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Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the internationally acclaimed Caracalla Dance Theatre present
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entertainment |
To get a feel fo r hometown sou D.C.s nd, check out these local artists.
Go-gos appeal has long been crossgenerational, so its fitting that the genres top dog is 74 years old. Singer-guitarist Chuck Brown, left, is often credited with creating go-gos distinctive sound by adding syncopated Latin beats to big-band funk, keeping the percussion percolating between songs so that the beat never stopped. He also scored go-gos first national hit, Bustin Loose, in 1979. Brown is one of the styles most eclectic performers, steeped in jazz ballads, soul and funk. And he can still keep a go-go crowd moving all night long.
With its mix of rapping and singing, and its reliance on keyboards, Backyard exemplifies go-gos newer approach. The 10-piece group began by adding a syncopated rhythm to rap hits, and hiphop remains integral to its music. While the band doesnt have as extensive an instrumental lineup as old-school go-go outfits, it does feature live drums and guitars. Since the group began in 1991, leader Ralph Anwan Big G Glover, left, has reached a national audience as an actor on The Wire. But Backyard remains rooted in D.C., the city that spawned its sound.