When you go clubbing, what do you go for? Do you want to: Have a good time?, Meet new people?, Hang with the ladies or chill with the fellas?, Hear good music?, Dance until you sweat?, or Just to escape some problems in which you’ve encountered for the day or week? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you may understand why there’s such a need for go-go with today’s young adults and even some old heads!
Most of the crowd at go-go’s don’t go to fight
or vandalize. In fact, a good number of the crowd contains aspiring
professionals and college students. Of course there are a few bad apples
that spoil the bunch, but generally it’s nothing but a party. We
as go-go’s population use the music to celebrate and vent energy.
The beating of the drum symbolizes a series of different rituals that relate
to our African ancestry.
I can remember one of my first go-go's, with JunkYard Band and NorthEast Groovers at The BlackScorpio. Everybody waiting in line dressed in their emotions, and the anxiety in my stomach of not knowing what to do or say. I kept thinking, don’t stare, don't bump, don't get smart, and please don't step on anybody's shoes. My girlfriends and I partied hard that night. We met a whole lot of new people, saw some old friends from different neighborhoods, and broke curfew. Grounded for two weeks, and couldn't wait for the chance to go again!
You see, I was one who thought that there was nothing but trouble at go-go's, but after I went and partied, my whole perception changed. I'm not saying that once you go to a go-go you'll change your mind, but experience the energy and then make your choice. This is what makes the District of Columbia unique in the music industry. The members' that play in all of these different bands have worked hard to show their creative talents, and deserve the spotlight. The negative feed back from the media is all you ever see, but go-go gives back to the community. Whether it is neighborhood promotions with radio stations, benefit games, block parties, or "kiddy cabarets." Go-Go is a form of music as well as entertainment, and should be recognized for its many years of survival in the community and respected for the ability to keep going.
CONTACT SIX
If you have any opinions, questions, suggestions, ideas, or insight
on any related topics, you can e-mail SIX at:
writesix@hotmail.com
©
1999 TMOTTGoGo Magazine