American Nomad is a D.C.-based Americana band with a three-part horn section, a funky rhythm section, and music that’s made to be danced to. The band draws from R&B, soul, folk, blues, and roots, bringing together groove-heavy arrangements with strong songwriting and a love of a good story. Think Bill Withers, James Taylor, and John Prine, with a lot more horns.

The band features Hassan El-Tayyab (lead vocals/guitar), Eric Lawry (vocals/drums), Johnny Seikaly (bass), Elijah Jamal Balbed (saxophone), and Greg Boyer (trombone). Their latest album, Tired of Goodbyes, pushes further into the band’s soulful, horn-driven sound, following their folk-rooted debut, Country Mile, produced by Grammy nominee Laurie Lewis. Their music has been recognized by the Telluride Troubadour, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Songwriter Association of Washington, and the International Songwriting Competition.

The band’s music is also shaped by frontman Hassan El-Tayyab’s work as a peace and human-rights advocate. His writing and advocacy around Israel-Palestine have been featured in The New York Times and other national outlets, and that commitment to peace and shared humanity is part of what brings the band together.

The JoGo Project is a WAMMIE Award-winning jazz and go-go band from Washington, DC, founded in 2014 by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed. Now celebrating 12 years, the band has become a leading force in the DMV music scene, performing at venues and festivals including Blues Alley, the Kennedy Center, and the DC Jazz Festival.

Known for their high-energy performances and original music, The JoGo Project has released a series of recordings since their 2017 debut EP, One For Pops. Their music blends the improvisational spirit of jazz with the infectious rhythms and cultural tradition of DC go-go.

Beyond the stage, JoGo is committed to passing the music on through workshops and masterclasses for students and emerging musicians.