Turning 70 is a milestone worth celebrating in a big way, and for Howard, this birthday was one he’ll never forget. His wife, Lauren, planned a surprise party that combined heart, laughter, and a whole lot of music — all brought to life at Kibbitznest in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. We were honored to be part of the celebration and to provide the DJ and karaoke entertainment that kept the energy high all evening long.
Howard thought he was heading out for a casual dinner at Pequod’s Pizza, but when his family told him there was a long wait, they suggested grabbing a drink at “the bar across the street” instead. What he didn’t know was that across the street was actually a room filled with 90 of his closest friends and family, all waiting to shout, “surprise!”. The joy on his face said it all, and from that moment, the night turned into a celebration full of love, laughter, and connection.
DJ Paul Michaels and DJ Grant were there to set the mood and keep it going. As two expert DJs who know how to throw a party, they curated music to match the vibe of the room and the man of the hour. But music wasn’t the only entertainment on the schedule; we also brought out our state-of-the-art karaoke setup, giving guests the chance to take the mic and sing their hearts out.
Our karaoke system featured four wireless microphones, a lyrics screen for the singers, and integration with the venue’s TVs so everyone in the room could sing along. Instead of outdated binders of song lists, we used QR codes placed around the venue, allowing guests to browse our full karaoke library right from their phones and sign up to perform. Whether they chose recent hits or timeless classics, everyone had a blast participating.
The celebration was made even better with incredible food provided by Blue Plate Catering. Known for both their delicious offerings and beautiful presentation, they delivered a spread that guests raved about. The culinary side of the evening matched the energy of the room: warm, thoughtful, and perfectly executed.
From the first moment to the final song, this birthday party was a perfect example of how meaningful and fun a celebration can be when it’s thoughtfully planned and full of love. At Paul Michaels Events, we’re proud to help bring events like this to life. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a corporate party, we go beyond just playing music, and create moments to last a lifetime.
Howard’s 70th birthday was a beautiful reminder of what we love most about this work: creating celebrations that bring people together. Thank you to Lauren and the entire family for trusting us with such a special occasion. Happy 70th Birthday, Howard! Here’s to many more milestones filled with joy, music, and memories.
Vendors we had the pleasure of working with:
Venue: Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney
Catering: Blue Plate
Check out some of our candid pictures below! The pictures below were taken by us, and not by the event photographer.
