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"Rare Essence, Washington's premier Go-Go band for more than three decades has built a devoted fan base that spans multiple generations. Originated in the mid '70s by the late Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, Go-Go links songs together over percussion breakdowns-a raw, non-stop party groove fueled by congas, cowbells and timbales, with call and response interactions that obliterated divisions between a band that doesn't stop playing and audience that won't stop dancing. Dubbed "The Wickedest Band Alive" by rap pioneer Doug E. Fresh, who has collaborated with Rare Essence, one of many artists to incorporate Go-Go's percolating percussion, and some of it's key players, into their own recordings. Rare Essence remains the most enduring and consistently combustible live bands honed through countless performances including this live recording, PA#20 Live @ Panorama Room, 9-30-17. Go-Go thrives live and that's where reputations, and legacies, are cemented.