Go-Go on the Rooftop with Junkyard Band

A Summer Go-Go Concert Series at the MLK Library

Celebrate the official beat of D.C. with the best view in town as Junkyard Band plays their greatest hits opened by Mental Attraction and hosted by DJ Rico with beats by DJ Big John!

Back by popular demand! The beat keeps going all summer long at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library as we invite you to another Go-Go on the Rooftop concert! Come ready to dance! Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.

DC Public Library is proud to be the home of the Go-Go Archives. Learn more by visiting the library's permanent exhibit on the 4th Floor of the MLK Library Up From the People.

About 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!

About Mental Attraction Band 2.0

Based out of Southeast DC, the birthplace of Gogo, Mental Attraction 2.0 has logged over 20 years of experience under their wheels. When they say “Welcome To The Kranktrain!” they’re not playing because this train runs on schedule every weekend of the year, sometimes performing as many as three shows between Friday and Sunday. Taught by their hometown local legends, the last time this 13-piece played Charlottesville there was an Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House on Pantops bordered by woods! B.J., the band leader fronts a team of all-stars. His bass player is in Wale’s backing band and “Congo E” has been a semi-finalist in the DMV area’s legendary conga competitions. Mental Attraction has shared the stage for Wale (obviously), Jadakiss and even provided backing duties for Fat Trell when opening for him. Mental Attraction has loyal fan base with over a 100 strong piling into buses and riding seventeen hours as far South as Miami to see them live. 

About DJ Rico

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.

About DJ Big John

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.

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