The Chuck Brown Band

“The Godfather of Go Go,” Chuck Brown is the undisputed sole founder and creator of Go-Go music, a hypnotically danceable genre deeply rooted in funk and soul that he developed in the early 70’s, and the only form of expressive culture to originate in the District of Columbia.  Foreshadowing rap and many of the significant popular R&B styles of the past three decades, Chuck's signature style earned him a place in American musical royalty.  This esteem was maintained by the reputation of his legendary live shows, heavy on audience participation and built around “the beat” to create an unparalleled non-stop party atmosphere. Chuck Brown passed away in 2012, but  The Chuck Brown Band, who toured the world with the Godfather carries the torch and keeps the beat and legacy alive.   

E.U. featuring Sugar Bear

E.U. formed in the '70s and originally had a sound inspired by early Earth, Wind & Fire, Santana, and War. They developed into one of Washington, D.C.'s most original and longest-lasting go-go acts. Led by bassist and vocalist Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott, E.U. had a primarily local following through performances and albums like Free Yourself (1977) and Future Funk (1982), until they scored an unlikely Top 40 pop hit in 1988 with "Da'Butt," featured in Spike Lee's School Daze. The band signed to Virgin and charted five singles with the label. They subsequently returned to independence and performed frequently as Sugar Bear & E.U.