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Written by Dannia Hakki

All Things Go Music + Food Festival Rocks Union Market

The fourth annual All Things Go Fall Classic rocked Union Market with more than 10,000 music and food fans who packed the iconic culinary and retail district for the three-day festival. Headliners Young Thug, Foster the People and Galantis led the slate of hip hop, alternative and electronic acts who hit the stage for a unique weekend of entertainment in northeast D.C.

Chicago-based DJ duo Win and Woo kicked things off Friday with a synth-heavy set, and by nightfall, the crowd was bouncing to the sounds of Bearson, JackLNDN and The Knocks before Galantis completely brought down the house.

On Saturday, concertgoers braved the heat to see hip hop up-and-comers Innanet James, Jay IDK, Kweku Collins and Saba. The crowd was hyped up later that evening, and eager to catch Cashmere Cat, Vince Staples and headliner Young Thug.

Grammy nominees Foster The People closed out the festival on Sunday evening, lighting up Union Market and drawing the biggest crowd of the weekend. Earlier in the day, pop artist Fletcher paid tribute to the victims of the events in Las Vegas with a poignant cover of Bryan Adams’ HeavenNow Now, Foreign Air, Betty Who and Bleachers, who included a Tom Petty homage in their set, also performed on the final day of the three-day event.

In addition to the diverse musical lineup, Fall Classic fans enjoyed eats from homegrown vendors Maketto, Milk Cult, DGS and BBQ Bus, plus Georgetown favorite Pinstripes. Meanwhile, VIP guests refueled in a private, stage-adjacent area with treats from Buredo, &Pizza, Takorean and Sweetgreen.

The Fall Classic first hit D.C. in 2014 when four local friends, Will Suter, Adrian Maseda, Stephen Vallimarescu and Zack Friendly, took their music blog All Things Go from the internet to the real world. Since then, the highly-anticipated multi-genre music and food festival has become a major East Coast entertainment event, drawing past acts like Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso,  KYGO, Future Islands, Tove Lo and more.

“We’re proud that we were able to go bigger and better with this year’s Fall Classic, and we think fans feel the same way,” says ATG co-founder Suter. “This was our first year transforming the festival into a three-day event to highlight different music genres. We gave folks the opportunity to catch their favorite artists in an intimate venue, while also experiencing the absolute best of D.C.’s food scene. It felt good to create something so special in our hometown.”

ABOUT ALL THINGS GO
All Things Go is a D.C.-based music blog and event production company specializing in forward-thinking digital content and curated live experiences. All Things Go events bring together thousands of concertgoers annually, in addition to the wide audience AllThingsGoMusic.com regularly attracts. Previous Fall Classic festival headliners include Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso, KYGO, Future Islands and Tove Lo. The festival has been featured in Billboard, VICE, Pitchfork, The Washington Post and other major media outlets.

 

Shinola’s Intimate Tysons Corner Launch Event

Detroit-based design brand Shinola celebrated the launch of its second D.C.-area store in McLean, VA at Tysons Corner Center with an intimate event co-hosted by Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s CEO Ted Leonsis and Vice Chairman Raul Fernandez

Guests sipped margaritas while perusing the brand’s goods, including watches, leather bags, jewelry and more. The new 1,149-square foot store, which joins Shinola’s original D.C. flagship location in Logan Circle, features complimentary monogramming and a Willard Watch Bar, where guests can personalize their watches from a variety of cases and straps.

Wes Moore Hosts Inaugural Champions of #THEWORK Celebration

On Saturday, February 28, over 350 people – including Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Congressman John Delaney – turned out to support New York Times Best Selling Author Wes Moore at his inaugural Champions of #THEWORK Celebration. Moore and PHILANTHROPIK co-hosted the event at the Four Seasons Baltimore to honor seven individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to their local communities. Just last month, Moore released his second read, The Work, which quickly climbed the ranks of the New York Times’ Best-Seller list.

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Fashion Photographer Nigel Barker Hosts Book Signing Event at DCanter Capitol Hill

Former America’s Next Top Model Judge and Acclaimed Photographer

Celebrates His New Harper Collins Publication, Models of Influence, at Premier DC Wine Boutique

On Saturday, February 28DCanter – Capitol Hill’s modern wine and beer boutique – brought together fashionistas and wine aficionados for an afternoon book signing event with famed fashion photographer Nigel Barker. Held in DCanter’s intimate Tasting Room, guests sampled wines from fashion capitals of the world while mingling with Barker as he signed copies of his new book, Models of Influence. Barker’s DCanter event served as his third signing outside of his New York hometown.

