Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec company recognized all over the world for very high-quality artistic entertainment. Over 5,000 employees and artists from over forty countries work together to produce stellar stage performances of music, dance and acrobatics. For years I have heard about the fantastic performances of Cirque du Soleil, although I have never gone to one. I could have, because they passed through the cities where I lived, but I had not been so moved…until NOW!

Now I am moved with a purpose and a passion. The thought of experiencing the magic of Michael Jackson’s legendary music, signature dance moves and spectacular showmanship, through the talent of inspired and extremely skilled artists, thrills me. From my perspective, it will be like going to one of Michael’s own concerts. The sure-to-be electrifying production promises to reflect MJ’s unique creative process. It will be easy to imagine Michael being with us one more time. For all those of us who either have or have not experienced Michael Jackson LIVE in concert, this is very welcome opportunity!

A description on the Cirque du Soleil website, states:

Michael greatly loved Cirque du Soleil. He had been envisioning a production of this kind for a long while. In fact, when the agreement with his estate was announced last April, Cirque’s president said that he first talked to MJ six years ago about the possibility of a Jackson-themed show. This highly anticipated stage show has been approved by the Estate of Michael Jackson. Michael’s mother, Katherine, released a statement saying, “Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way.” The estate and Cirque du Soleil are equal partners. The show will open in Montreal on October 2, 2011. The 27-city U.S. and Canada tour will run through 2012 before going to other continents, and then taking up residence at the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas.

Jamie King, the writer and director of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour said, “It makes so much sense for these two worlds to come together, because Michael was so into magic and fairy tale and everything that really Cirque is all about. He loved that innocence and childlike kind of creativity which Cirque provides.”

Jamie King is an accomplished dancer/choreographer who has directed some of the highest grossing concert tours of all time. In 2006, he earned significant acclaim from Variety. The publication selected Jamie King as one of the world’s ten most influential people in the music industry, branding him the “Jerry Bruckheimer of tent-pole music tours.”

Beyond his work with the world’s premier entertainers, Jamie King serves as Nike’s official creative consultant and global spokesperson for the Nike Dance Fitness line, and creator of the internationally successful Nike Rockstar Workout.

Jamie worked, early in his career, with Michael on his 1992 “Dangerous” tour. Jamie has choreographed and directed numerous worldwide tours by popular musicians such as Madonna, Celine Dion, Brittany Spears, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Kayne West and Spice Girls. Jamie has intensely coached an array of other superstars including Prince, Mariah Carey, Shakira, George Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez and also Ellen DeGeneres. This is his first show with Cirque du Soleil.

Jamie King is passionate about bringing Michael alive in this, most special tribute.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will also call on the diverse talents of the following creative minds: (click here for detailed impressive bios)

• Guy Laliberté ~ Creative Guide
• Jamie King ~ Writer and Director
• Chantal Tremblay ~ Director of Creation
• Mark Fisher ~ Set Designer
• Zaldy Goco ~ Costume Designer
• Kevin Antunes ~ Musical Designer
• Martin Labrecque ~ Lighting Designer
• Olivier Goulet ~ Projection and Video Content Designer
• François Desjardins ~ Sound Designer
• Scott Osgood ~ Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer
• Germain Guillemot ~ Acrobatic Performance Designer
• Michael Curry ~ Props Designer

In 1969, Michael Jackson attended Garner Elementary School in Hollywood for a short time until his notoriety made it difficult for him to maintain normal student life.

Michael’s shining smile is unmistakable!

Gratitude to Tweeter BJinTheMirror for this rare TwitPic photo.

In June of 2008, the year before Michael’s tragic death, a devoted fan wrote on their You Tube MJ EUROPE Channel page:

“In 1989, Gardner Street Elementary named the school auditorium after Michael. Gleaming silver letters across the front of the building now read: “The Michael Jackson Auditorium.” Michael himself showed up for the unveiling.

In return, Jackson has sort of adopted his old school; he pays the salary for the school’s music teacher, he has planted memorial rose bushes near the playground, and even left his famous signature on the wall of his old 6th grade schoolroom.”

