About Westside Go Go

Our MISSION

Westside Go Go (WSG) exists to build a cultural home for Washington, D.C. transplants in Los Angeles — a space where rhythm meets roots, and Black community, culture, and joy are celebrated through music, events, and mutual connection.

Collage of photos from a live music event featuring performers, audience, and food. Includes a DJ, singers, jazz band, people enjoying themselves, and food dishes.

WHO WE ARE

We are a collective of DMV-born creatives, professionals, and music lovers bringing the heart of D.C. to the West Coast. We connect East Coast flavor to West Coast flair, blending legacy and lifestyle for a unique LA-based Go-Go community. Backed by D.C. musicians living In L.A., WSG promotes two local bands: iNation Live & DCAF , providing a platform for consistent and authentic live music events throughout the city.

founder’s bio

Man with glasses, a goatee, wearing a black 'Nostalgia Go-Go' T-shirt, a red and blue cap, and a silver chain necklace, smiling and showing a peace sign at a dark indoor party with orange hanging lights and other guests in the background.

Martin was raised in a diverse uptown community by parents who were active alumni of the renowned HBCU, Howard University.  They were heavily involved in the 1960s-70s civil rights movements. This fostered Martin’s pride in being raised in a community that embraced unity and  harmony. Naturally, the movement was embraced by the appreciation and power of a good party with a beat.
A graduate of Archbishop Carroll High School, Martin then majored in communications and television at The George Washington University in DC. Seeking further growth, he took his media experience in news with NBC, the White House, and BET entertainment  along with his love for music and arts to Hollywood.
Martin sought to expand his influence through extensive international travels. He especially became involved in  immersive experiences in Africa, coupled with  a knack for producing related  television offerings.  Martin also developed programming and shows working with a variety of LA based networks.
After more than a decade of LA living plus the experience of the worldwide pandemic and more recently, the California wildfires, Martin sought to foster community healing and mutual support.  In the path to recovery, Martin began hosting house parties and local events for his close friends, colleagues and those seeking a return to community and recovery. These turned into the increasingly  infamous “Marty Parties.”
His innate love for DC and Go-Go music lead him to curate monthly live music events performed by DC musicians living in LA.
Martin’s experience in TV production has fostered a corporate sensibility which naturally supported and adapted to his new  event company.  This genre, although new to LA, attracted immediate attention, catapulting the newly formed and captivating  “Westside Go-Go” to LA’s event forefront.
Fostered by years of club, lounge and festival connects, Martin continues to grow the brand and expand throughout the west coast.
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Enjoy!

OUR GOAL

To establish a consistent, community-centered ecosystem for D.C. transplants and HBCU alumni in Los Angeles that reflects their culture, supports their creativity, and keeps the Go-Go beat alive.