(Washington, DC) – On Tuesday, January 6 at 6 pm, Mayor Muriel Bowser will celebrate five decades of Go-Go at the 2026 Go-Go Awards, recognizing the genre’s enduring impact on the nation’s capital. The event will honor both the Mayor and other individuals committed to preserving and elevating Go-Go, officially designated as the music of Washington, DC.
A Golden Anniversary for DC’s Signature Sound
The 2026 Go-Go Awards will commemorate 50 years of a uniquely Washingtonian art form.
- The awards, themed “Returning to Our Roots & Embracing the Diaspora,” will highlight Go-Go’s cultural, economic, and community contributions.
- Live performances will feature legendary artists including the Chuck Brown Band, Kurtis Blow, and Doug E. Fresh.
- The event takes place at the historic Lincoln Theatre on U Street NW.
- Mayor Bowser championed legislation in 2020 to officially recognize Go-Go as DC’s signature music.
Presented by the Go-Go Museum & Café, the first institution globally dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Go-Go music, the 2026 Go-Go Awards promise a vibrant evening of tributes and performances. The program will honor the history, legacy, and future of the genre, spotlighting the artists and leaders who have shaped its sound for half a century.
What exactly *is* Go-Go? It’s a subgenre of funk and R&B, born in Washington, DC, characterized by a driving, syncopated beat, call-and-response vocals, and extended instrumental jams—a sound that’s as energetic as it is uniquely DC.
DC natives and comedians Joe Clair and Jay Cole will co-host the event, which will also feature performances by the Go-Go Allstars, A Team (serving as the house band), and a special collaborative set by DJ Kool and DJ Wiz, underscoring the historic connection between Go-Go and hip-hop.
Mayor Bowser has consistently advocated for the arts as a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s cultural landscape, economy, and community life. Her commitment culminated in the passage of the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act in 2020, officially cementing Go-Go’s status as the city’s official music.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, January 6 at 6 pm
Who: Mayor Muriel Bowser, Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairwoman, Urban One, Ronald Moten, Founder and CEO, Go-Go Museum & Café, Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, Chief Curator, Go-Go Museum & Café, Joe Clair, Co-Host
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW. The U Street/Cardozo Metro Station and the 13th & U Street NW Bikeshare Station are conveniently located nearby.
This event is open to pre-credentialed press only. Members of the press interested in attending are asked to RSVP to [email protected].
A live feed of the event will be available on mayor.dc.gov/live, Channel 16 (DCN), and Mayor Bowser’s Facebook and X accounts.