Thanks to Robert, who was present at the ceremony, and is also IN THE VIDEO! Robert shared this special message and video on his disenchantedhero You Tube Channel.

“It was on October 11th, 1989, at Gardner Elementary School, In Hollywood, CA , that Michael Jackson blessed us all with his presence to be honored, and have the school auditorium dedicated to him. I was in 4th grade and had been selected to present the KING OF POP with the “KEY to the SCHOOL.” I was nervous but poised because I was meeting someone I admired and idolized for his creativity, music and dancing. I hope that someday they removed the boards that now cover up his name due to his child molestation allegations. Luckily prior to presenting him the “Key to the school” I was introduced to him and his entourage backstage. As an icebreaker, I remember him pulling on my “DUCK TAIL” and asking me if I was planning on growing my hair out like his. I took a long pause and was nervous to answer but I said “no, sorry.” In this video we also have the Gardner Elementary Choir performing with Michael Jackson and R&B pop group “The Boys.” What I think is most amazing about this whole experience is the fact Michael Jackson realized he had the power to touch and affect many lives with his music and message, and it was one of the few times in the midst of the Cold War, and other trials and tribulations of the last century, that people could come together and sing ‘n dance as one.”

The following is a transcript of Michael’s speech to the assembly in the auditorium:

“I am deeply touched and honored that the PTA, principal and faculty members, and students have been so kind as to dedicate the auditorium, where I sat as a child, in my honor.

I thank, Ms. Gerson. I love you. And Ms. Rose Fine, I love you. And the Gardner Street School associates and all the children. Thank you and I love you.”

We must all never forget that the children are our future, and without them mankind would become extinct.”

But alas! Just four years later, in 2003, boards were placed on the sign over Michael’s name when he was falsely accused and charged with the molestation of a teen-aged boy. The cover remained in place until this week, seven full years after a jury acquittal.

Fast forward seven years to NOW:

Drum Roll…

Press Release October 14th, 2010

JACKSON SUPPORTERS TO SPEAK BEFORE THE LAUSD BOARD REGARDING THE COVERING OF HIS NAME AT L.A. SCHOOL

And now, seven years later, we can be glad once more! Many thanks to Jennifer Marino and Justice For Michael for spearheading the campaign to expose the cover-up.

On Friday October 15th, due to many prayers, and the efforts of Uncover Michael Jackson’s Name (The Garner St. School Issue Campaign), the boards were removed, and Michael’s legacy restored with dignity.

Michael’s name gleams again at Gardner Street Elementary School.

Friday, October 15, 2010 Los Angeles Times article by Kate Linthicum

Michael Jackson Sign Is Restored At Hollywood School

“For seven years, the gleaming silver letters that once proclaimed the Michael Jackson Auditorium at Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood were hidden behind white plywood boards.

The boards had been placed there to hide the name of the pop singer at the behest of parents shortly after Jackson was arrested on suspicion of child molestation in 2003. Since his death last year, fans had rallied for the restoration of the sign, which they saw as a symbol of Jackson’s legacy.

Now, Jackson’s name gleams again.

Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Ramon C. Cortines ordered the boards stripped away Friday “in recognition of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy and contribution to modern culture.”

A school district spokesman said the decision was made in large part because Jackson had been acquitted of criminal charges in the molestation case.

On Friday night, a Facebook page calling for the restoration of the sign was overflowing with joyous comments.

“I could cry!!” one person wrote. “I wish he were here to see this!!”

On the page, devotees from places as far away as Japan and Sri Lanka posted photos of themselves holding handmade posters calling for the boards to be stripped away.

Fans had planned to show up at a school board meeting Tuesday to demand that the sign be revealed.

Jackson was briefly enrolled as a student at Gardner Street Elementary. In 1969, he and his family moved to Los Angeles from Gary, Ind., so that Jackson and his brothers could make a record with Motown.

Jackson was an 11-year-old sixth-grader at the school when the Jackson 5 released their debut album, a smash hit that foreshadowed Jackson’s record-breaking solo career.

