When it comes to throwing a surprise birthday party, Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, knows how to do it in style. Kraft recently organized an unforgettable 50th birthday celebration for his wife, Dr. Dana Blumberg, at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. The party featured a special performance by the legendary Dave Matthews, making it a night to remember for everyone in attendance.
What makes this surprise party truly remarkable is that Kraft managed to keep it a secret for an impressive five months. Not only did he secure the talented Dave Matthews for the event, but he also lined up over 200 friends and family members to join in the celebration. It takes a certain level of skill and finesse to maintain such a secret for such a long time, and Kraft executed it flawlessly.
The surprise party was orchestrated under the guise of the Apollo Theater closing down for renovations. Kraft convinced his wife that they had an important event to attend, without revealing any further details. The ruse was so convincing that the theater’s marquee displayed the message “Renovation Party” until it later changed to “Happy Birthday DMK! Thanks for celebrating with us!” The attention to detail and thoughtfulness put into planning this surprise is truly impressive.
One of the highlights of the evening was the surprise performance by Dave Matthews, who also happens to be Dr. Dana Blumberg’s favorite entertainer. It turns out that Matthews was not only aware of the surprise party but had actively participated in planning it. During the event, Matthews shared a story with the guests, stating that Kraft and Blumberg had seen him perform months ago in Madison Square Garden. At the time, he left them with a cryptic message, saying, “Hope to see you soon.” Little did they know, their paths would cross again at Blumberg’s milestone birthday celebration.
The guest list for the birthday bash read like a who’s who of Hollywood and the business world. Notable attendees included Jon Bon Jovi, Shari Redstone, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, to name just a few. The presence of these influential figures added an extra layer of grandeur to the already star-studded event. It was a testament to the connections and friendships that Robert Kraft has cultivated over the years.
As the night unfolded, Robert Kraft took the stage alongside his wife to address the crowd. In his heartfelt speech, he expressed his love for the theater and fond memories of attending amateur nights as a college student at nearby Columbia University. He also gave a nod to his wife’s intelligence, saying, “We were really happy we could pick a venue which would not make [Dana] suspicious… because she is very smart.” The surprise element was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, and it brought a genuine sense of joy and excitement to everyone present.
Matthews, known for his wit and charm, added a touch of humor to the festivities. He joked about how he would “get the hook” if he performed at amateur night in the Apollo Theater. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and happiness, creating an unforgettable experience for the birthday girl and all those in attendance. Later in the evening, Matthews presented Dr. Blumberg with a birthday cake and led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to honor her.
For Robert Kraft, this surprise birthday party was about more than just celebrating his wife’s milestone. He wanted to create an evening of love, joy, and unity, especially during these challenging times. With his philanthropic efforts through the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism and its $25 million anti-hate campaign, Kraft has shown a commitment to making the world a better place. This event was another opportunity for him to bring people together and foster positive connections.
Robert Kraft’s surprise birthday party for his wife at the Apollo Theater was a grand affair filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. The meticulous planning and attention to detail demonstrated Kraft’s dedication to making his wife’s milestone birthday truly special. With a surprise performance by Dave Matthews and a guest list featuring influential figures from various industries, the night was nothing short of extraordinary. This event serves as a reminder that love, unity, and celebration can bring people together, even in the midst of challenging times.