Washington, DC celebrated the opening of The Go-Go Museum & Café in Anacostia today, with Mayor Muriel Bowser, community leaders, and local artists marking the occasion. The museum highlights the city's iconic go-go music scene. According to a press release from the Mayor's office, the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the city's recognition of go-go's cultural influence and legacy. The event attracts not only officials but also the founders of the museum, Ronald Moten and Dr. Natalie Hopkinson.
Go-Go Music was honored as the official sound of the city back in 2020 with the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act. This museum launch, coinciding with Go-Go Preservation Week from November 17 to 23, marks another step in cementing the genre's storied presence. Numerous local stakeholders, including the DC Office of Cable, Television, Music, and Entertainment and Events DC, have collaborated to support and raise awareness for the genre's significance both on a local and global scale.
The Go-Go Museum & Café, located at 1920 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, as outlined in the aforementioned press release, is now officially open to the public. Those looking to experience the city's rhythm can easily access the museum via public transportation, including the Anacostia Metro, bus routes 90, A6, P6, or the nearby Bikeshare station at MLK & Marion Barry Ave SE.
The community gathered today to honor the legacy of go-go music, with influential artist Anwan Glover, aka Big G, named Musical Director of the newly opened Go-Go Museum & Café. Local bands like Junkyard Band and Backyard Band, key figures in the go-go scene, also participated in the celebration. The event was streamed live for those who couldn’t attend, courtesy of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, and was available on the Mayor's official channels.
