggy’ Edwards (percussion), Bobby ‘Bob’ Terry (lead guitar), Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Field (Bass Guitar), Eric ‘EB’ Britt (keyboard), Michael ‘Mike’ Dunklin (keyboard), and Marcus Johnson (keyboard).
The band core members have been a group for 30 years with only a few additions over time. They gained their start and edgy sound of rock inspired music in the streets of Washington, DC beating on buckets. All after, Backyard has gone on to be one of the highly anticipated and requested bands in the Washington, DC metro area with consistent shows 3 to 4 days a week as well as many invitations to perform in front of the areas elite. They have produced 5 albums with one album “Hood Related” debuting at 69 on the billboard chart.
Besides the Washington, DC metro area, the band has toured around the country performing shows along the east coast to include New York, Atlanta, and Miami as well as New Orleans and gracing the stage with the likes of Scarface, 2pac, Biggie, Devin the Dude, French Montana, Meek Mills, Wale, 2chainz, and many more.
The band takes the most popular songs and genres of music and incorporate their originality spin, inserting their Go-Go flair to each. This provides a rigorous harmonizing sound that consists of the transmission and engine of which is the core of the band’s music.

R&B
R&S Band
R&S Band
R&B