The Ultimate Music Guide of 2024: Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, and Viral Hits

Music is the heartbeat of any celebration, and in 2024 we created some unforgettable soundtracks that define milestones, from coming-of-age Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to dream weddings. With a year of powerful new albums, iconic returns, and viral sensations, here’s a breakdown of the most requested songs in 2024, plus a list of some of our favorite artists and tracks of the year!

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Top 20 Requested Bar/Bat Mitzvah Songs in 2024

Bar/Bat Mitzvah playlists are all about high-energy, inclusive tracks that keep guests of all ages dancing. Here’s the list:

1. Hot to Go by Chappell Roan – A floor-filler and with an irresistible beat. Break out your cellphones.
2. Fe!n by Travis Scott – Gets the kids hyped for the rest of the night.
3. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter – Definitely the electrifying song of the summer.
4. Mr. Brightside by The Killers – A timeless anthem for everyone. The singalong song of the last few years.
5. Wavin’ Flag by K’naan – Uplifting and celebratory.
6. Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift – Anything by Taylor Swift reigns supreme at most Bat Mitzvahs
7. Last Friday Night by Katy Perry – A feel-good party anthem.
8. Beauty and a Beat by Justin Bieber – Nostalgia wrapped in dance vibes.
9. Stick Season by Noah Kahan – A folksy, heartfelt track with universal appeal.
10. Apt. by Rose – The newest hit that’s already a dance banger.
11. Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON – A crowd favorite to end the night.
12. A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey – Fun and cheeky, this track is party-perfect.
13. Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis-Bexter – What’s old is new again.
14. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley – Everyone loves a good “Rick Roll”
15. Levitating by Dua Lipa – Always a dance-floor magnet.
16. Pepas by Farruko – Awesome beats that energize the room.
17. Barbie World by Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice – The movie of the year and instant classic.
18. Cotton Eyed Joe – A classic dance hit.
19. Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper – A line-dancing essential.
20. Timber by Pitbull ft. Ke$ha – Swing your partner round and round.

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Top 20 Songs Requested at our 2024 Weddings

Weddings bring out the romance, joy, and all-night dancing. These songs were the most requested in 2024:

1. Mr. Brightside by The Killers
2. I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston – The timeless crowd-pleaser.
3. Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON
4. Hot to Go by Chappell Roan
5. Low by Flo Rida – A guaranteed dance-floor jam
6. Every Time We Touch by Cascada
7. Wobble by V.I.C. – A party favorite for weddings.
8. I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha
9. September by Earth, Wind & Fire – Timeless and celebratory.
10. Dance the Night** by Dua Lipa
11. Starships by Nicki Minaj – Always an energetic crowd hit.
12. Crazy in Love by Beyoncé – Iconic
13. 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
14. Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira
15. Dancing Queen by ABBA – The classic.
16. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus – An ultimate sing-along
17. Baby by Justin Bieber
18. Man! I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain
19. Perfect by Ed Sheeran – Everyone loves a great slow dance
20. This Is How We Do It by Montell Jordan – A ‘90s classic perfect for receptions.

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Press Play’s Favorite Artists/Albums of 2024

This year has been monumental for music, especially for these artists dominating the charts. Here are our standouts:

– Teddy Swims: What an incredible voice! “Lose Control” and “The Door” are instant classics.
– Sabrina Carpenter: “Espresso” cemented her summer domination.
– Chappell Roan: A rising star to watch.
– Tate McRae: Consistent growth with every release.
– Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre: Their return is long overdue. “Thank You,” “Another Part of Me” and “Last Dance with Mary Jane” are throwbacks.
– Kendrick Lamar: A killer new album and the ultimate dis-track.
– Charli XCX : It was definitely “BRAT” season
– Noah Kahan: A New England favorite
– Eminem: Remains one of the GOATs.
– Katseye: Netflix’s stars are ones to look out for.
– Dua Lipa: Everything she touches turns to gold.
– Billie Eilish: Her 2024 album is nothing short of a masterpiece.

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Top Songs We Loved on TikTok in 2024

TikTok continues to launch viral sensations. These tracks defined 2024 for Press Play:

1. Tarantella by Gary Ponte, KEL  
2. Disco Cone & Mockingbird by Enisa 
3. Flashing Lights by Kansy
4. Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman
5. That’s So True by Gracie Abrams
6. Apt. by Rose & Bruno Mars
7. Water by Tyla   
8. Touch by Katseye   
9. Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell  
10. Tell ur Girlfriend by Lay Bankz
11. Mamushi by Megan Thee Stallion
12. A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey
13. Guess by Charli XCX & Billie Eilish
14. Die With a Smile by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga
15. Austin by Dasha
16. Texas Hold ‘Em – by Beyonce
17. Makeba by Jain
18. Nasty by Tinashe
19. Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
20. Lose Control by Teddy Swims

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2024’s music scene was thriving, blending nostalgia, innovation, and chart-topping hits. Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration or curating your personal playlist, this year’s tracks and the party classics are a soundtrack to remember. What songs or albums are you loving in 2024? Let us know!

Press Play Entertainment – 2024 Year in Review!

What An Incredible Year!

As we wrap up this amazing year, I am filled with overwhelming gratitude, immense pride, and genuine excitement for everything we’ve accomplished together. Truly, this has been a year to remember!

To all our clients, vendor partners, my phenomenal team of entertainers, and our endlessly supportive families—THANK YOU! Without your trust, collaboration, and unwavering support, Press Play wouldn’t be what it is today.

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To Our Amazing Clients

Above all, we owe a huge thank you to the 50+ new families/friends and countless repeat clients who trusted us to be part of your celebrations. Your energy, joy, and confidence in us are the reasons we do what we do. We are so happy you brought your dancing shoes! Truly, it has been an honor to help make your events memorable.

