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Where is it?

Washington, D.C.

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What is it?

The informal use of the public realm for music concerts of a specific kind exclusive to Washington, D.C.

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Who did it?

Black D.C. Natives

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What purpose does it fulfil?

Provides a sense of community. Occasionally operates social good programs. Encourages citizen participation and civil disobedience,

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What rules does it break (if any)?

Breaks rules regarding sound loudness, pedestrians taking over the street, and at one point the congregation of people for “Go-go’s” was banned entirely.

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Can it/should it be integrated into the formal framework?

Yes. Due to Black people being displaced in the city, the use of the public realm and even typically private realm (cell phone stores) has become necessary as the last line of defense to preserve these functions.

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How can the city accommodate informal initiatives?

Recently Go-go music was recognized as the official music of D.C. but it does not have a “home”. It is not visible. The creation of space both indoor and outdoor that would cultivate the next wave of famous artists as well as accommodate these events is important.

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Does it belong to any "family" of informalities?

Social relationships

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Are there example of similar informal interventions in different contexts?

Im sure there are. Many east coast cities have cultivated a unique style of music but I think none of created something as unique and culturally significant as “Go-go” music in D.C.