At the turntables for the foundation's 10th anniversary in Düsseldorf
An event DJ learns to read rooms and moods. But some evenings simply turn the perspective around. Standing at the turntables as DJ for the Toni Kroos Foundation's anniversary celebration was therefore more than just another winter event for me.
After having already been able to accompany two of the foundation's summer festivals – at a children's hospice in Düsseldorf and a children's hospital in Münster – it was clear to me that if I were asked again, I would gladly volunteer my time once more.
The Toni Kroos Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary: DJ Markus Rosenbaum was there!
The Toni Kroos Foundation focuses on providing quick and unbureaucratic help to seriously or chronically ill children. Its goal is to support families with sick children by providing therapies and aids where financial resources are lacking or support is otherwise unavailable. But giving people small moments of happiness is also important to Toni Kroos and his team.
Charity concert with mega stars such as Herbert Grönemeyer
I was naturally particularly honoured to be asked to DJ at the anniversary celebration at the Lofthaus in Düsseldorf in November 2025. The foundation had organised a small but highly sophisticated charity concert for its anniversary.
The line-up for the charity gala in Düsseldorf would have filled any major stage: Herbert Grönemeyer, Lea, Johannes Oerding and Callum Scott were the top stars on stage. At first, I didn't realise that I would be sharing the evening with such exceptional artists, but of course that made me all the more delighted.
In addition to many families supported by the Toni Kroos Foundation, companions, partners and donors were also invited to the charity concert.
DJ for anniversary celebrations: What I pay attention to
When selecting music for an event, I naturally make sure to strike the right note. I consider the occasion, what the host stands for, and who the guests are. As the DJ for the Toni Kroos Foundation's anniversary celebration, I started by playing music as guests arrived. I used relaxed, cheerful tunes that directly influenced the mood as background music. These are mostly acoustic or lounge cover versions, singer-songwriter sounds and anything else that makes people happy!
After the charity concert, I accompanied the evening with party sounds that appealed to families and all generations present alike. Here, the music can have a little more party energy overall, but at the same time it must leave enough room for conversation.
By the way: I wasn't just working as a DJ for the anniversary party that evening, I also had my "GIF it to you" photo booth with me. The photo booth, with its elegant wooden design, fit perfectly into the setting of the event.
Happy DJ: Anniversary celebration was a complete success, often thanks to the soft tones
The atmosphere at the anniversary celebration at the Lofthaus in Düsseldorf was modern and informal. Lots of white, airy fabrics, small vases with flowers, modern furniture: everyone felt at home here. For Toni Kroos and his team, it was a "family celebration," as so many of the families and people they had helped over the years were present that evening.
And so it turned out to be an event with an intimate atmosphere, a small live band and 450 amazed guests who had to pinch themselves because it was such a special evening.
For me, this is once again one of my favourite insights: that music doesn't always have to be loud. Sometimes the strongest connection is created precisely when you leave space.
PS: Incidentally, the evening was hosted by Klaas Heufer-Umlauf – all fans of the Baywatch Berlin podcast will understand my brief fanboy moment. I don't usually take selfies with celebrities. Really, I don't. But on this evening, I made an exception. 😎
DJ for anniversary celebrations and corporate events
Are you looking for a DJ for your anniversary party? I have already performed at many anniversary parties and corporate events and would be delighted to be behind the turntables for you.
DJ for anniversary celebrations and corporate events
Are you looking for a DJ for your anniversary party? I have already performed at many anniversary parties and corporate events and would be delighted to be behind the turntables for you.