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A Huge Welcome to Our New Superstars

This year, we proudly welcomed some incredible new talent to our team. Our sensational new emcees; Jessica, Lindsey, and Jake and our two new highly skilled DJs; Zeke and Carl. Without a doubt, we feel so lucky to have you join us! Welcome to the family!

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Shoutouts to Our Event Planning All-Stars

Of course, we couldn’t have achieved so much this year without our amazing event planning partners. To our talented friends—Rachel Glazer, Julie Riley, Lauren Lichtel, Rafi Benjamin, and the many others—you made magic happen time and time again.

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To Our Vendor Partner Dream Team

Equally important to our success is our dream team of photographers and other party vendors. A massive shoutout to Sarah Montani, Dave Lang, Robert Castagna, andKen Berman, who are truly some of the best photographers in the business. We’d like to give a special thank you to Cori and the team from Party Excitement, whose support and kindness throughout the years is so appreciated. Additionally, we extend our thanks to all of the other talented photographers, videographers, caterers, photo booth providers, event planners, and venue staff we’ve had the honor of working with this year. #Teamworkmakesthedreamwork

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Shining a Light on Boston Photo Booth Rental

Christian, you have brought so much to Press Play. We love having you and John as part of the family!

 

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My Incredible Press Play Entertainment Team

I want to recognize my superstar team—Jay, Alan, Tony, Russ, Dylan, Simon, Jessica, Lindsey, Jake, Danaysha, Aly, Mikey, and Johann. You are the heart and soul of Press Play. Your dedication, expertise, and friendship continue to make each year unforgettable. I’m beyond grateful for each of you! 

Already booking into 2027 – Get Ready!!!

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And to Our Families

Finally, to the families who share their talented loved ones with us: we couldn’t do this without your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. Thank you for standing by us through busy weekends and long nights—you are the unsung heroes behind our success. For some of us it has been almost 3 decades of fun!

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Highlights of 2024

This year brought so many memorable moments, including:

**Dylan and Simon Graduating High School:** Watching them move on to exciting new adventures made us so proud!
**Welcome Baby RJ:** Congratulations to Lindsey and Rob on their new bundle of joy.
**Community Partnerships:** Continuing our support for the Willow Hill School, Needham, St. Sebastian’s, Wellesley, Harvard University school systems, the PanCan Action Network Walk, and the Great Bear Run.
**Marina’s Bat Mitzvah:** Celebrating the strength, courage, resilience and sass of our INCREDIBLE new friend Marina with her dedicated and amazing family and support system.
**Shayna’s Wedding:** Celebrating another one of our former Mitzvah kids as she tied the knot was a true full-circle moment.
**Mitzvahs for Friends and Family:** Honoring milestones for my wife’s former FJECC students and my friends’ kids (Go Blue Devils!).

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New Venues, New Memories

Additionally, this year we were thrilled to celebrate at some amazing venues for the first time, including:
– Crystal Ballroom
– Holliston Historical Society
– Dorchester Brewing
– Charles River Museum of Industry
– The Skating Club of Boston
– Irish Social Club
– Grazina Event Space

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Looking Ahead

Watching Press Play grow, celebrating life’s milestones alongside incredible people and friends, and building lasting partnerships have truly been a dream come true.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to an even brighter and more exciting 2025!

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!!!

With love and appreciation,
Keith

It Can Only Get Better from Here!

Well, 2020 was certainly a year to FORGET, but we persevered and made it through this mess together! We missed celebrating with many families this year.  However, we are very appreciative and thankful for the events we did get to celebrate, at both the beginning and end of this insane year!  A BIG thank you to all of the families, companies, and organizations that chose us to help you celebrate the special events and milestones in your lives this year and to those who chose to postpone their events into the future.  As I said, it can only get better from here! A special thank you to all of those clients who offered to become references and/or wrote reviews for us on our social and wedding platforms.

Of course, I cannot thank my extraordinary team of SuperStar DJ’s and dancers.  I would not want to party with anyone else.  Jay, Alan, Tony, Mikey V, Deep Voice JoJo, Russ, Rob, Aly, and Danaysha, you are my family and I love you all!

An extra-special Thank You to all of our partners who stood by us during this craziness. We helped each other through an unprecedented time for our industry and the world at large. I truly appreciated all the phone calls, e-mails, zoom meetings, and general bitch sessions we joined together.  I highly recommend everyone from this amazing crew and cannot wait to work together again!

• Rachel from Rachel G Events http://rachelgevents.com/
• Adam, Brad and Cori from Party Excitement https://partyexcitement.com/
• Christian from Boston Photo Booth Rentals http://www.bostonphotoboothrental.com/
• Elin from Elin Photography https://www.elinphotography.com/
• Deb & Jen from sh Events https://s-h-events.com/
• Scott from DJ Scott Events https://www.djscottevents.com/index2.php
• Chris from 26 North Studios https://26northstudios.com/
• Ken from Kenneth Berman Photography https://kennethbermanphoto.com/

All of us at Press Play would like to wish you and your families a very Happy, Healthy and Sane New Year!  It can only get better from here!  We cannot wait to get started providing the soundtrack for your events in 2021 and beyond!

-Keith

For the month of March, Press Play and Hilton Boston/Dedham are teaming up.

Book your event at the Hilton Dedham/Boston and hire Press Play as you DJ and receive a perk from both companies!

Contact us for more details:

Keith – Press Play Entertainment

617-784-7347 [email protected]

Stephanie – Hilton Boston/Dedham

781-407-1633 [email protected]