Zak’s Minecraft Bar Mitzvah
As Zak walked out of the doors of Adath Israel- just outside of Philadelphia- there was only one way he could describe it…”A Bar Mitzvah that was truly mine.”
This phrase perfectly illustrates Zak’s party, as it can be used literally and metaphorically. The entertainment industry throws you a lot of firsts, and Zak sure threw one my way. I could tell from our first meeting that Zak was a cool kid, who knew what he liked and was interested in.
During our wrap up meeting, Zak looked me in the eye and said, “My party is going to be a Minecraft party.” Minecraft is an online game sensation that has millions upon millions of members. Players are able to build and create their own worlds with almost all the freedom they could desire. As Zak continued to share his ideas for the party he and I compiled a playlist of a lot of his favorite electronic and EDM music. I was even able to track down the Minecraft soundtrack (yes, there is a soundtrack) for my DJs and I to use at the party.
The party was one of a kind. The room at Adath Israel, on what is known as Philadelphia’s Main Line, was circular with unique lighting fixtures. After we added the up lighting around the room and the LED stages, the place looked like the command deck of a spaceship. There were Minecraft centerpieces, Minecraft glasses, and even a giant video game area complete with Minecraft itself. Using LED up lighting, we turned the area leading into the main room into a glowing lounge, giving the adults another stylish spot to relax throughout the evening.
After a brief candle lighting and photo montage, the night kicked into full swing. My DJs and I played music from all over the map, and our dancers spent the evening playing games with the kids and dancing.. Zak’s party had everything. There was a photo-booth, Rockband, a computerized graffiti wall, and more. The adults danced, and spent the night trading stories and memories with one another, while Talya (Zak’s sister) and her friends ran around enjoying everything the evening had to offer.
Zak started the day with a smile on his face, but left his Bar Mitzvah grinning from ear to ear. It truly was YOUR party Zak.
I’d also like to thank all of the other event professionals with whom I worked that evening, particularly Sarah Morrison. Sarah was the event coordinator who put it all together and was invaluable to the success of the Bar Mitzvah. In recent years I’ve had the opportunity to work with many planners, and Sarah is certainly one of the best.
Mazel Tov to Zak and his entire family. It was a party I will never forget, and I sure learned a lot about Minecraft along the way!
-Tony
Images courtesy of Ashley Griffin Photography
Sarah Morrison – All About Events
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia