Tribute To Michael Jackson: 50th Birthday Celebration and Thriller 25 Anniversary - New York City

by Reva C. Thomas, MPA, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Saturday, August 23, 2008, was simply a “night of magic and elegance” as multitudes of Michael Jackson’s most devoted and loyal fans representing every age group, gender, nationality, creed and ethnic background, gathered in New York City to celebrate the crowned King Of Pop’s 50th birthday and the 25th Anniversary of Thriller - The largest selling album of all time!

Fans traveled from as far as Minnesota, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Delaware and New Jersey to bask in positive MJ energy and revelry.  Surprisingly, for most fans, this was their first MJ fan event they had ever attended.

The Tribute to Michael Jackson: 50th Birthday Celebration was held at the Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center, located in the trendy, chic, Midtown area of Manhattan.  The Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center, a unique, cultural historical and spiritual venue, provided the perfect setting to host such a milestone occasion.

The Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center is dedicated to educating the public about the rich religious and cultural heritage of people from the African and Caribbean Diaspora.

The event which begun at 8 p.m, provided fans with the opportunity to mix and mingle, purchase rare MJ merchandise at the strategically located “MJ boutique”, and dine on delicious, sumptuous morsels and hors d’oeuvre, such as cocktail beef and vegetarian patties, shrimp cocktails, jerked chicken wings, fresh salad, gourmet petit sandwiches, tropical fruits and other culinary delights, all of which were skillfully prepared by Memris Café Catering And Event Services.

During the mix and mingle hour, fans had the opportunity to meet Fox News Correspondent and best selling author, Ms. Aphrodite Jones. Ms. Jones graciously took photos with the fans, and autographed copies of her best selling book entitled ‘Michael Jackson Conspiracy’. Ms. Aphrodite Jones was also presented with the Phoenix of Excellence Award, for her courage, integrity and outstanding support to Mr. Michael Jackson during the program.

No MJ event is complete without the appearance of an MJ impersonator, or two, however on this occasion three. MJ impersonators such as Mr. Joby Rogers, MJ Jose, Tribute To Michael 50th Artist and last, but certainly not least Mr. Pete Carter, who made a grand entrance, with his “MJ security detail” and entourage in tow.

Mr. Carter’s, entrance sparked quite a buzz amongst the fans and onlookers on the street, who shrieked in delight, and were bursting with excitement to have their photos taken with “Michael” As the evening progressed, fans had their moment to shine onstage, by participating in the MJ Karaoke hour, at which fans sang to their heart’s contents to their favorite MJ songs.  Fans also tested their mental prowess and competed for rare MJ memorabilia answering difficult and “Off The Wall” (no pun intended) questions in the MJ Trivia Contest.

Performances by Mr. Anthony D’Amato and R&B sensation group Tru Sol rounded out the final hour of the event’s programme. Anthony D’Amato stirred up the audience with his gut wrenching and energetic performance of ‘Pretty Young Thing’. Tru Sol treated the fans with their hit song ‘3 AM’ and their soul stirring, acappella rendition of ‘Butterflies’ from Michael Jackson’s 2001 ‘Invincible’ album.  MJ Jose - Tribute To Michael Jackson 50th Birthday Artist and Impersonator, wowed the audience with his stellar performance of ‘Billie Jean’ and the ‘Dangerous Medley’.  As of matter of fact, MJ Jose’s performance, awaken the dance spirit in one particular fan by name of Gritty, who simply couldn’t resist the driving rhythm of ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Dangerous’.

The event concluded with the Presentation of the Proclamation. The Proclamation was written by the Honorable Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President.  In the Proclamation, Honorable Marty Markowitz officially  declared” Saturday August 23, 2008 as Michael “King of Pop” Jackson 50th Birthday & 25th Anniversary of ‘Thriller’ Celebration Day.

Mr Berry, Gordy, was scheduled to attend the event however, subsequently cancelled due to business obligations, but this did not damper the mood of the fans. The fans were there to celebrate Michael Jackson’s Birthday, his remarkable accomplishments and nothing else. Mr Berry Gordy was also scheduled to receive the Phoenix Life Time Achievement Award and a Proclamation.

The event was a success, and memorable occasion for many of Michael Jackson’s devoted, and loyal fans.

Happy 50th Birthday To The Sexiest 50 Year Old On The Planet - Mr. Michael Jackson! You are the Greatest Entertainer the world has ever witnessed and your legacy is infinite. 

‘The Tribute To Michael Jackson: 50th Birthday Celebration’ Fan Reviews:

“I loved the gathering. I enjoyed seeing all the MJ fans. There was one fan there that had all of Michael's moves.  He was tall, thin and had his hair pulled back into a ponytail. He came there with three of his friends. The more we encouraged him to dance... the more he moved like Michael...  He was such a cutie pie... The other fans were just as interesting. I also enjoyed the cultural center... the items on display and the historical flair was great.  My friends enjoyed the center as well.  They asked me when the next MJ is gathering.  Are there events held outside of NY?”
Ms. Linda Butts, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA

“Thanks again for inviting me to the MJ party on Saturday.  We had a great time; it's been years since I went to something like that.  Makes me remember a lot of people that have come in and out of my life over the years!  I met some great people on Saturday as well.”
Mr. Sean Fitzgerald, Upstate New York, USA

“Just wanted to thank you for coming up with such a great event. Being a great Michael Jackson fan was really impressed and being my first party of such kind I had a wonderful time.”
Lukesh- Queens, New York, USA

“The event was well organized and professional.  Fans were great, and I felt at home. The birthday cake was simply amazing”
Gritty, Brooklyn, New York, USA

“The venue was amazing and filled with a great vibe.”
Elijah DeBranch, Brooklyn, New York, USA

"The party was sensational. I was proud to attend as well as contribute to such a prominent event. The performances exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed the special guests as well as the trivia segment. The refreshments were 'Off the Wall'. I look  forward to 'Big Apple MJ Fan Network's' future endeavors."
Andrani Foster

"It was a great experience. It was great being in an environment with his music and the love of his fans. The love Michael recieved was amazing."
Jevarie Jones

"I really loved being at the 50th birthday party for Michael Jackson put on by Reva Thomas, Valerie & the fans in New York City. It was a lot of fun and I thought that everything was done beautifully. My two friends and I had a ball, I met some really sweet fellow fans there, and it definitely was an outpour of love for Michael in celebration of his 50th birthday & a celebration of his life up until this point. I loved every minute of it."
Lauren Marie Altieri

Video Footage Of The event can be viewed here.

The Tribute To Michael Jackson: 50th Birthday Celebration was produced and presented by Reva Thomas and L. Burner, on behalf of the BIGAPPLEMJFANNETWORK, a New York City based fan organization for MJ fans living in New York City, Tri-State and East Coast regions.

The Tribute To Michael Jackson: 50th Birthday Celebration generated support and recognition from both international and domestic MJ Fan club community.