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Luigi Parasmo Salon Celebrates Grand Opening of New Spa

Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2014) – Last night, Luigi Parasmo Salon co-owners Luigi Parasmo and Javier Calvo welcomed fashionistas and beauty savants alike at the grand opening celebration of their new, second-story spa. Guests toured the 2,000 square-foot relaxation haven while enjoying light bites and wine from Georgetown locale, Cafe BonaparteRead more →

Pierre Garçon, Kai Forbath, CJ Mosley, Chykie Brown and More Help Raise Over $200,000 at the Becky’s Fund 6th Annual Walk This Way Fashion Show Featuring GANT

Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2014) – Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, DC United players and over 500 Washingtonians came together last night for the Becky’s Fund 6th Annual Walk This Way charity fashion show at the Italian Embassy. The event raised over $200,000 for the DC-based nonprofit Becky’s Fund, an organization committed to the prevention of domestic and dating violence. Washington Redskins Pierre Garçon, Kai Forbath, Chris Baker and Andre Roberts, Ravens CJ Mosley and Chykie Brown and DC United stars Bill Hamid and Chris Pontius donned the newest looks from luxury clothing brand GANT, the event’s official menswear fashion partner. Professional boxer Jimmy Lange, Philadelphia Wings’ Paul Rabil, former NFL stars John Booty and Gary Clark, former Redskin Josh Morgan and US Olympian Giuseppe Lanzone completed the star-studded lineup of men who stepped up as role models to walk the runway and take a stand against domestic violence.

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THE STILL POINT SPA TO OPEN ITS DOORS AT HAVEN ON THE LAKE​, A MIND-BODY WELLNESS ​RETREAT, ON DECEMBER 6, 2014

On Saturday, December 6, 2014, ​the ​visionary healers behind The Still Point wellness spas, Tori Paide and Marla Peoples, will unveil the third location of their growing DC-area presence, with the launch of The Still Point at Haven on the Lake in downtown Columbia, MD. Columbia Association will open the doors to the brand-new, multi-dimensional sanctuary, located in the Whole Foods Market building. The facility will feature lakefront views overlooking scenic Lake Kittamaqundi. Health and beauty savants can get a jump start on relaxation and revitalization by booking appointments online starting today here.

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Redskin Pierre Garçon’s Hosts 2nd Annual All-White Clothing Charity Event, Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington

Washington Redskins philanthropist Pierre Garçon hosted his second annual All-White clothing charity event on Thursday, June 5, 2014, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The organization seeks to create a stronger generation of future leaders across the nation. As part of Garçon’s continued involvement in supporting at risk youth, his partnership with BGCGW is a special one. The event raised $100,000 for the charity, over three times the amount of last year’s donation.

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Pierre Garçon takes a moment to chat with the media.

DC Mayor Vincent Gray and new Redskins head coach Jay Gruden were just a few of the recognizable faces on hand for Garçon’s cause. Gruden took the stage alongside the wide receiver to kick off the live auction. Linebacker Brian Orakpo followed his lead, addressing a crowd of Washingtonians in the name of charity. Washington Wizard John Wall supported his fellow DC star by posing for photos and mingling with top event partners, Tower Companies, The Brett Johnson Collection, Moet Hennessy USA and Estrin International. Over 20 Redskins were in attendance, among them Ryan Kerrigan, Kirk Cousins, Trent Williams, Brandon Meriweather, Kory Lichtensteiger, Kai Forbath, Colt McCoy and Niles Paul. Guests enjoyed delectable Belvedere and Hennessy Black cocktails, along with glasses of Moet Ice.

MoKi Media Dannia Hakki and Maha Hakki surround Washington Wizard John Wall by Joy Asico

MoKi Media’s Dannia Hakki and Maha Hakki flank Washington Wizard John Wall.

“I’ve been looking forward to this since last year’s inaugural event. This organization hits home for me, and I’m honored to consider the BGCGW family. Every penny counts, and I’m devoted to raising money for a cause that’s important to me – raising educated, smart and passionate kids,” Garçon said. “With your help, I hope to double the amount raised every year”

BGCGW National Youth of the Year Kiana Knolland made a heartfelt speech about her involvement with the organization, which helped steer her in the right path through the years. BGCGW Chief Development Officer Paul Alagero thanked Pierre for his efforts.
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“Pierre makes another huge catch for the BGCGW. Every school day, we have over 1,200 members walking through the doors at our 12 sites in Virginia, Maryland and the District,” said Alagero. “Because of Pierre’s event and many others, we are able to deliver our 5 core areas to these members.”

