The JoGo Project is a genre-blending ensemble inspired by the musical stylings of Chuck Brown. Founded in 2014 by Elijah Jamal Balbed, the band performs all over with the mission of keeping Go-Go music alive. The band features several DC natives, as well as musicians from around the country who have since claimed DC as their home, as you'll hear in the song "DC's Been Good To Me". JoGo is known to put on an eclectic live show that excites and unites audiences of all walks of life.
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. Jazz + Go-Go = JoGo!
How was the band formed?
The band was formed by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed as a culmination of his residency at Strathmore in May of 2014. Elijah was fortunate to perform with Chuck for the last year of The Godfather's life, which inspired Elijah to continue Chuck's legacy by starting a group of his own.
Booking:
thejogoproject@gmail.com
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
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!
Free show! All ages are welcome. Come see us perform at the wonderful Renaissance Hotel.
Now in its third year, The Labor Day Weekend Music Festival showcases the diversity of DC’s local music scene. By featuring artists working in different musical styles and genres over the course of Labor Day Weekend, the festival is a demonstration of the depth and breadth of our local musical talent
GoGo Fusion Night, hosted by Joe Clair featuring:
DuPont Brass The JoGo Project Full Throttle Band The Experience Band & Show with special guest DJ Scientific
The Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series is every Friday through August 31. Come out and enjoy delicious bites from the week’s featured food truck and amazing live music. There’s a new band and food truck each Friday. We hope to see you there. In partnership with The Modern at Art Place.
Family friendly! Free
Dupont Brass opening
Jazz in the Garden
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National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Constitution Ave & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
After a successful debut, JoGo returns to Jazz in the Garden this May!! Mark your calendars and get ready for a crankin good time.
Annual Funk Parade Festival in Dc!
Free Concert to honor the celebration of Black history Month!
$12.00 Tickets Doors Open 7:00pm Show starts 8:30pm.
GA