Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah celebration was the perfect way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon in Long Beach, California. Held in the Garden Room at The Grand Long Beach, the event brought together family and friends for an unforgettable day filled with tradition, music, and plenty of fun on the dance floor. Known for its elegant event spaces and lush surroundings, The Grand provided a bright and welcoming setting that felt ideal for an afternoon celebration. With natural light pouring in and plenty of room for dining, dancing, and games, the Garden Room created the perfect atmosphere for Jonah’s big day.
Photos Provided By: Scott Smeltzer Photography
Family Grand Entrance
The celebration kicked off with an exciting series of grand entrances that instantly energized the room. Jonah’s grandparents made their entrance to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove,” setting a fun and upbeat tone for the afternoon. The family followed with Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” before Jonah himself made an unforgettable entrance to Survivor’s classic anthem “Eye of the Tiger.” The music, cheers, and excitement had everyone on their feet right from the start.
On the floor for the Hora
No Bar Mitzvah celebration would be complete without the Hora, and it was the perfect way to officially open the dance floor. Guests gathered in a circle, clapping and dancing as Jonah was lifted high in the chair, creating one of the most joyful and memorable moments of the day. From there, the party never slowed down.
Super Fun Games
The traditional candle lighting ceremony followed, giving Jonah the chance to recognize important people in his life while sharing stories and laughter with the room. Afterward, the energy picked right back up with interactive games that had both kids and adults joining in the fun. Hot Hula Hoops, Musical Chairs, and a Treasure Hunt turned the dance floor into a lively competition, proving that a little friendly rivalry can make for big laughs.
Dancing For All Ages
nteractive dances helped bring everyone together as well, with classics like the Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, and YMCA getting guests of all ages out of their seats. The dance floor stayed packed thanks to a mix of crowd favorites including Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars,” Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Men Without Hats’ “Safety Dance,” and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.”
Jonah's Favorites
Jonah also had a clear vision for the music he wanted to hear, and his personal “dance music recipe” made the soundtrack of the day especially fun. With favorites like Queen, Def Leppard, The Cars, INXS, and The Struts, the playlist blended classic rock energy with modern dance hits. Must-play songs like Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages,” Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” INXS’s “New Sensation,” and The Cars’ “Magic” kept the dance floor rocking. Crowd favorites like the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” and The Struts’ “Put Your Money On Me” kept the energy high all afternoon.
Everyone on the floor for one more song
As the afternoon came to a close, everyone gathered for one last song together — Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” It was the perfect ending to an incredible Bar Mitzvah celebration filled with laughter, music, and memories that Jonah and his family will cherish for years to come.
Grand Entrance - Grandparents Earth Wind and Fire - Let's Groove
Grand Entrance - Family Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child of Mine
Grand Entrance - Jonah Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
Mother-Son Dance Fleetwood Mac - Landslide
Candlelighting
Games Hot Hula Hoops, Musical Chairs/Treasure Hunt
Interactives Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, YMCA
Dessert Strawberry Shortcake, Bunt Cakes
Last Song Walk The Moon - Shut Up and Dance
Dance Music (partial list) Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling, Coldplay - Sky Full Of Stars, Duran Duran - Hungry Like A Wolf, Men Without Hats - Saftey Dance, Chappell Roan - Pink Pony Club, Struts - Can't Stop Talking, The Cars - Good Times Roll, David Bowie - Let's Dance,
Jonah's DANCE MUSIC RECIPE
Favorites --> Queen, Def Leppard, The Cars, INXS, The Struts
MUST-PLAYS: Def Leppard - Rock Of Ages, Queen - Another One Bites The Dust, We Are the Chaptions, Boheiman Rhapsody, INXS - New Sensation, The Cars - Magic, Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling, The Struts - Put Your Money On Me
Is this what you would like for your son or daughter’s special day? If so, “Let’s Get The Party Started”
Long Beach Mitzvah Vendor List
Here is the amazing team of vendors we had the pleasure of working with on this Los Angeles County Bar Mitzvah
Venue/Caterering: Grand Hotel - Long Beach, CA
DJ/MC/: Brian
Photographer: Scott Smeltzer Photography