A candlelight tribute, a moment of tribute during a Railcats game and concert will anchor four days of activities honoring the city's most famous native son, the late Michael Jackson, Jackson's mother, Katherine jointly announced with Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.
With the theme, Goin' Back to Indiana: Can You Feel It, events will run from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. The first will be a candlelight tribute ceremony at the Jackson family residence at 2300 Jackson Street. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. and will include remarks by Gary Mayor Freeman-Wilson and a musical tribute by The Gratitude Project, presented by The Interactive Broadcasting Company (tibc.tv). Neighboring streets will be closed starting at 3:00 p.m. to allow friends and fans to place ribbons and mementos at the home and share personal thoughts of the late singer on a commemorative banner. The event is free to the public.
"I'm excited about the activities planned for "Goin' Back to Indiana: Can You Feel It" as we pay tribute and remember Gary's own Michael Jackson," said Mayor Freeman-Wilson. "We have been working in partnership with Mrs. Katherine Jackson and her team to create events that will showcase Michael's entertainment legacy and his wonderful birthplace of Gary, Indiana. As Mayor of this great city, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that this celebration will bring. We envision this to become an annual event that will grow larger as the years progress."
On Thursday, August 30, Jackson's three children Prince, Paris and Blanket, will attend the Gary SouthShore RailCats baseball game when the team faces the St. Paul Saints. The RailCats will recognize their father with a musical performance by The Gratitude Project and a moment of remembrance. The Jackson children will be presented with honorary team uniforms and toss out the ceremonial first pitch. The event is open to the public and general admission applies.
On both Wednesday, August 29 and Thursday, August 30, the Majestic Star will host the official "Goin' Back to Indiana" after event in its Lakeshore Lounge from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. with Jackson-themed music and drink specials. It has been deemed the official hotel of the "Goin Back to Indiana" event. For hotel reservations call 1-888-225-8259 or visit www.majesticstarcasino.com.
On Friday, August 31, the Gary Chamber of Commerce will present a dinner hosted by Mayor Freeman-Wilson at the Majestic Star Casino & Hotel honoring Mrs. Katherine Jackson. Jackson will receive recognition from the City of Gary. For ticket information contact the Gary Chamber of Commerce at (219) 885-7407 or visit www.garychamber.com.
On Saturday, September 1, the West Side Theatre Guild under the direction of Mark Spencer will host the Goin' Back to Indiana: Can You Feel It Tribute Concert. The Gratitude Project will perform their original composition "Dear Michael" dedicated to Mrs. Jackson & the Jackson family. Additional tribute performances will be announced shortly. There will be a matinee performance at 4 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. performance. Both performances will be followed by a cast meet & greet. Tickets are $25 matinee and $35 evening and $50 for VIP Gold Circle seating and cast meet & greet. The event will also be streamed live. For the latest event information visit us at www.facebook.com/jacksonstreet 2012.
The City of Gary, Indiana and the Gary Chamber of Commerce president, Chuck Hughes, have joined Los Angeles, California-based Dumont Marketing under the direction of Mr. Jerry Olivarez authorized by Jackson's mother, to support a series of activities to take place in his birthplace of Gary, Indiana.