Originating in the early 1980s from the streets of Washington, D.C., the Junkyard Band emerged as a vibrant force within the burgeoning Go-Go scene, distinguished by their raw, energetic sound crafted from unconventional instruments like buckets, crates, and other found objects. Their infectious rhythms and streetwise lyrics quickly resonated with the local community, establishing them as pioneers of the genre, with early hits like "Sardines" and "The Word" becoming anthems of the D.C. sound.

Over the decades, Junkyard Band has maintained their status as a beloved Go-Go institution, their music serving as a soundtrack to the city's cultural landscape and influencing generations of musicians, with later popular tracks such as "Eeee Haaa" and "Bustin' Loose '98" keeping their energetic spirit alive. Their participation in the 2025 Art of Go-Go Culture Fest's Celebration of 50 Years of Go-Go underscores their enduring legacy and vital role in shaping and sustaining this iconic Washington, D.C., sound, promising an electrifying performance that embodies the true spirit of Go-Go.

Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Washington, D.C., Black Passion was formed in 2004 by musicians united by their deep appreciation for Go-Go, officially igniting the live music scene in 2005 with their electrifying performances. Rooted in Go-Go's signature rhythms and call-and-response energy, the band seamlessly blends funk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, and rock influences to create a uniquely innovative sound while honoring tradition.

Renowned for their magnetic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences across generations, Black Passion has become a standout act in the region, captivating listeners at local venues, festivals, and alongside Go-Go legends. Their participation in the 2025 Art of Go-Go Culture Fest's Celebration of 50 Years of Go-Go underscores their vital role in preserving and evolving D.C.'s iconic sound, promising an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the enduring spirit of live Go-Go music.

Originating in Prince George's County, Maryland, in 2015 under the vision of Anthony Robinson, also known as Antfarmusic, the TOP5 band was formed with the ambition of creating a globally impactful and explosive sound, signified by their name representing their aim to be in the "Top 5" of every musical category. Specializing in intricate music arrangements, Robinson assembled a core of highly skilled musicians – Jay, Chrystian, and Steve – whose collective talents have forged a dynamic repertoire spanning Classic R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Go-Go from the 1970s to current hits.

Having performed independently worldwide and with its core members boasting experience backing renowned national recording artists such as Chante Moore, Raheem Devaughn, and Wale, TOP5 brings a seasoned and versatile energy to their performances, currently also serving as the touring band for Kevin Ross. Their participation in the 2025 Art of Go-Go Culture Fest's Celebration of 50 Years of Go-Go highlights their commitment to contributing their exceptional musicality to this pivotal celebration of a foundational sound of the region.

​Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and raised in Washington, D.C., Omar Kashif, who identifies as a "Culture Contributor," brings over 25 years of experience in event production and artist management to his role as the culture curator for the 2025 Art of Go-Go Culture Fest's Celebration of 50 Years of Go-Go. While at Morgan State University, Kashif founded his first event promotion company, which evolved into a career marked by profitable partnerships and successful event execution, including the development of an internship program for young Black professionals. Widely recognized for creating and managing the acclaimed D.C.-based music group Black Alley, whose music garnered national airplay and led to performances at prestigious events like SXSW and the White House, Kashif has consistently demonstrated his ability to develop high-impact concepts that elevate Black culture, making his curation pivotal to the festival's celebration of D.C.'s iconic Go-Go sound.