You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love?

You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love? Rethinking Infrastructure for Black Music in the Nation’s Capital, explores the long-standing belief that artists and music professionals must leave Washington, DC to achieve sustainability, visibility, or career growth. Through conversation with artists, organizers, cultural leaders, and ecosystem builders, this panel examines the structural gaps impacting Black music communities, from venues and funding to ownership, education, policy, and access to opportunity. Presented by DC Music Summit, the discussion asks what a thriving local music ecosystem could look like and highlights pathways toward stronger infrastructure, cultural preservation, and year-round support for creatives through initiatives including the DCMS Member Portal.

The event is Tuesday, June 16

Doors open at 5:30 PM 

Event is 6-8:30PM 

Location : 200 I Street SE

Link for Entry: DC Music Summit Event RSVP & Community Input – Fill out form