GoGo Museum Café opens in historic Anacostia, celebrates culture
Nov 18, 2024
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- On Monday morning, City officials will unveil the first institution in Washington, D.C. dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go music and its culture.
The Go-Go Museum & Café is opening in the historic Anacostia community. Mayor Muriel Bowser will cut the ribbon at the highly anticipated museum at 11 a.m. with community leaders and co-founders Ronald Moten and Dr. Natalie Hopkinson.
Go-go music is an indigenous genre known for its distinctive rhythm that has served as the heartbeat of the District for decades. In 2020, it was formally designated as the city's official music with the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act.
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According to the National Black MBA Association, Go-go music has roots in the funk and soul music scenes of the 1960s and 1970s. However, it wasn't until the mid-70s that the genre truly "took shape" in the District.
The mayor's office said the ribbon cutting will take place during Go-Go Preservation Week, which runs from Nov. 17 to Nov. 23.