In a stunning display at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft orchestrated a surprise 50th birthday party for his wife, Dr. Dana Blumberg, featuring a special performance by Dave Matthews.
The meticulous planning for this grand surprise involved keeping the event under wraps for an impressive five months. Kraft, who sits on the board of the Apollo and has a long history with the theater dating back to his college days at Columbia University, successfully organized the celebration with over 200 friends and family.
Under the guise of a theater renovation event, Kraft managed to lure Blumberg to the Apollo, where the marquee initially read “Renovation Party” before revealing the true purpose: “Happy Birthday DMK! Thanks for celebrating with us!”
Blumberg’s favorite entertainer, Dave Matthews, played a key role in the surprise, having winked at Kraft during a backstage meeting months earlier. Matthews shared this insider information with the guests at the party, recounting the moment when he and Kraft had secretly acknowledged their upcoming reunion.
The star-studded event included guests such as Jon Bon Jovi, Shari Redstone, David Zaslav, Stephen Schwarzman, Ari Emmanuel, Sarah Staudinger, Michael Rubin, Roger Goodell, Casey Wasserman, Brian Moynihan, Ken Langone, Linda Fargo, James and Merryl Tisch, Richard and Karen Lefrak, Jerry Speyer, Jonathan Kraft, and various members of the Kraft and Blumberg families.
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In a heartfelt speech, Kraft expressed his love for the Apollo Theater and his desire to create a special and surprising experience for Blumberg. Matthews, in good spirits, joked about not lasting through an amateur night at the historic venue.
Blumberg, genuinely surprised, expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”
Amidst the celebration, Matthews presented Blumberg with a birthday cake, leading the crowd in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Kraft, known for his philanthropic efforts, aimed to create an evening of love and joy, emphasizing the importance of such moments amidst the challenges the world faces. His Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, with its $25 million anti-hate campaign, reflects his ongoing commitment to social causes.
As reported previously, Kraft and Blumberg tied the knot last year in a wedding that featured performances by Elton John and Ed Sheeran.
