Amped in the Park 2025

The JoGo Project is a WAMMIE Award winning Jazz and Go-Go fusion band from Washington, DC founded in 2014 by DC Native Elijah Jamal Balbed, who performed with the late, great Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown.The JoGo Project is a WAMMIE Award winning Jazz and Go-Go fusion band from Washington, DC founded in 2014 by DC Native Elijah Jamal Balbed, who performed with the late, great Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown. Video: https://youtu.be/ZiOs2O4rA3U?si=7Od5n6L2z-5Ph2tj

Sons of Mystro (brothers Malcolm, 29, and Umoja, 26) use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their own creations, accompanied by a DJ and a drummer. Winners of the Emerging Artist under 21yrs Old award at IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards), they have appeared on Showtime at the Apollo and Steve Harvey. Mentored by worldrenown Black Violin, these artists’ stars are on the rise. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peKJeqbzlmA

Founded in the midst of the bustling streets of Barcelona in 2018, amidst chaos, traffic, and stress, “Las Karamba” came into being. Six life stories converged here, each individually shaped by migration, musical heritage, and sometimes subversive family backgrounds. Together, the women wanted to draw strength, overcome fears, and pursue their dreams. They also aimed to express their dedication to music and emphasize the role of women. Video: https://youtu.be/237I8ax9Dcg?si=Lp_sPKq0Idi6KjpS

New Jazz Underground, an American trio, have been described as “an innovative and ultra creative collective striving to establish themselves as a defining voice for the genre of Jazz and beyond”. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q09FAhLhuiE&t=2621s

Zar Electrik pays homage to tribal cultures, particularly through the incorporation of the ancient Zar ritual originating from Ethiopia and Egypt. Video: https://youtu.be/mIL97bwYzqI?si=iD_DgEfXwjSKC5sn

Butte & Friends is a revolving lineup of Mid-Atlantic musicians led by band leader John Butte (Bass, Trumpet, Guitar, Vocals) - best known for his work as Bassist and Vocalist for DelMarva's renowned Grateful Dead Tribute - Better Off Dead. Also an Elementary School Band and Orchestra Director, "Butte" aka "Mr. Butte" has been teaching and performing music in the region for two decades. Butte & Friends, equipped to play everything from Chicago to Led Zeppelin and every jammable permutation of jazz and rock and roll you can imagine, has quickly emerged as a powerhouse of musicianship, danceability, and energy.