Michael Jackson’s hometown of, Gary, Indiana is hosting several events this weekend to commemorate what would have been the King of Pop’s 52nd birthday on Sunday, August 29th. According to the “Gary Post-Tribune,” Saturday’s events will feature “A Michael Jackson Tribute Spectacular” at Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre. Tony Award winner Melba Moore and former Jackson tour guitarist Jennifer Batten will be playing at the concert, along with a King of Pop impersonator and a choir of Northwest Indiana residents. The pop star’s father, Joe Jackson, will participate in a ceremonial cutting of his son’s birthday cake on Saturday afternoon at the family home where he raised his children. That event, titled “This Is It,” will feature music and another Jackson impersonator.
A reenactment of Jackson’s dance moves from his groundbreaking “Thriller” music video is set to take place Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the singer’s childhood home and at the Roosevelt High School behind it. The “MJFanvention” kicked off on Thursday at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. An estimated 700 attendees are expected to participate.
Michael Jackson died suddenly on June 25, 2009 from cardiac arrest triggered by a lethal dose of the sedative propofol. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to Jackson’s death. Earlier this week, a Los Angeles judge set a January 4th date for a preliminary hearing in the case.
