Recording Academy DC Chapter
Celebrating excellence in Go-Go Music and supporting DC's vibrant music community through Grammy recognition, education, and advocacy
Go-Go Music: Grammy Recognition
The Recording Academy officially recognizes Go-Go Music as a regional roots style within the American Roots Field, acknowledging its unique contribution to American music culture and its deep roots in Washington DC's musical heritage.
American Roots Recognition
Go-Go music is officially recognized within three prestigious Grammy categories in the American Roots Field, placing it alongside other celebrated regional American music traditions like Cajun, Zydeco, Hawaiian, and Indigenous/Native American music.
Best Regional Roots Album
Recognition for complete Go-Go albums with traditional and contemporary elements
Best American Roots Performance
Excellence in Go-Go music performance and artistry
Best American Roots Song
Songwriter recognition for exceptional Go-Go compositions
Grammy Categories & Eligibility
Best Regional Roots Album
- Cultural roots style with Go-Go elements
- Traditional and/or contemporary composition
- Artist 50%+ playing time eligibility
- Awards to Artist(s), Producer(s), Engineer(s)
Best American Roots Performance
- Excellence in Go-Go performance
- American Roots Field subgenre
- Live or studio recording eligible
- Grammy statuettes to Artist(s) only
Best American Roots Song
- Songwriter award for Go-Go compositions
- Must contain music and lyrics
- Instrumentals not eligible
- Awards to Songwriter(s) of new material
Cultural Heritage
Preserving Washington DC's unique musical legacy within America's roots music tradition
Artist Recognition
Providing Go-Go artists with prestigious Grammy recognition alongside America's greatest roots musicians
National Platform
Elevating Go-Go music to national prominence through Grammy recognition
About The Recording Academy
The Recording Academy is the world's leading society of music professionals, dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and sustaining music's past, present, and future.
Mission & Vision
Founded in 1957, the Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. The Academy is dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage.
Grammy Awards
Music's most prestigious honor, recognizing excellence in recorded music
Music Education
Supporting music education programs and advocacy nationwide
Artist Advocacy
Protecting the rights and interests of music creators
Academy Leadership
Harvey Mason Jr.
CEO
Leading the Academy's mission to serve music people and ensure music remains a thriving part of our culture
Tammy Hurt
Board Chair
Overseeing the Academy's strategic direction and governance initiatives
Dhani Lennevald
COO
Managing day-to-day operations and organizational excellence
Voting Members
Years of Excellence
Grammy Categories
Annual Grants Distributed
Recording Academy Washington DC Chapter
Join the vibrant community of music professionals in the Nation's Capital. Our DC Chapter serves as the local hub for Recording Academy members, fostering connections and celebrating the rich musical heritage of Washington DC.
Chapter Leadership
Sharon Ingram
Executive Director
Grammy-winning producer and DC native, champion of Go-Go music recognition
Deborah Bond
President
Recording engineer and Go-Go historian, leading genre preservation efforts
David Thompson
Secretary & Outreach Coordinator
Music educator and community advocate, connecting emerging artists
Monthly Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Format: Networking, guest speakers, industry updates
RSVP: Required for members
Grammy Screening
Annual American Roots Field submissions review including Go-Go music entries
When: October - November
Categories: Regional Roots, Roots Performance, Roots Song
Impact: Direct influence on Grammy nominations
Education Programs
Workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship for emerging Go-Go artists
Focus: Production, songwriting, industry navigation
Mentors: Grammy winners and nominees
Scholarships: Available for young artists
Chapter Activities & Events
Upcoming Events
Go-Go History Panel
March 15, 2024 • Smithsonian National Museum
Featuring Chuck Brown legacy artists and historians
Producer Workshop Series
March 22, 2024 • Studio 1230
Modern production techniques for Go-Go music
Grammy Voting Education
April 5, 2024 • Kennedy Center
Understanding the Grammy process for new members
Member Benefits
Get Involved with the DC Chapter
Whether you're a seasoned professional or emerging artist in the Go-Go scene, our chapter provides the resources and community to advance your career and preserve our musical heritage.
Recording Academy Membership
Join the world's most prestigious community of music professionals and help shape the future of the recording industry while gaining access to exclusive benefits and opportunities.
Membership Benefits
Grammy Voting Rights
Vote for Grammy nominees and winners across all categories, including the new Go-Go Music category
Exclusive Events
Access to members-only events, networking opportunities, and Grammy Week celebrations
Educational Resources
Professional development workshops, masterclasses, and industry insights
Advocacy Support
Protection of music creators' rights and interests in policy discussions
Membership Categories
Performers
Recording artists, vocalists, and musicians with commercial releases
- • Lead vocals or instrumental performance
- • Commercially released recordings
- • Creative contribution to recordings
Songwriters
Composers and lyricists with published or recorded works
- • Original song compositions
- • Published or recorded works
- • Creative writing contributions
Producers
Music producers and engineers with recording credits
- • Production credits on releases
- • Engineering contributions
- • Technical expertise in recording
Industry
Music business professionals and executives
- • Label executives and A&R
- • Music publishers and agents
- • Industry professionals
Academy Impact
The Recording Academy's influence extends far beyond the Grammy Awards, supporting music education, artist advocacy, and cultural preservation worldwide.
Grammy Museum
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Grammy Museum celebrates the legacy of music and the Grammy Awards through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and public events that inspire visitors of all ages.
Distributed in Grants
Supporting music education nationwide
Schools Supported
Through MusicCares and education programs
Artists Helped
Emergency financial assistance provided
Countries Represented
Global reach of Grammy recognition
Recent Academy Initiatives
Music Education Coalition
Advocating for music education in schools and providing resources for educators nationwide
Inclusion & Diversity
Promoting equality and representation across all areas of the music industry
Digital Innovation
Supporting artists in navigating the evolving digital landscape of music distribution