D.C. Goes Ra-Ra for Lady Gaga!

Lady Gaga kicked-off Tuesday's concert with "Dance In The Dark" and closed the night with "Bad Romance" / Photo: Michael Spencer

NORTHWEST -- Grammy Award-winning recording artist Lady Gaga brought her enormously popular international "Monster Ball" tour to the District on Tuesday night for a sold-out concert at the Verizon Center.

Anticipation for the D.C. arrival of the "Fame Monster" had been building for weeks and Facebook and Twitter were abuzz yesterday morning with excited comments now that the concert day had finally arrived. Even the first day of school was overshadowed for some by Lady Gaga's visit to the city!

Area businesses were also keen to capitalize on the much-celebrated occasion. Located just a short walk from the concert venue, Co Co. Sala was a popular spot for pre-concert partygoers.

Bharet Malhotra, co-owner of the RAMMY Award-winning restaurant and lounge, had mixed a special cocktail in honor of the second most powerful musician in the world. Labeled the "Paparazzi", the tasty libation was made up of Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, cactus nectar, fresh lime, and ginger, and garnished with a chocolate "disco stick".

Co Co. Sala's "Paparazzi" Cocktail
The official after-party for the concert was held at nearby Ultrabar with special guest DJ sets by Semi Precious Weapons and Lady Starlight, the evening's opening act and DJ, respectively.

Timur Tugberk and Donovan House also hosted a crowded after-party on the hotel's gorgeous rooftop deck.

Dubbed "Twilight Goes Ga Ga", the unofficial late night bash attracted plenty of concert goers, with some even taking advantage of the hotel pool for a night-time swim.

Little monsters indeed...