A Crankin! Celebration

Go-go history gets a live update at this celebration of Crankin! Power and Resilience in Washington, DC’s Go-Go Culture. Authors Alona Wartofsky, Charles Stephenson Jr. and Kato Hammond will discuss the music’s evolution, from Chuck Brown and early pioneers to #DontMuteDC and go-go’s place in recent social justice movements. The conversation is followed by performances that make the connection between generations especially clear. Next Gen Krank, a group of D.C. public school teens, shares the bill with Experience Unlimited’s Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott and Backyard Band’s Anwan “Big G” Glover and Leroy “Weensey” Brandon. Beat Ya Feet dancers and surprise guests add to the program, while copies of the book will be available for signing. It is a smart pick for anyone who wants more than a history lesson and would rather see go-go’s past, present and future occupy the same room.