Hip hop legend Biz Markie closed out the event with a surprise performance of his old school hit “Just A Friend,” singing alongside Garçon while the crowd chimed in.

Echostage owner Antonis Karagounis and his wife Silvia KaragounisEchostage Owner Antonis Karagounis and his wife, Silvia Karagounis.

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Washington Wizard John Wall walks the Belvedere & Hennessy step-and-repeat.

Ryan Kerrigan

Washington Redskins Ryan Kerrigan shows up in support of his teammate, Pierre.

A Biz Markie spins the last song

Biz Markie prepares for a surprise performance of his old school hit, “Just A Friend.”

Michelle Branch Performs at the 7th Annual Rock The Vote “OFF THE RECORD” Event, Hosted by LMT Inc. CEO Lani Hay

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On May 3, 2014, LMT Inc. President and CEO Lani Hay hosted the 7th Annual Rock The Vote “OFF THE RECORD” event at her private residence in D.C. during White House Correspondent’s Dinner weekend. Over 100 guests enjoyed a performance by Michelle Branch and sipped Moët & Chandon champagne and DC-themed Belvedere cocktails throughout the soiree. The purpose of the event was two-fold; 1) promote the mission of Rock the Vote to build the political power of young people, and 2) celebrate a handful of top distinguished women engaged in news media.

Female media honorees included: CNN’s Rene Marsh, Fortune Magazine’s Leigh Gallagher and WJLA’s Rebecca Cooper. Hay made short remarks regarding the powerful leaders and their accomplishments in the media industry.
CNN's Rene Marsh - Fortune Magazine's Leigh Gallagher - Rock The Vote President Ashley Spillane - LMT CEO Lani Hay - Michelle Branch by Larry French:Getty

“Women in media have been instrumental in fueling societal progress and in giving an accurate portrayal of women in their stories. I am thrilled to have so many influential women in media here tonight, including our special guests.”

A slew of recognizable names turned out to support Hay and the celebrated women in media, including FOX 5’s Steve Chenevey, Lauren DeMarco and Tucker Barnes, ABC 7’s Jummy Olabanji, Scott Thuman and Kendis Gibson, WUSA 9’s Andrea Roane, BET’s Angel Elliot, WPGC 95.5’s Sunni And The City, DC Senator Paul Strauss and Rock The Vote President Ashely Spillane. Partygoers enjoyed front row seats at the intimate show and jammed to top charted hits such as “Goodbye to you,” “All You Wanted” and the Grammy-winning track, “Everywhere.”

About ROCK THE VOTE (http://www.rockthevote.com)
Rock the Vote is a national nonprofit organization.  Founded twenty-four years ago at the intersection of popular culture and politics, Rock the Vote has registered more than five million young people to vote and has become a trusted source of information about registering to vote and casting a ballot. We use music, popular culture, new technologies, and grassroots organizing to motivate and mobilize young people in our country to participate in every election, with the goal of seizing the power of the youth vote to create political, economic, and social change. Learn more about Rock the Vote at http://www.rockthevote.com.

About Lanmark Technology Inc. (www.LMT-INC.com)
LMT is a mathematic optimization and analytics company that distinguishes itself by using the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods, such as mathematical modeling, to empower the U.S. Federal Government, State, Municipalities, and Commercial businesses to make more effective decisions. www.LMT-INC.com

Whitney Port Hosts Blo Blow Dry Bar Launch Event with owner Maha Sharma and Veuve Clicquot

Whitney Port Hosts Blo Blow Dry Bar Launch Event with owner Maha Sharma

TV personality and fashion designer Whitney Port hosted the Blo Blow Dry Bar launch event with Blo Dupont owner Maha Sharma on March 21, 2014. Port and Sharma welcomed over 100 fashionistas to the celebration, a mix of stylish beauty writers and blow-out aficionados. Guests made a toast to the opening with Veuve Clicquot Rosé champagne and noshed on sweet treats from Frosting A Cupcakery. Washingtonians were treated to services off the Blo hair menu while Port posed for photos with partygoers and chatted about her fashion line, Whitney Eve. The event also kicked off a week-long partnership with the Washington Humane Society. From March 22 to March 29, the bar will donate 25% of proceeds from every service to the charity.

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