Ilê Aiyê led a community workshop on Thursday, September 4, bringing together people from across the area’s Brazilian music and dance scene the day before their concert at the UDC Theater of the Arts. The event was held at the Go-Go Museum, a community-centered space in historic Anacostia dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the city’s homegrown go-go music through interactive exhibits, live performances, historic artifacts, and educational programs.
Ilê Aiyê’s workshop created an intimate space for musicians, dancers, and community members to exchange ideas and share traditions, reflecting this legendary Afro-Bahian bloco’s dedication to cultural dialogue and collaboration. The group is known for its use of music and education to promote black pride, combat racism, and uplift Afro-Brazilian identity in Salvador and internationally.
The evening wrapped up with a lively jam session featuring Ilê Aiyê and DC’s own go-go band Black Alley, blending musical styles and building connections between Salvador, Bahia, and Washington, DC.
Special thanks to Ron Moten and Nina Mercer at the Go-Go Museum, Dera Tompkins, EducArte, Batalá DC, Andy Shallal and Busboys & Poets, the Embassy of Brazil in Washington, DC, and the Instituto Guimarães Rosa, all of whom contributed to making this event possible.
Photo credit: Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, M3 Mitchell Media & Marketing.
