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.
JoGo Project is proudly managed by The Beat & Path, an artist collective and promotion group based in Washington, DC. For more info, go to http://www.tbandp.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. 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:
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 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
One Love Massive Floor Show
We're excited to return to City Market at O's Tree Lighting Ceremony for the third year in a row!!
Free and open to the public. Details on flyer!
The JoGo Project celebrates the release of their debut EP - One For Pops at the historic Blues Alley! Purchase your tickets now, this one is sure to sell out ;-)
8 & 10pm Sets $20
Anacostia Museum Block Party
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Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC
The JoGo Project returns to the Anacostia Community Museum, this time for their 50th Anniversary Block Party! Also featured will be Sugar Bear & E.U., Pepe Gonzalez, and other artists so don't miss this day of FREE live music, arts, and more.
Elijah Balbed - Solo Performance on DC Streetcar
Join the JoGo founder Elijah Balbed this Saturday late night for a SOLO SAX performance on the DC Streetcar!!! Bus departs promptly at 1am, so hop on for a fun-filled ride. Brought to you by Art All Night DC
Join The JoGo Project in Southwest, DC for a set of fun, family friendly live music!! The 202 Arts and Music Festival is brought to you by the DC Council of Arts & Humanities.
6-7pm FREE!
Join The JoGo Project in Northern Virginia for a night of fun, family-friendly live music!!
5-9pm FREE!
The JoGo Project will perform for Show-n-Tell, a monthly independent artist showcase at Club Heaven & Hell! Get your tix now and make sure you mention JoGo as your reference at checkout.