The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs came together on June 28 to present "Melodies of friendship: Celebrating 70 Years of the U.S.-Korea Alliance." Held at the iconic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., the concert was created to celebrate bridging cultures and commemorate the longstanding alliance between Korea and the United States. 

The event featured two incredible groups, each representing their respective Korean and D.C. roots: Rami Seo's World Music Ensemble and Sirius Company. ​

Rami Seo’s World Music Ensemble, based in New York, is comprised of talented Korean musicians who aspire to share an appreciation for life and art with global audiences through their work infused with elements of Gugak (traditional Korean music). D.C.'s own Sirius Company is an authentic GoGo band, championing the American music form that originated in Washington, D.C. with famed guitarist Chuck Brown in the 1970s. Sirius Company features GoGo music trend-setters Kimberly “Ms. Kim” Michelle and Frank “Scooby” Sirius.

Over 200 people gathered at the MLK Memorial Library to enjoy the performance which began with "Korean Fever" a project by Rami Seo's World Music Ensemble featuring a program of both Korean and American songs such as "Arirang," BTS's "Dynamite" and "Another Day of Sun from the movie La La Land's official soundtrack. The group blended Korean instruments like the gayageum (traditional Korean zither) and janggu (traditional Korean drum) with the saxophone and guitar to create a fusion of Korean and American sounds. 

Following the performance by Rami Seo's World Ensemble, GoGo band Sirius Company had everyone on their feet with their rhythmic performance. The group blended traditional GoGo beats with elements of R&B, Soul, Pop, and Hip Hop. The band's repertoire included popular songs that compelled everyone to join in and groove to, creating a sense of unity and celebration.