Gary, IN–The MJFanvention2010 has been in the planning stages for months. The schedule is now set for the only Michael Jackson fan celebration near his childhood home and where it all began for him and his brothers.
During the weekend of August 26 – 29 at the MJFanvention2010 at the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza at Star Theater in Merrillville, a host of fans will participate in an all out celebration of the King of Pop’s life.
Attendees will be near his childhood home which is only 10 minutes from the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza where most of the activities will occur. They will also participate in a weekend of fun activities all having a Michael Jackson theme.
“One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Friday night dance party where everyone can dress up like Michael Jackson, dance to his music and meet other fans. We will have prizes for the best moonwalk, costume and of course, we will feature the best Michael Jackson dance music,” said Karen Williams of Fluid Productions, LLC, the organizing company
Attendees will be near his childhood home which is only 10 minutes from the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza where most of the activities will occur. They will also participate in a weekend of fun activities all having a Michael Jackson theme.
“One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Friday night dance party where everyone can dress up like Michael Jackson, dance to his music and meet other fans. We will have prizes for the best moonwalk, costume and of course, we will feature the best Michael Jackson dance music,” said Karen Williams of Fluid Productions, LLC, the organizing company.
Williams said that on Saturday evening, the community will present a spectacular special tribute to Michael Jackson at the Star Plaza Theatre. The tribute features the story of Michael Jackson – from his beginnings in Gary until his untimely passing in June, 2009.
“It will be an awesome show that features some of the best talent from throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Some of whom, could be getting their start in Northwest Indiana just like Michael Jackson. Fans will be surprised at the level of talent that is still in Gary,” said Williams.
On Sunday, fans can participate at a celebration baseball game at the Southshore Railcats stadium. The team will play in honor of Michael Jackson (The Jackson brothers were involved in Little League) and will share birthday cake with the fans. The stadium also houses the 6-foot granite Michael Jackson monument — the only one in the area.
Also at the MJFanvention2010 will be Jennifer Batten, premier guitarist, who traveled with Michael Jackson on three of his world tours. The guitarist, who was known for her powerful performances and long blonde hair, has developed a tribute to Jackson in her current show. She will share how she met Michael and the preparation for those wildly successful tours.
Along with Batten, Michael Jackson’s Indiana family will share never before seen photos and stories of Jackson as a child. Theresa Gonsalves, who says she is the real Billie Jean that inspired Jackson’s 1983 mega hit of the same name, will share her purported 30 year relationship with Jackson. In her book Remember the Time: A True Intimate Look at Michael Jackson, she has penned a collection of letters to the late singer.
Author Aphrodite Jones, who had a front row seat at the 2005 Michael Jackson trial as reporter for Fox News, will share how the media tired to discredit Jackson and rush to a presumption of guilt. Jones, who too was caught up in the media frenzy will share why she changed her mind.
From 1988 – 2005, David Nordahl completed thousands of drawings and approximately a dozen commissions of Jackson. During these years, he developed a deep friendship and respect for Jackson’s intelligence, wit and compassion. He will bring prints and drawings to share.
“We want everyone to come. The entire region will be celebrating Michael Jackson,” said Williams.
The full schedule of events can be found at mjfanvention.com.