The Gardner auditorium was dedicated to Jackson in 1989. He attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the school’s choir sang “We Are the World,” a tune Jackson co-wrote.

An illustration of Jackson’s face was posted in the auditorium in 1989, and a picture depicting the singer surrounded by children was hung in the main office. The auditorium drawing was removed several years ago because it kept falling down. The picture in the office also was removed to make room for a new intercom system.”

Taj Jackson announced on Twitter TODAY:

Saturday 16th October 2010, @tajjackson3 tweeted:

“On behalf of my grandma, we are thrilled that the “Uncover Michael Jackson’s Name Campaign” has come to a happy conclusion. Here is a direct quote from my Grandma.

“After a number of heartfelt conversations between me, my grandson Taj, family friend Jodi Gomes, and LAUSD, I am overwhelmed that the school will proudly bear my son’s name on its auditorium once again. This could not have been done without the tireless dedication of my son’s fans and specifically the wonderful members of the “Uncover Michael Jackson’s Name Campaign”. I look forward to my joint statement with the school in the coming days and thank you from my heart. Michael would be proud” ~Mrs. Katherine Jackson

And a few hours later, Taj tweeted again:

“@Jenifer Marino You are a true MJ warrior. Thank you so much for fighting for my uncles legacy.”

And…

“Let’s not forget the many fans that wrote messages and emails of support for Uncovering Michael Jackson’s name. MJ fans are the best.”

And, lastly…

“Goodnight everyone. My uncles legacy will always live on through you guys.”

As a teenager, I used to enjoy American Bandstand. Watching Dick Clark on American Bandstand and Don Cornelius on Soul Train were wholesome preludes to the likes of MTV. One chocolate, one vanilla…eventually the two genres marbleized. Thanks to the tenacity and tremendous talent of Michael Jackson, Black and White music and music-lovers ever grew into stripes on the same animal.

I challenge you to tell me that this precious boy doesn’t just melt your heart! ♥

This spirited little guy was born and blessed with BIG talent and BIG energy.
It’s fun to watch it roll in a small package! Amazing!

Interview after song…sweeeet!

Decades later…

Our darling boy, as in days-gone-by, graces and honors the Soul Train stage.

Over the years, Michael proved his stunning musical versatility and sheer star power. With his short-film music video Thriller in 1982, Michael became the first black artist to find stardom on MTV. He broke down innumerable boundaries for his race, and for music video as an art form.

For their celebration of TEN consecutive years, MTV considered Michael indispensable. For the first time LIVE, he sang a wildly intense Black and White, with Slash going crazy on electric guitar.

Then, the pride of MTV contrasted the tone with a stunning, and highly emotional, performance of Will You Be There? Michael Joseph Jackson is truly “a treasure time won’t steal away.”

And so, I challenge you again, to tell me that this precious man doesn’t just melt your heart! ♥

Since the sixth century, and today, September 29th is historically and traditionally the feast of Michaelmas which celebrates and honors Michael the Archangel as the “chief” of all the angels in heaven.

In Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other theologies an angel is understood to be one who acts as a messenger or agent of God. The word angel is thought to be derived from the Greek word angelos which means messenger.  Throughout the bible it is generally seen that the will of God is usually imparted or carried out by angels.

They are completely spiritual beings. They have intelligence and will. They are personal and immortal creatures. Angels are described as servants of God in the Hebrew Bible (translated מלאך = angel.) So, too, in the New Testament and the Quran. The term angel has also been expanded to various notions of spiritual beings found in many other religious and pagan traditions. The role of angels includes protecting and guiding human beings, and carrying out God’s tasks.

The theological study of angels is known as angelology. In art, angels are often depicted with wings, ultimately reflecting the descriptions in the Hebrew Bible, such as the chayot in Ezekiel’s Merkabah vision or the Seraphim of Isaiah.

