The JoGo Project is an ensemble based in Washington, DC dedicated to preserving and promoting DC's indigenous music - Go-Go. JoGo was formed in 2014 by Elijah Jamal Balbed - a DC native and Saxophonist who performed with The Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown from 2011 until Chuck's passing in May of 2012. JoGo continues in the tradition of Chuck Brown by keeping the Jazz elements prominent in the music. Known for a high-energy performance, strong vocals, and one of the baddest percussionists around, JoGo will have you on your feet and sweaty by the end. Bring your dancing shoes and a towel - you'll need it! And don't forget, Jazz + Go-Go = JoGo.
Follow: @thejogoproject
Booking: thejogoproject@gmail.com
What is Go-Go?
Go-Go music is the indigenous genre from Washington, DC created by the legendary Chuck Brown - the "Godfather of Go-Go". It is known for a steadily funky beat, heavy percussion, and most notably lots of crowd participation via call and response. Go-Go in DC is like Reggae in Jamaica or Bossa Nova in Brazil. It's the sound of the city!
What is JoGo?
A band trying to keep Jazz and Go-Go musics alive, while making the world a better place. In addition to a band, JoGo is a concept. It's continuing the tradition that Chuck Brown started of taking jazz standards, covers, and even movie/television themes and putting them over a Go-Go beat.
Photo courtesy of Darwyn Dave Photography
Latest Release
A tribute to Draylen Mason and features some of D.C's top talent. Written by Elijah Balbed and JusPaul, the track unites Go-Go and Jazz with Pop sensibilities
Upcoming Shows
Previous events
The JoGo Project will start the Rosslyn Jazz Festival off with a set at 1pm. Come out and join us for what will definitely be a high-energy afternoon!
Free and family friendly! Bring a picnic blanket, some dancing shoes, and bug spray!
Free and family friendly!
The JoGo Project returns to DC Jazz Festival for a FREE and family friendly concert at the Kreeger Museum in Upper Northwest.
JoGo will perform two sets outdoors at the Big Chair in Anacostia as a part of the DC Jazz Festival.
FREE and open to the public!
The JoGo Project makes their Richmond debut on Saturday, May 25th! Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear the band at one of RVA's best live music venues - The Vagabond.
Come out to Oxon Run Park in Southeast, DC to enjoy the sounds of The JoGo Project on Arbor Day! Free and family friendly.
JoGo is back! After a brief hiatus, the band is excited to perform at Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, MD! Tickets are still available, link below.
New Year's Eve w/ JoGo Project
John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC
JoGo will perform the after party and ball drop in the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center for New Year's Eve! Tix at www.kennedy-center.org
A condensed version of JoGo will be appearing at Marvin, right at 14th & U Streets this Friday 12/7!! No Cover, so stop through and enjoy the sounds of some Jazz & Go-Go.
We regret to inform our JoGo fans that the Tree Lighting Ceremony has been CANCELLED due to the weather. See everybody on New Year's Eve at the Kennedy Center!
Join us at the MPAartfest cranking at the park!
Hill Fest brings musicians together in an effort to translate performances into policy. The festival starts with a conference addressing policy concerns that directly affect musicians on a local and national level, followed by a day-long concert
Destination Atlas Fundraiser
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
80 years ago, the Atlas made its grand debut on H Street offering a dynamic new destination for art and entertainment in the nation’s capital. 50 years ago, following the 1968 riots, the Atlas still stood as a monument of hope in a vibrant community, beckoning a renaissance destined in our future. Today, the Atlas celebrates its rich and honorable past as it embraces the promising years ahead – a landmark destination for performing arts and cultural connection.
Join us for this unique and remarkable celebration, and support the Atlas Performing Arts Center!