New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, showcased his ability to pull off an extraordinary surprise by throwing his wife, Dr. Dana Blumberg, a memorable 50th birthday party at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. This star-studded affair featured a private performance by the renowned Dave Matthews, leaving guests in awe. Not only did Kraft manage to keep the surprise and concert a secret for five months, but he also orchestrated a gathering of over 200 friends and family members to attend this unforgettable event.
Kraft’s dedication and meticulous planning were evident as he masterfully executed this surprise. With his position on the board of the Apollo, Kraft has a deep connection to the theater, which is undergoing renovations to become the esteemed Apollo Performing Arts Center. He himself had attended the theater’s famous amateur nights during his time as a student at nearby Columbia University.
The secrecy surrounding this surprise party was astounding. Kraft’s covert plan involved convincing Blumberg that the theater was closing for renovations and that they had an important event to attend. The marquee out front played its part, initially displaying “Renovation Party” before switching to “Happy Birthday DMK! Thanks for celebrating with us!”
Blumberg’s favorite entertainer, Dave Matthews, played an integral role in this grand surprise. According to insiders, Matthews revealed to party guests that Kraft and Blumberg had seen him perform months ago at Madison Square Garden. During that encounter, Matthews casually mentioned, “Hope to see you soon,” to Kraft. Little did anyone know, this was a subtle hint of the surprise to come at Blumberg’s birthday bash.
Among the esteemed guests in attendance were Jon Bon Jovi, Shari Redstone, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and Blackstone titan Stephen Schwarzman. The celebration also included Endeavor guru Ari Emmanuel and his designer wife Sarah Staudinger, Fanatics mogul Michael Rubin and Camille Fishel, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, sports agent Casey Wasserman, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, Home Depot tycoon Ken Langone, fashion maven Linda Fargo, and other influential personalities.
During a heartfelt speech, Kraft expressed his affinity for the theater, stating, “When I was an undergrad at Columbia, I used to come here for amateur night, and it was always such a great place with a great heritage.” He continued by sharing his joy in being able to select a venue that wouldn’t raise Blumberg’s suspicion. Kraft acknowledged his wife’s intelligence, emphasizing her surprise at the event.
Matthews, ever the comedian, humorously remarked that if he had performed at the Apollo’s amateur night, he would have been swiftly given the hook. Blumberg, overcome with gratitude, remarked, “Robert told me that the Apollo Theater had a special event tonight… I am so honored and humbled… I tell people that I waited for a prince and I got a king.”
Kraft’s intention behind this extraordinary surprise went beyond celebrating his wife’s milestone birthday. He sought to create an evening brimming with love and joy, aimed at fostering connections between people. In a world filled with countless problems, Kraft wanted to provide a respite and an opportunity for unity and happiness.
This event is another testament to Kraft’s commitment to making a positive impact. Not only is he a prominent figure in the world of sports as the owner of the New England Patriots, but he is also socially active through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. The foundation has undertaken a remarkable $25 million anti-hate campaign, demonstrating Kraft’s dedication to fighting prejudice.
It is no surprise that Kraft and Blumberg’s wedding was an equally remarkable affair, featuring performances by Elton John and Ed Sheeran. The bond between this power couple shines through their shared love for music and their ability to bring people together.
Robert Kraft’s surprise birthday party for Dr. Dana Blumberg at the Apollo Theater was an unforgettable spectacle. It highlighted Kraft’s unparalleled planning skills, his deep connection to the theater, and his desire to create moments of joy and unity. This celebratory event truly showcased the power of love, friendship, and the ability to make someone feel extraordinary on their special day.