D.C. Goes Big For Nightlife Veterans' Weekend Birthday Bashes

NORTHWEST -- Anyone who's popped a celebratory bottle or three in the District over the years has likely met Antonis Karagounis and Gina Dakkouni, with the former the owner of Echostage, Josephine Lounge, Ultrabar, and Barcode and the latter the gatekeeper of special events and media for Lima Lounge and Fujimar.

Photo: Dana Southerland

It was therefore inevitable when it came time for them to host their own birthday parties this year that things were bound to get a little wild. Such was the case on Saturday night as Karagounis and Dakkouni took over Barcode and Fujimar, respectively, for complementary blowout bashes.

Photo: Dana Southerland

Karagounis kicked the evening off with a private dinner party for friends and family that boasted omelet and waffle stations and a variety of champagne cocktails. In keeping with his love for EDM music, international chart topper DJ Tiesto had recorded a unique five-hour DJ set specifically for the occasion and his wife, Silvia, surprised everyone by hiring a belly dancer to perform for guests.

Just a few blocks away, Dakkouni then caused a splash around 11:00p.m. with her own birthday benefit that was co-hosted by Patrick Osuna, Timothy Sheldon, Jessica Gibson, Chef Victor Albisu, Shiloh Corcel, Masoud Aboughaddareh, Aslan Aboughaddareh, and Victoria Michael.

Professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil, HEIST DJ Richard Mixin, and Lima house DJ George B delivered feature sets throughout the night and a portion of proceeds was earmarked for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Cake. Cake. Cake. Cake.