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Roll Call Volume 1: Live at The Howard

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Go-Go Legislation

2025-02-17 13:00:00 2025-02-17 17:30:00 America/New_York Roll Call Volume 1: Live at The Howard Performing live on the same stage together for the first time in 25 years will be Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Northeast Groovers! Howard Theatre -

Monday, February 17
1:00pm - 5:30pm

Add to Calendar 2025-02-17 13:00:00 2025-02-17 17:30:00 America/New_York Roll Call Volume 1: Live at The Howard Performing live on the same stage together for the first time in 25 years will be Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Northeast Groovers! Howard Theatre -

Performing live on the same stage together for the first time in 25 years will be Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Northeast Groovers!

DC Public Library, Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment along with the Department of Parks and Recreation present Roll Call Vol. 1: Live at the Howard Theatre in celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Go-Go Legislation in Washington, D.C.

Performing live on the same stage together for the first time in 25 Years will be Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Northeast Groovers! Along with Pock3tBand, DJRemii, and That Bamma Be Crankin DJ Big John. Hosted by Paul Spires!

This event is FREE. Admission is first-come, first-served while capacity permits. RSVP does not guarantee entry. This event is standing-room only.

About the Performers

Junkyard Band

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 - 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 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.

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 to tour in the United States and played major venues such as Capital Centre, Richmond Coliseum and the Apollo Theater. The tour 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 clubs, to weddings, to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band has opened for and performed with/backed-up numerous artists such as Tupac, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, Doug E. Fresh, Lauryn Hill, Chuck Brown and so many others. As the band started when the members were pre-teens, Junkyard has been going strong for more than three decades.

Adding to the band's many accomplishments, special honors, awards, and accolades, Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, D.C., proclaimed Jan. 15, 2018 as Junkyard Band Day!

Backyard Band

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.

Northeast Groovers

Northeast Groovers also known as “NEG.” made their musical debut on the Go-Go scene in 1985 in Northeast Washington, DC. The idea for the band was created from the  imagination of owner and bass player Khari Pratt,  whose dream was destined to become reality. Khari’s motivation, passion, drive and a determination  led to the birth of  th legendaryN.E.G. The band was founded with the support of Khari’s loving parents Mrs. Pearl Pratt,  their long - time manager and Khari's father Mr. Henry Pratt. The spirit of their memory still drives every band member to greatness to this day.  NEG will celebrate their 40 year Anniversary as Go - Go Icons  at the Historic Howard  Theatre in DC on March 28th, 2025.

Pock3t

A youth Go-Go band based out of Annapolis Maryland!

DJ Big John

Producer, Composer, Musician and DJ are a few of the hats Rico Anderson wears. A prodigy who has come of age, Rico was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In high school, a chance meeting with New Edition/BBD member Michael Bivins started Rico on his professional journey in the world of entertainment.

Rico moved to Los Angeles, CA and joined Bivins Motown distributed label BIV/10 Records as a staff writer and producer. Rico produced several hits for the label's artists including Boys II Men, and Bel Biv Devoe. Rico also produced for Fat Joe, Mya, and Will Smith.

Rico relocated back home to Washington, D.C. and established Triple Team Entertainment with partners Reynard Strawbridge, Marquette Coley, and Isaiah McIver. Since then has done production for albums Warning Shot and Hard Hat Area and released mixtapes This Is How I Feel About Hip-Hop and his latest A-Game Vol.1.

DJ Remi

A phenomenal DJ who highlights EVERY corporate event, party, or function! He goes by the name of DJ BIG JOHN ~ DAT BAMMA BE CRANKIN! John Royster, professional known as “DJ Big John” is a native Washingtonian. He was raised in Southeast, DC and graduated from North Carolina Central University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Public Administration.

JusPaul

JusPaul is a proud native Washingtonian, Community activist and an international R&B, Jazz, and Go-Go entertainer.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Collections | Musical Performance |

Venue details


620 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001