WASHINGTON — Mayor Muriel Bowser and other community leaders finally cut the ribbon on the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum and Cafe in historic Anacostia on Monday. The museum dedicated to the official music of the District has been a long time in the making, and now it's finally here.
Founder Ron Moten was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, along with legendary go-go acts like the Junkyard Band and the Backyard Band. The museum marks the launch of the first institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go, the heartbeat of D.C.’s cultural identity.
The genre has defined the Chocolate City for decades and was named the District's official music back in 2020. The opening of the museum is the latest milestone in the city's ongoing effort to honor the genre, its artists and its lasting influence.
The ribbon-cutting event is part of Go-Go Preservation Week. The DC Public Library is inviting fans to share their story with the Go-Go Archive.
The Go-Go Archive is created in part from the records and reflections of everyday Washingtonians. Help tell the story of Go-Go music and venues past and present. The Library is accepting materials including:
- CDs and audio recordings of Chuck Brown and other Go-Go musicians
- flyers and posters
- photographs
- concert-ticket stubs
- videos or DVDs
- letters that describe attending a Go-Go concert
If you would like to contribute to our archive, please contact us at peoples.archive@dc.gov or call 202-727-1213. Items donated to the archive will be reviewed by Library staff. Selected items will be organized, preserved and made accessible for generations to come. By sharing your Go-Go memories, students, researchers and historians will be able to access the rich history of the archive free of charge.
"The history of Go-Go is ongoing, as the beat evolves, so does its story and you play a key role," library officials said. To learn more, click here.