The beat of go-go will echo through Jackson Ward this fall as the Chuck Brown Band headlines the 37th annual 2nd Street Festival, set for Oct. 4-5 in downtown Richmond.

The free, two-day event celebrates the rich cultural legacy of the historic neighborhood, once known as “the Harlem of the South,” and draws thousands each year with live music, local vendors and family-friendly activities. Organized by Venture Richmond Events, the festival features three stages of entertainment, a Kidz Zone, Artists Row, food vendors and a classic car showcase.

Saturday’s main act, the Chuck Brown Band, carries on the sound of the late Chuck Brown, the D.C. legend credited with creating go-go music, a genre rooted in funk and soul.

 Wiley Brown, son of the late Chuck Brown, carries on his father’s musical legacy as frontman of The Chuck Brown Band. He will lead the group in a headlining performance at the 2nd Street Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Jackson Ward.
 Photos courtesy of The Chuck Brown Band  

His son, Wiley Brown, now leads the band and draws comparisons to his father with his voice and presence. Their most recent single, “Lose Control,” features vocalist Treasure Joy.

“It’s time to bring go-go energy back to Downtown Richmond,” said Sharon Bassard, events and booking manager at Venture Richmond.

“Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go, graced us with his talent at our 10th anniversary festival, and now we get to celebrate the legendary music with his son at our 37th festival this year.”

Sunday’s closing act will be Richmond’s own DJ Drake and MC Choco, whose livestreams during the pandemic earned them fans nationwide. DJ Drake is currently a mix show DJ for 105.7 KISS FM, while MC Choco is a veteran of Richmond’s club scene.

More artist announcements are expected later this summer.

For updates, visit venturerichmond.com.