Scope and Contents In this interview Baile McKnight reflects on his life and the important role that African drumming has plaid in it. He talks about how having close connections to family in North Carolina, while growing up in Washington, D.C., and made Baile aware of cultural differences. Travel and the importance of culture plays a major role in his narrative. Another major point of emphasis is his visit to Africa. He feels that his visits to Nigeria played a major role in helping him to understand African...

Abstract Bobby Hill talks about being born in Washington, D.C. when the city was predominantly Black. He went to school in Powell Elementary and was interested in basketball and athletics at large. While in St. Mary’s College studying business, he starts to DJ for the student station. After graduating college, Bobby returns to D.C. and starts to go to many jazz events at DC Space, Bohemian Caverns, and other D.C. venues. He soon lands a gig helping at the famous WPFW Jazz and Justice station and this...

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David Ehrlich discusses what brought him to Washington, DC and the Southwest neighborhood, in particular; his work history and experience as a pianist and chamber music performer; his thoughts on the changes, amenities, and construction and redevelopment in the area; and his and his wife Barbara’s travels and involvement in the community.

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In this interview, Darby Hickey, known professionally as DJ bent, talks about her early music memories and connections including in childhood, in D.C., and her experience DJing in D.C. and as a founding member Anthology of Booty.

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In this interview, Slammer Musuta, known professionally as DJ Mothersheister, discusses music influences from her childhood in Arlington, Texas; her college years in South Africa and Ithaca, New York; her adopted home of D.C.; and her role as a founding member of Anthology Booty.

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During this interview, Ebony Dumas, known professionally as DJ Natty Boom, talks about her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, her connection to music, her life experience in D.C., and her experience as a founding member of Anthology Booty.

Abstract Jude tells the story of being born in San Diego, California to a very musical family, where they spent most of their time outdoors, playing sports, exploring. They moved to Seattle, Washington in early 2000s, where a new and different journey starts, including composing music and taking piano and vocal lessons. Jude then goes to Oakwood College in Alabama, where they deepen their musical practices, composing own songs, while facing the realities of overt racism in the South. Jude spends time...

Abstract Khalid Thompson talks about his childhood in Richmond, Virginia, where southern hospitality is juxtaposed to the reality of historical and current social injustices. He reflects on visiting Washington D.C. in the early 2000s, learning about the underground visual and sonic arts, and moving to the District. He then moves and works as a bike messenger, really getting to know the city, including artists who make experimental arts, outside of the “norm”. Following encouragement from family and...

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In this interview, Kristy Chavez-Fernandez, known professionally as Kristy la rAt, discusses music, family and community memories growing up in the D.C. metro area with strong ties to her family in Lima, Peru and New York. Her work in activism, education and culture, with relationships at the core, led to co-founding Anthology of Booty and throwing intentional parties in D.C. with her best friends.

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In this interview, Kristy Chavez-Fernandez, known professionally as Kristy la rAt, discusses music, family and community memories growing up in the D.C. metro area with strong ties to her family in Lima, Peru and New York. Her work in activism, education and culture, with relationships at the core, led to co-founding Anthology of Booty and throwing intentional parties in D.C. with her best friends.