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SATURDAY

“Go-go carries a bad rap,” says Maiesha Rashad, frontwoman for the popular go-go band Maiesha and the Hip Huggers. “I want to give it additional exposure and change the light in which it is perceived. If people are able to learn about the music’s African roots and its other influences, they can appreciate it more.” Needless to say, Rashad was “thrilled” when an unlikely group of fans—the folks at the Washington Ethical Society—contacted her about headlining a special Black History Month diversity event. The program is “Gimme Dat Beat,” a performance that will feature a brief “herstory” of go-go followed by a Hip Huggers concert featuring special guests from Junk Yard Band and Trouble Funk. Rashad has no intention of tailoring the band’s stage show for the group; she promises that the performance will not be watered down for her new, uninitiated audience. “It’s going to be the real, uncut thang!” Shake your booty at 8 p.m. at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW. $20. (202) 882-6650. (Sarah Godfrey)