Echostage is DC’s newest and largest nightlife concert venue. Between a sprawling, 30,000 plus sq. ft. layout, top-tier sound design, and advanced LED visual displays, it’s no surprise that the versatile space – which opened in September, 2012 – has already attracted industry heavyweights such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell and Tiesto. Though the bulk of Echostage events originate from owners Antonis Karagounis and Pete Kalamoutsos’ preexisting entertainment repertoire – which includes Club Glow and Panorama Productions – the site was renovated to accommodate live bands, emcees and a myriad of other large-scale productions.
Since its inception, high production values have been paramount at Echostage. From the cutting-edge, German-imported D&B Audiotechnik V series sound system (the first of its kind on the east coast) to interior design that ensures unobstructed sight lines from any seat in the house, the sensory experience of an Echostage event distinguishes the space from other DC entertainment players. Concert-goers can grab a close-up glimpse of the stage from the photo pit, or take a breather at two 60-foot bars that line each side of the dance floor. Visitors looking to enjoy the show from up high can cozy up to seven of their closest friends in one of the 30 bottle service Mezzanines.
At the back of the room, an expert production team orchestrates each show from a raised front-of-house booth. “The permanent stage, the LED wall, the outstanding sound – these are what attract A-list acts,” says Kalamoutsos. “We built Echostage as a concert venue for high-caliber artists. And as a result, those artists are always impressed with the site and the quality of our production here.”
Though the venue’s technical and spatial attributes easily accommodate the kind of crowds that accompany a superstar lineup, Karagounis and Kalamoutsos have established Echostage as a breeding ground for innovative local performers, too – and an integral contributor to DC’s evolving cultural fabric.