WASHINGTON — Community members gathered at a bar and restaurant in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood on Wednesday to hear from a few of the leading ladies of Go-Go.
The women spoke about the past, present, and future of the music genre during an event celebrating four years of it being recognized as the official music of the District.
Under a twinkling branch full of lights suspended from vaulted ceilings, the all-women panel sat down to talk about what Go-Go means to them.
"I’m going to warn you now that if your lashes are not tight, hold on because you may cry a little, you are definitely gonna laugh a little, and y’all are going to get to, for once, hear from our leading ladies in Go-Go. About what Go-Go music, culture, community, and what growing up on the scene means to them. And not just what they’ve done, but what they’re doing, and how they plan to make a way for the leading ladies of Go-Go future," opened Poet Taylor, the host of Midday Shenanigans on WPGC (95.5 FM).
Panelists included living music legends such as Michelle Blackwell, Kimise, and Kacey from the band Black Alley, Sweet Cherie of Be’la Dona, and Tiffani White “Sweet Thang” of Backyard Band. All of whom have had a tremendous impact on the genre of music native to D.C.
When asked how each of the ladies got into Go-Go, many sighed and admitted that they weren't allowed to go by their parents growing up. Sweet Cherie of Be’la Dona said “My parents never let me go, so playing with Sugar Bear was my first real experience on the Go-Go scene."
Tiffani White of the Backyard Band told the crowd her first experiences were at high school parties held in the basement back in the day.
"You know, jean prints on the wall and stuff," said White. "When I got older, I snuck out and went to my first live show and was pretty much hooked. No regular clubs for me."
Lead vocalist of Black Alley Kacey Williams said she was introduced to the genre while on the step squad in high school. "We used to use songs from Backyard and Northeast Groovers to open up our shows and we would step to Go-Go. So that was my first experience with it." Adding, "Then later on I snuck into the Black Hole and you know, other places. I didn't get caught but I was definitely sneaking around."
The conversation continued with the women opening up about how they each got into making music and then more specifically, Go-Go. Then continued with their various experiences on stages across D.C. and even the world. Some have played alongside the most well-known musicians in history including Chuck Brown, who is considered the "Godfather of Go-Go."
When asked what specifically being a woman in Go-Go meant to each of them or how it impacted their careers, several panelists said they actually felt accepted by the men when they started out.
"Almost every band or front line wanted to add a female, so for me and probably for any of us it wasn’t hard because the guys were very welcoming and they made a spot for us. So it wasn’t like we had to fight for that spot," said Kimise currently with band District Kings.
Others chimed in to say that if it hadn't been for the women in the industry before them, they wouldn't have felt so encouraged to pursue Go-Go.
“When I felt the ladies in the industry and their willingness to embrace new women in Go-Go, that’s when I was like this is something I could really do,” said Williams.
Kimise added, "You know how they saw women can’t get together, can’t work together, I have never felt that ever."
But it hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies being a woman in the industry.
"As strong as our presence is in this business, we are still the minority. Also when it comes to women in positions of authority, we don't see that too often in Go-Go," said Blackwell.
Panelists admitted that the genre is competitive and cocky and that women are often harshly compared to one another.
One thing that they all agreed on, was that there is enough room for everybody to be a part of the music. Also Go-Go has been the official music of the District long before Mayor Bowser made it official four years ago.
When asked how it felt that the music was finally being officially recognized, White said "D.C. natives, what they saw is law. Whether or not you put it on a piece of paper. But, it was very dope to have others acknowledge it."
The conversation was hosted at a pop-up bar and restaurant, The Alumni at Baby Wale, which was transformed for the event. The entire space was lit up with pink and purple lights, with pictures of various local leaders and figures wearing Go-Go sweatshirts that read "Long Live Alumni" along the walls.
The panel was followed by a spoken word event with accompanying live Go-Go music as part of the 4th annual "Keep the Beat Week" celebrating the origins of Go-Go in the District.
For even more events happening in the District this week, click here.
Leading ladies of Go-Go talk past, future, and present
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