The mighty Archangel Michael is considered, in many Christian circles, as the patron saint of the warrior.  This reminds me of the modern warrior of L.O.V.E. to whose memory this website is devoted. The symbolism contained in the art of Michael Jackson is a fascinating study; one which sheds light into the heart and soul of one of the most influential and significant artists of this millennium. It makes me happy to imagine our MJJ joyfully singing praises, with choirs of angelic beings, to his Almighty Creator and Beloved Father God, who he always credited and thanked for every good thing that came his way in life.

At the time of Michael’s trial in 2005, of his genius, he says, “It’s a gift from God.”

“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world — he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

~Revelation 12:7-9 [RSV]

The traditional feast of Archangel Michael, one of the seven key and elevated angels mentioned in Scripture, has been known in English as “Michaelmas.” This name lives on in a humble wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy.

For This Michael Age

We must eradicate from the soul
All fear and terror of what comes toward man
Out of the future.
We must look forward
With absolute equanimity
To everything that may come.

And we must think only that whatever comes
Is given us by world direction
Full of wisdom.
It is part of what we must learn in this age,
Namely, to act out of pure trust
Without any security in existence,
Trust in the ever-present
help of the Spiritual World.

Truly, nothing else will do
If all courage is not to fail us.
Let us discipline our will, and let us seek
The awakening from within ourselves
Every morning and every evening.

~Rudolf Steiner

Thank you to Minyaweth You Tube Channel for use of this tribute video with Sarah McLachlan’s song, In The Arms Of An Angel

A Prayer to Saint Michael
Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

~Pope Leo XIII in 1886

Genius without Borders: A Symposium in Honor of the Genius of Michael Jackson

The Center for Black Music Research (CBMR) at Columbia College Chicago will host Genius without Borders: A Symposium in Honor of the Genius of Michael Jackson. www.colum.edu/GeniusWithoutBorders

“Scholars, arts advocates, journalists, musicians and music industry execs are on tap to discuss the musical, cultural and social dynamics that made Michael Jackson the most imitated and sought after entertainer of all time.”

“In the wake of losing Jackson last year, this symposium will shed a different light on his accomplishments and contributions to all genres of music,” says Dr. Monica Hairston O’Connell, director of the CBMR. “The time is right to view his impact through a scholarly lens and to look at the influence his time in Chicago had on Jackson’s musical maturation.”

For program details visit THIS LINK.

Thanks to the unknown artist who created this tribute.

Follow the Symposium Online

Althea Legaspi and Ronnie Reese will live blog the events.

Follow the CBMR on Twitter at cbmrccc. Track and join the conversation using the hashtag #gwb2010.

According to Michael and many of the people closest to him, he greatly looked forward to the upcoming This Is It concerts that he diligently rehearsed for before his tragic and untimely death. But there are many perspectives that don’t match up. There appear to be numerous people invested in promulgating various stories about what was really going on behind the scenes during those long rehearsal months.

About a year ago, three months after his death, many news sources quoted Michael’s daughter, Paris, as saying that her daddy was working way too hard, even to the point of  death. His sister LaToya confirmed what Paris told her when she asked her niece to clarify her perspective. ‘No, you don’t understand. They kept working him, and Daddy didn’t want that, but they worked him constantly.”

News outlets worldwide are reporting today about the fact that Michael’s mother and children have filed a lawsuit against This Is It concert promotion company, AEG Live.

“His mother’s lawsuit described Jackson in his last months as confused, easily frightened, unable to remember, obsessive, and disoriented,” quoted Alan Duke of CNN this morning. “AEG was well aware of his condition but did not postpone any rehearsals, nor did AEG relent in its demands that Jackson continue to maintain the grueling rehearsal schedule,” the suit said. “Rather than react reasonably and relax the rehearsal schedule so Michael Jackson could recuperate from his physical problems, AEG insisted that he attend every rehearsal in a grueling schedule, threatening that if he missed even one more, they would cancel the tour.”

