OCTFME CELEBRATES THE 6TH ANNUAL KEEP THE BEAT WEEK AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF GO-GO MUSIC

WASHINGTON, DC - The award-winning DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and

Entertainment (OCTFME) proudly presents the Sixth Annual Keep The Beat Week, February 16-

20, honoring the 50th Anniversary of Go-Go Music, the official sound of the District of

Columbia. This year's celebration also marks six years since Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the

bill to designate Go-Go as the Official Music of the District, cementing Go-Go's place as the

heartbeat of DC culture.

This year's Keep The Beat Week is a citywide celebration of Go-Go's legacy and future,

featuring live concerts, wellness activations, sports collaborations, film programming, and

original content that showcase the genre's enduring influence.

Keep The Beat Week is a citywide celebration of Go-Go's legacy and future, featuring live

concerts, wellness activations, sports collaborations, film programming, and original content that

showcases the genre's enduring influence.

"Keep The Beat Week celebrates the culture, creativity, and resilience that defines Washington,

DC," said LaToya Foster, Director of OCTFME. "As we honor 50 years of Go-Go and 100 years

of Black History commemorations, we're proud to present experiences that uplift our

community, showcase local talent, and preserve the sounds and stories that make our city

unique."

KEEP THE BEAT 2026 WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

Roll Call Volume 3: Live at The Howard Theatre

Monday, February 16 | 2:00 PM | Howard Theatre | Free Admission (SOLD OUT)

The week kicks off with Roll Call Volume 3, celebrating 50 years of Go-Go with electrifying

performances by Mature Clientele Band, Sirius Company ft. Scooby DaGodSon, Push Play ft. D.Floyd, and DC Vybe ft. D. Holmes.

Jazz Jam in the District

Every Wednesday in February | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Union Station (Mezzanine Level)

Jazz Jam in the District | Every Wednesday in February | 4 PM to 6 PM | Union Station

Celebrate the legacy of African American jazz legends while supporting local jazz talent during

this weekly live performance series. This week Elijah Jamal Balbed, educator, saxophonist

and founder of jazz-infused Go-Go band JoGo Project is performing. For full line-up, visit

Union Station DC click HERE.

2026 Go-Go Awards Broadcast on DCN

Thursday, February 19 | 8:00 PM ET | District of Columbia Network (Channel 16 & Online)

Taped at DC's historic Lincoln Theatre, the sold-out Go-Go Awards featured performances by

Chuck Brown Band, Kurtis Blow, Doug E. Fresh, and a multi-generational lineup of Go-Go and

hip-hop pioneers. Honorees included Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, Cathy Hughes, Dr. Natalie

Hopkinson, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and other cultural leaders.

Capital City Go-Go Game Featuring Live Go-Go Performances

Thursday, February 19 | 7:00 PM | CareFirst Arena

In partnership with Monumental Sports, OCTFME bring DC youth Go-Go performances to the

court during the Capital City Go-Go game on Thursday. DC Public Schools (DCPS) "Let's Go-

Go Band" will be featured along with special highlights celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Go-

Go. The sporting event will be broadcast on ESPN+. For more click HERE.

Go-Go Then and Now: A 50-Year Legacy Panel Discussion

Friday, February 20 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | OCTFME Studio A

Three thought-provoking FREE panels and a Fireside Chat trace Go-Go's journey from Chuck

Brown's original groove to the digital era and #DontMuteDC movement. Topics include the

business ecosystem built by producers and promoters, generations of artists shaping the sound,

and resources from government and community partners to sustain Go-Go's future. For more

information and to RSVP, visit www.creativeaffairsdc.com.

Black History Film Festival (BHFF)

Friday, February 20 | 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Lincoln Theatre

A day-long FREE celebration of Black storytelling in cinema featuring documentaries, classics,

contemporary works, and films by local DC filmmakers. Enjoy a dynamic panel, a lively

reception, special performances, and a live Go-Go set as part of the evening program.

Featured films include DC's own I Was the Weirdo by Larry Ware II and Howard University

filmmaker Serenity Owens with Strut the Yard: The Documentary. Plus, powerful stories of

Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Nat Turner, and more…Black history told like neverbefore. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit

www.BlackHistoryFilmFestival.com.

So You Wanna Film in DC Panel Hosted by the DC Film Office

Friday, February 20 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lincoln Theatre

As part of the BHFF, this FREE panel hosted by OCTFME's DC Film Division features local

filmmakers, casting professionals, entertainment attorneys, and production experts providing

insight into filming in the nation's capital, navigating permitting, legal considerations, and

building a sustainable creative career in DC. Reserve your spot now at

www.BlackHistoryFilmFestival.com.

Residents are encouraged to attend events, and tune-in to OCTFME Channels throughout the

month. OCTFME will air special programming on DCN, DKN, and DCE during Keep The Beat

Week. For more information, visit www.creativeaffairsdc.com and follow us on social media at

@Entertain_DC.

###