Heart of the City: Go-Go Museum and Cafe Honors DC’s Musical Heritage – Essence

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 19: Janet Purnell waits in line at a community celebration for the signing of a bill designating Go-Go music as the official music of DC at the House of Culture on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. District 5 DC Councilman Kenyon McDuffie authored the bill, which calls for a program to support, preserve and archive Go-Go music and its history. “I’ve lived here 30 years, and when I first heard it, I loved it,” Purnell said. “I love Chuck Brown.” (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The heart of Washington, D.C. beats to a rhythm all its own: go-go music. Now, for the first time, that sound has a new permanent home Go-Go Museum and Cafe In Anacostia, ensuring that DC’s most iconic cultural export is celebrated for generations to come.

Go-go is a unique blend of funk, rhythm and percussion born in the streets and clubs. Washington in the 1970shas been the lifeblood of the city for decades. Now it has a permanent place where its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The highly anticipated Go-Go Museum and Café team will cut the ceremonial ribbon in Washington’s historic Anacostia neighborhood on November 18, opening the first institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go music—the syncopated, drum-heavy funk that has become the heart of D.C.’s cultural identity.

Go-go music is more than just a genre; it’s a culture, a movement, and an undeniable source of pride for DC, especially the Black community. Rooted in syncopated rhythms and live performances, go-go has provided the soundtrack to countless DC block parties, political protests, and neighborhood gatherings. the city’s official music of 2019reinforces its cultural significance not only to Washingtonians, but to the world. And now, with the opening of the Go-Go Museum, the genre’s influence can be preserved and celebrated.

The Go-Go Museum and Café is the work of community organizer and go-go promoter Ron Moten, who spearheaded the establishment of the go-go museum. #DontMuteDC movement—a pivotal moment in 2019 that prevented the city’s musical identity from being erased. What began as a protest to keep go-go music from being played in public spaces has blossomed into a broader effort to preserve and protect DC’s unique cultural heritage. Moten, along with co-founder and museum curator Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, have brought this vision to life and given go-go music the attention it has long deserved.

Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SE in the heart of historic Anacostia, the museum will feature interactive exhibits, live performances, and artifacts that tell the story of go-go’s rise from local sound to global recognition. Visitors can expect to see memorabilia such as DJ Kool’s tour jacket, Chuck Brown’s promo cut, and a rare bomber jacket from the iconic band Rare Essence. The space will also feature state-of-the-art technology, including holograms of go-go legends like Anwan Glover of the Backyard Band.

For the D.C. community, the museum is more than just a venue; it’s a testament to the enduring power of go-go music and its role in shaping the city’s identity. “We wanted to create a space where the community could come together and celebrate and experience go-go in all its glory,” Moten explained. Featuring a recording studio, outdoor stage, and café, the Go-Go Museum is set to be a vibrant cultural hub that will ensure the infectious rhythm of go-go continues to thrive.

As the museum prepares for its official opening in January and plans special events for Go-Go Preservation Week in November, one thing is certain: DC’s go-go beat will never stop.