What to Wear to the Go-go?!

What to Wear to the Go-go?!

In honor of Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Gogo, whom passed away Wednesday May 16th,  2012 I offer this post.

For those who don't know, Go-go is a subgenre associated with funk that originated in the Washington, D.C., area during the mid- 1960s to late-1970s. It remains primarily popular in the area as a uniquely regional music style. A great number of bands contributed to the early evolution of the genre, but The Young Senators, Black Heat, and notably singer-guitarist Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers are credited with having developed most of the hallmarks of the style.

Inspired by artists such as the groups formerly mentioned and Chuck Brown, Go-go is a blend of funk, rhythm and blues, and early hip-hop, with a focus on lo-fi percussion instruments and funk-style jamming in place of dance tracks, although some sampling is used. As such, it is primarily a dance hall music with an emphasis on live audience call and response. Go-go rhythms are also incorporated into street percussion. (from Wikipedia)

As a Phoenix born, New York raised, now resident DMV'er (DC, Maryland Virginia) , when I heard go-go, I was less than impressed.  My future husband used to blast go-go when we first started dating, because I was so "New York" and absolutely couldn't stand it.  Isn't he charming?

However, it eventually grew on me.  Go-go is a heavy percussion sound, that focuses on remakes (mostly) of popular culture hits that span from hip-hop, reggae, r&b, rock and pop.  Go-go is a live performance driven sound, so if you run to PA Palace for a cd, there will be no mixing or mastering.

I really started liking go-go on accident.  A cousin of mine took me to Takoma Station (a night club) years ago and Rare Essence happened to be performing.  Rare Essence is more go-go for grown folks, than some of the other bands like Backyard, and TCB.  When I found out they were going to play go-go that  night, I was none too pleased.  However, when Rare Essence started into their set, I was hooked!  I couldn't stop dancing (and believe me, I am a wallflower!)  The heavy percussion, audience participation and great live singers had me mesmerized.

While it took a long time to grow on me and I am by no means a go-go head, the percussion and rhythm is hypnotizing.  One of my favorite go-go songs is Ashley Simpsons "Pieces of Me" remake by Rare Essence.

 

So if you're visiting Washington, DC check out the music born from the DC you don't see on TV or hear on MTV. (I take that back, recently gogo music has crept into the mainstream, thanks to Wale's "Pretty Girls", Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" and Amerie's "One Thing" was definitely gogo influenced).

So what to wear to the go-go?  For starters, you will want to be comfortable, because once that beat hits you, you will want to move!

(Those shoes were worn by Leighton Meester to Fashion's Night Out: The Show at Lincoln Center on September 7, 2010 in New York City. I still love them...)

So if you're planning to check out a gogo, email me and I'll meet you there!

As always, Happy Shopping!

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