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.

Washington D.C. is the birthplace of this exciting and diverse all-female band, founded in September 2007, managed by John Agurs. The high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship exuded on stage are incomparable. Their unique style of Funk, Jazz, R&B and Rock commands audiences and the meshing of the raw talents possessed by these seasoned musicians captivates all who see them perform. Individually, the breadth of experience of each band member ranges from formal training in jazz, classical, opera, gospel, and R&B, to touring and performing with artists such as Nile Rodgers, Regina Belle, Pieces of a Dream, Chaka Khan, Chuck Brown, High Five, Sugar Bear & EU, Salt & Pepa, Stephanie Mills, Michael Bolton, Elton John and many others. Collectively, Be’la Dona has had the pleasure of performing with Erykah Badu, Vivian Green, Avery Sunshine, KeKe Wyatt, Algebra Blessett, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Rah Digga, Lil Mama, Goapole, Marsha Ambrosious, Chico DeBarge, Chrisette Michele, Howard Hewett, Case, Kurtis Blow, Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, Tony Terry, Tanya Blount and Chuck Brown, as well as having the distinct honor of serving as the house band on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise in 2014 and being deemed the official band for Beverly Bond’s, “Black Girls Rock Tour”, in 2011. Be’la Dona has been twice nominated for DMV Awards and has been awarded “Best Up and Coming Band” by Go-Go Coalition in 2009, “Best Urban Contemporary Group” by Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) in 2010, “Best Go-Go Duo or Group” by WAMA in 2011, 2012 & 2014, and “Best Female Band/Duo Group” by Titan Awards in 2014. The “magic” of Be’la Dona Band rests in a combination of dynamic leadership from their Musical Director, Sweet Cherie, who has been awarded “Instrumentalist of the Year” six years consecutively by WAMA and the diversity exemplified in their talent, as well as personal lives. While the name Be’la Dona means “pretty lady”, these women are so much more. They are mothers, wives, civic leaders and activists, business women, educators, and mentors who take their responsibility to serve as role models to girls and women as seriously off the stage as they do while performing. Musicianship, showmanship, leadership, high-energy stage performances, beauty, and integrity, are the foundation of their drawing power. Be’la Dona captivates the crowd and propels the power of womanhood to the forefront. This is the band you have been waiting for!