GARY MEMORIAL CELEBRATION SET FOR MICHAEL JACKSON
Gary, Indiana-The City of Gary will present a Memorial Celebration for Gary’s favorite son, King of Pop, Michael Jackson on Friday, July 10, 2009, 6:00 p.m. at the U.S. Steel Yard Stadium in Gary, Indiana.
The memorial event will serve as a tribute to the world-renowned entertainer and will honor the great contributions of the Jackson Family to the world’s music industry.
Mayor Rudy Clay says, “The memorial celebration in Gary, Indiana will be fit for a “Kingâ€; Gary, Indiana style.â€
Highlights of the celebration include performances by Gary’s own recording artist, Deneice Williams, Marshall Thompson and the Chilites, Kellee Patterson, the first black Miss Indiana, Gary’s own Broadway star, Chester Gregory, and recording group, Blaze. Speakers include Mayor Rudy Clay, Gary’s own movie actor and producer, Fred “The Hammer†Williamson and Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Additionally, an airplane flyover, a special Thriller performance by the Family Christian Center and a 500 voice choir will sing “We Are The World.†Other special performances from Gary artists will also be presented. Food concessions will be available and retail vendors will be on hand for purchase of memorabilia items.
Joe Jackson, the family patriarch will attend the event and special presentations will be made to the Jackson Family.
Mayor Clay further stated, “Michael Jackson put Gary, Indiana on the global map and made Gary citizens proud. His name is a household name anywhere in the world. We will never say goodbye.â€
The hometown celebration for Michael is expected to attract thousands of Michael Jackson fans from throughout the world. Seating at the stadium will be on a first-come-first served basis. The stadium is located at 5th & Pennsylvania Street. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. For more information visit our website at
http://www.gary.in.us.