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40 Years of Universal Madness

Go-Go Preservation Week 2025

Celebrate 40 years of Universal Madness' legacy as a defining chapter of D.C.'s cultural identity, with exhibit tours, a pop-up shop, and panel conversation.

Universal Madness, D.C.'s iconic urban lifestyle brand, is marking 40 years of bridging fashion, music, and movement - from streetwear to sound, from the block to the global stage. In honor of Keep the Beat Week: Go-Go Preservation Week 2025, DC Public Library is hosting an interactive day full of storytelling, fashion, and performance, celebrating the evolution of Go-Go and the people who made it a movement!

1 - 4:30 p.m. |📸 Bring Your Go-Go Stories and Photos and Tour the Go-Go Exhibit

Got classic shots from a show? Behind-the-scenes moments? Iconic Go-Go booth pics? Bring your top 3–4 photos to be scanned and added to the Go-Go Archive on Dig DC. We’re also accepting physical photo donations for the People’s Archive. 

You will also have the opportunity to check out DC Public Library's permanent exhibition, Up From the People, which features key moments from Go-Go history! 

1 - 4:30 p.m. | 👕 Universal Madness Pop-Up Shop

Snag classic and limited-edition Universal Madness apparel at the special 40th Anniversary Pop-Up!

1 p.m. | 🧢 40 Years of Universal Madness

Hear from the founders of Universal Madness Eddie (Ed) Van, Tyrone (Ty) Johnson, and Larry Bowden as they share the origins of their premiere streetwear company, how it gained notoriety through its breakout "Summer Madness" project, was featured in the Corcoran Gallery of Art's "Pump Me Up" exhibit, and how they have styled many iconic artists from the late Chuck Brown, to Wale, Nas, and more.

2:15 - 4:30 p.m. | 🪘 LIVE Concerts from Legends of Go-Go

Enjoy sets by the OGs of Go-Go, Soul Searchers Band followed by Push Play Band!

📣 Don’t just keep the beat — help us tell the story. Show up, show out, and make sure your voice is part of DC’s Go-Go legacy.

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