Michael Jackson Fan Convention Announced

Yeah, but what WWMJD? Some days we write the news, other days the news writes... you know...

By Blurt Staff

The first annual MJFanvention will take place August 26-29 at the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana.   This is the first tribute event endorsed by the Jackson family and it is expected to attract thousands of people from around the world.

 
"We felt that Northwest Indiana was the perfect place to host an event that will highlight Michael's life and music. It just makes sense because everything began here," said Renae Brantley, CEO of Fluid Entertainment, Inc. and Fluid Productions, LLC, promoters of the gathering. "This is the only event that will be held so close to his Gary, Indiana boyhood home and has been endorsed by his family."

 
Members of the Jackson family will be in attendance and participate in question and answer sessions, sign autographs and take photos. In a special tribute to this musical family's ongoing legacy, Michael's family members will perform throughout the weekend, including his niece Genevieve Jackson and "The Triple Dose Band," led by Keith Jackson, a first cousin. Michael Jackson's protégé, international artist Omer Bhatti, will also perform.

 
"The MJFanvention ("fanvention" coined from the words "fan" and "convention") will give Michael Jackson fans an opportunity to enjoy his music and meet and talk with performers and professionals that worked with him on a variety of projects throughout his illustrious career," said Karen Williams, COO of Fluid Entertainment, Inc. and Fluid Productions, LLC.

 
Artists including David Nordahl, who painted several commissioned portraits of Michael, musicians including guitarist Jennifer Batten who played with Michael on tour, and authors who wrote extensively about Michael's life and career, including Aphrodite Jones, will participate in discussion panels and question and answer sessions to give Fanvention participants a true insider's view of one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.  A tradeshow exhibit hall with Jackson memorabilia will be in the Grand Met at the Radisson Hotel.

 
A highlight of the weekend includes a special tree planting ceremony at the Jackson family's Gary, Indiana home on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m.  Mrs. Katherine E. Jackson and other family members will join together to pay tribute to the strong commitment Michael held for the environment and truly making the world a better place. Tours to the Jackson family's Gary home will be provided throughout the weekend.
 

"He used his music to convey his concerns," said Don Thompson, event director. "We want everyone to walk away from this event understanding his passion for his music, humanity and his commitment to preserving the earth's natural resources."

 
A VIP gala reception will follow Saturday's tree planting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28. An exclusive concert "The Jacksons - The Next Generation" will kick off at 8 p.m. that evening.  This once-in-a-lifetime concert will feature performances by the next generation of Jackson family musicians, including Genevieve Jackson and Triple Dose, along with other special guests to be announced at a later date.  

 
The weekend will conclude with a Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration Sunday, Aug. 29 from
3 - 5 p.m.  Gary School Corporation's Westside Theatre Guild will perform a Tribute Concert produced by Mark Spencer.

 
A portion of the proceeds from the MJFanvention2010 will be donated as a charitable contribution, in the spirit of Michael's commitment to humanity and preservation.
 

Tickets went onsale this week at  www.mjfanvention.com - and the ticket packages are quite reasonable, ranging from $1,013.32 for single rooms to $2,767.52 for quad rooms .

What - no Bonnaroo style camping?