Turns out, even Cowboys fans like go-go music.
A Fredericksburg-based go-go band brought a taste of the regionally popular music —which originated in the Washington, D.C., area in the 1970s — to the home of the Dallas Cowboys, when the Washington Commanders faced off against their rivals Oct. 19
Major League Band was formed in 2014 by Fredericksburg resident Kentrale “Armani” Washington. Originating in the 1970s, go-go music has been a staple in Washington, D.C., with most people giving credit to Chuck Brown as the godfather of go-go. Armani Washington cites Backyard Band, Junkyard Band and Northeast Groovers as some of his favorites.
The group is popular in the Fredericksburg region, often playing at local events. They regularly play the Sounds of Summer series for the Fredericksburg Area Museum, the Harambee 360 Black Arts Festival, and this year at the campaign launch for Delegate Josh Cole and nominee Nicole Cole in January at the Jamaican restaurant Pimenta in downtown Fredericksburg. Major League closed out the annual Juneteenth event at Virginia Credit Union Stadium this year as well as joined the City of Fredericksburg for its Kickback Tuesdays Concert Series this past summer.
Opening for platinum recording artists Anthony Hamilton and Jacquees and performing at the “Letter to D.C.” all-night event in front of 8,000 people are among Washington’s fondest memories of the group’s live performances. The Fredericksburg-based band has won Band of the Week honors four times in a row on WPGC 95.5, where DJ Jealousy and DJ Flexx host their radio go-go program every Sunday at 9 p.m.
Washington said Major League will produce a new theme song for the Capital City Go-Go team, a NBA G League team based in Washington, D.C.
Traveling has become a normal part of the band’s life, performing up and down the East Coast. The group is booked regularly in the DMV and has performed in Philadelphia, Atlanta and North Carolina.
Members of the Major League Band in Dallas, Texas, for a performance. (Photos courtesy of the band)
Texas was a unique opportunity for the band to spread the gospel of go-go.
“We performed inside the stadium next to the casino for the official D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) takeover of Dallas AT&T Stadium,” Washington said. “The experience was amazing. There was something to do on every floor of the stadium. Several DJs were there, along with food, games, arcades, lounges, and just about everything else you could think of.”
The DMV Takeover is an annual trip organized by regional promoters, who reached out to the band. “Our track ‘Boogie Down’ is one of the most requested songs on WPGC right now, so the energy was already strong,” Washington explained.
Major League Band’s roster includes Washington, who serves as the lead talker, vocalists Tamika “Meek” Gordon and Corey Ivery, keyboard players KC Lamar and Jade Brooks, drummer Greg “Scoops” Poole Jr., bass player Darrin Larkins, and guitar player Robert “Six” Mosley.
“Meek’s voice is beautiful, and we have the most electrifying congo player, Mr. Donald ‘Breeeze’ Mathews,” Washington said.
Washington credits the group’s success to maturity, growth, and the experience that has allowed them to reach greater heights. Major League Band has received incredible support from local fans and organizations.
“We are as advertised,” Washington said.
