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The beat is back on this summer at the Go-Go on the Rooftop Concert Series at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library!
This June, in honor of Black Music Month, the Go-Go Archives are inviting you to a FREE concert each Sunday in June with a line-up that features both current and future legends of D.C.'s official music. Meet some of D.C.’s incredible small business owners at the Pop-Up Vendor Mall in front of MLK Library.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed on the rooftop only. DMV Resident? Sign up for a DC Public Library Card to attend! Visiting the District? Just show your ID at the entrance.
Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott is a globally known recording artist, frontman, lead vocalist, and bass player of the band E.U. (Experience Unlimited). E.U. has had 3 billboard hits including the “Da Butt” which peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles in 1988 and was also a featured performance in Spike Lee’s film “School Daze”. Also, to his credit, his group Experience Unlimited aka E.U. was not only an opening act for the commencement ceremony for the 2016 opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture but they also have an exhibit on the third floor of the museum. Learn more on their website.
The Chuck Brown Band
“The Godfather of Go Go,” Chuck Brown is the undisputed sole founder and creator Go-Go music, a hypnotically danceable genre deeply rooted in funk and soul that he developed in the early 70’s , and the only form of expressive culture to originate in the District of Columbia. Foreshadowing many of the major popular R&B styles of the past three decades, Chuck's signature style earned him a place in American musical royalty. This esteem was maintained by the reputation of his legendary live shows, heavy on audience participation and built around “the beat” to create an unparalleled non-stop party atmosphere. The Chuck Brown Band, who toured the world with the Godfather carries the torch and keeps the beat and legacy alive.
Proper Utensils Ft. Jas Funk
We are DC's only band dedicated to preserving and expanding "Old-School" Go-Go. Jas Funk, also known as James Thomas, is a prominent figure in the Washington, D.C. go-go music scene, particularly known for his work with the legendary band Rare Essence. He is considered a "legendary" crowd motivator and entertainer. His musical contributions, including collaborations with Chuck Brown, have solidified his place in the history of D.C. go-go. Zyona ftg. Michael Muse
In an era of declining songwriting skills and auto tune crooning, Michael Muse embodies the best traditions of R&B/Soul music as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. His velvet voice is unique and mesmerizing, captivating audiences across the nation. It was inevitable that MichaelMuse’s talent would capture the world since his gift was discovered at the age of five and since he is the son of the legendary New York Jazz Musician “Chuck Henley”.
A native Washingtonian, Muse started his professional career as the lead vocalist for Rare Essence at the ripe age of 16 and penned their second single release “Back Up Against The Wall” in 1983. Muse is also known in the DC music community as the most prolific vocalist in GoGo history paving the way for most vocalist in GoGo today. Muse studied under the direction of Dr. Leroy Dorsey, who taught Donny Hathaway and Robert Flack at the historical Howard University.
Thousands are entranced by Michael Muse’s superb Falsetto and natural smooth tenor that makes him a true extraordinaire balladeer. And now, with the support of four close friends; Keith Busey (Bassist and former Music Director for The Stylistics), Marc Foster (Keyboardist), Larnell Carr (Percussionist), and Jacque Johnson Jr.(brother of the talented Meshell Ndegeocello on Guitar and musical arrangements), their on a mission as a band to flood the airways with a unique smooth sound with a slight touch of homegrown Washington DC sound infused in the mix. Fans are ecstatic about the collaboration and can’t wait for the entire world to witness such illustrious 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 determination led to the birth of the legendary N.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 celebrated their 40th Anniversary as Go-Go Icons at the Historic Howard Theatre in DC on March 28th, 2025.
Obsession Band
Started out as a group of kids from High School with a dream to make it big on the Go-Go scene. (No Longer Kids) The Lead Mic is the QB in a Go-Go band, and "D" is the Joe Montana of Obsession. He calls the play, and the band executes. Lauren "TheVybe" aka "L"is a soulful singer who will take over the stage with her energy and voice!! More to come with this one, stay tuned. Mikey "Da Singer" can do it all: sings, raps, and composes. "Bread" The Entertainer, he is the Hype Man, Rapper, Singer, whatever he's doing, he is the part! On lead guitar, we have "Mel," a fantastic musician when he is not onstage with Obsession tours with Mia and Tweet. Telly aka "REDMAN" is an OBSESSION blue blood percussionist for the band. Glenn aka "G5" Keyboard player extraordinaire folks come close but none better than guy. You may have seen him on stage with Wale, Jay-z and Beyonce. Smoove - talented Bass player/music director of the band. Bo Beedy percussionist King of them grimy beats on them Congas. Arvelle has been apart some of the best bands to ever do it GOGO and he is now an active member of Obsession. "MICKEY" Obsession percussionist (drums, timbales, congas etc.) he also is a producer. Mack Keyboard aka "Mr. 808" another Go-Go vets and producer. Antonio aka "Tone-Setta" newest member but don't let his youth fool you. Quickly being recognized and considered with the best drummers in the DMV. DMV HAS THE BEST DRUMMERS!!! "Tone-Setta" is not a game!!! Everett "E" Obsession CEO and Executive Producer OB4LIFE!!
Major League Band
Major League Band was started in 2014 as a local hometown band. In the short years they have managed to reach hights some young bands never experience.
DC Vybe was formed in 2002 after the expiration of a group called Virtuous. Vybe started as an R&B cover band, which performed weekly at J's Sport Cafe in Laurel, Md. Eventually, Vybe layered their R&B sound over D.C.'s GO-GO pocket. The streets of D.C. define this style as Pocket Jazz or Grown & Sexy, but we just call it music. Vybe's sound is heavily influenced by Chuck Brown, The Godfather of GO-GO.
Vybe Band performs at various locations throughout the DC Metropolitan Area, as well as nationally. Venues include: Howard Theatre; Smithsonian Museum and the National Harbor - Washington, DC; Miami Beach Convention Center and Mansion Club South Beach - Miami, FL; Tournament Weekend (formerly CIAA Weekend) - Charlotte, NC.
Vybe covers all genres of music specializing in funk, R&B, GO-GO and jazz. The band is comprised of a drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, trumpeter, trombonist, saxophonist, male and female vocalists.
Black Alley has been pushing the art of music to its rhythmic limits for some time now. Determined to create a unique musical elixir, Black Alley has taken the finest ingredients of funk, jazz, soul, and rock to create a sound and genre all their own; they call it “Hood Rock." The band is one, each musician surrendering to the union of sounds, each delivering music from their soul, while they are in dialogue with one another through their instruments. Each member of this collective is essential to the workability and funkability of the unit which is Black Alley.
The Go-Go Archive, established in 2012 honors, preserves, teaches and shares the living history of D.C.’s official beat, Go-Go. Each concert in the summer series will be filmed and added to the Go-Go Archive. Learn more by visiting the library's permanent exhibit on the 4th Floor of the MLK Library Up From the People.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Special Collections | Musical Performance |
