The heart of Washington, DC beats to a rhythm all its own—go-go music. Now, for the first time ever, that sound has a permanent home at the new in Anacostia, ensuring that DC’s most iconic cultural export will be celebrated for generations to come. Go-go, a unique blend of funk, rhythm, and percussion born in the streets and clubs of , has been the lifeblood of the city for decades.
Now, it has a permanent place where its legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The team behind the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum & Cafe is set to cut the ceremonial ribbon in Washington’s historic Anacostia neighborhood on November 18, marking the launch of the first institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving go-go—a syncopated, drum-driven funk that has become the heartbeat of DC’s cultural identity. Go-go music is much more than a genre—it’s a culture, a movement, and an undeniable source of pride for DC, especially for the Black community.
Rooted in syncopated beats and live performances, go-go has provided the soundtrack to countless DC block parties, political protests, and neighborhood gatherings. It became the , cementing its cultural significance not just for Washingtonians but for the world. And now, with the opening of the Go-Go Museum, the genre’s impact can be preserved and celebrated.
The Go-Go Museum & Cafe is the brainchild of community organizer and go-go promoter Ron Moten, who helped lead the —a pivotal moment in 2019 that defended the ci.