Michael’s younger brother Randy  posted on Twitter yesterday, “Last year I promised that I would not rest until the truth is exposed about what happened [with regard] to my brothers passing. May he rest in peace. I am doing my best to keep that promise. On this day my family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG. I am proud of my family. What happened to my loving brother should NOT have happened. I really miss him. Please understand its not over, we have a long way to go. There is more to come. We are just getting started. This could not have been done without the support of the fans. Were all together in this. Thank you for your continued support and patience.”

In the lawsuit filed yesterday, Katherine alleges:

1. Michael was under contract with AEG for the This Is It tour and that under that contract “AEG had legal duties to Michael Jackson to treat him safely and not put him in harm’s way….But AEG, despite its’ knowledge of Michael Jackson’s physical condition, breached those duties by putting desire for massive profits from the Tour over the health and safety of Michael Jackson.” Katherine alleges AEG’s actions/inactions led to MJ’s death on 6/25/09.

2. Katherine Jackson alleges that AEG hired Dr. Conrad Murray. The lawsuit states that not only did AEG hire Dr. Conrad Murray, but that AEG was attempting to control MJ through Murray. It alleges that “AEG demanded and required that Michael Jackson would attend all rehearsals and shows on the tour” and this was ensured through Conrad Murray.

3. Lawsuit names defendants as: AEG LIVE LLC, Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc., Brandon (aka Randy) Phillips, Kenny Ortega, Paul Gongaware (co-CEO AEG), Tim Leiweke (president and CEO AEG).

4. Lawsuit states that Michael entered into a contract with AEG on January 26, 2009. The agreement was an “artist loan out” agreement. AEG had the rights to merchandising and other revenues. “AEG advances Michael Jackson substantial sums of money, which it was to recoup through revenues of the Tour. If however, Jackson failed to perform, or failed to generate the revenue to cover the advances, then AEG would have the right to collect the advance against security provided by Michael Jackson and his company Michael Jackson, LLC.” Assets AEG could seize included MJ’s half of the Sony/ATV. “Indeed, AEG was even entitled by the contract to recoup from Jackson the production costs from the Tour if the Tour itself were not to be successful.”

5. Lawsuit alleges AEG essentially controlled MJ’s life; he was financially dependent on AEG, the home he lived in was provided by AEG, “and his assets stood security if he failed to perform.”

6. Lawsuit alleges the AEG contract required MJ to help buy life insurance in which AEG would benefit in the event of Jackson’s demise. MJ was required to buy cancellation insurance at his own expense and name AEG as the beneficiary.

7. Lawsuit alleges that rehearsals began in April, 2009. By May, 2009, AEG complains to MJ that he is missing rehearsals, instructs him to no longer see or take prescriptions from current doctor (Dr. Klein) and to start seeing doctor AEG would provide.

8. Lawsuit alleges AEG hired Murray, entered into a contract to pay him $150,000 per month from May, 2009 through June, 2010. AEG agrees to pay for all of Murray’s medical equipment including CPR equipment and a nurse.

AEG likely cared more for profits from Michael than Michael himself.

MONEY!

This tragic saga will continue to unfold. As Michael’s brother Randy says, “Please understand its not over, we have a long way to go. There is more to come. We are just getting started.”

“…a song is a mantra, something you repeat over and over. And we need peace, we need giving, we need love, we need unity.” ~Michael Jackson

“What More Can I Give” is a song written by American musician Michael Jackson and recorded by a supergroup of singers following the September 11 attacks in 2001. The inspiration for the song had initially come to Jackson after a meeting with the President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in the late 1990s.”

“Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Michael rewrote “What More Can I Give”. He said, “I’m not one to sit back and say, ‘Oh, I feel bad for what happened to them… I want the whole world to sing “What More Can I Give,” to bring us together as a world, because a song is a mantra, something you repeat over and over. And we need peace, we need giving, we need love, we need unity.”

“As a humanitarian effort Michael, and other artists, recorded the new version of the song shortly afterward. The project had received an “overwhelming response from major artists all over the world,” with musicians such as Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Usher, Nick Carter, Aaron Carter, NSYNC and Carlos Santana offering to lend their voices to the track. The recording process was held in Los Angeles, California and destinations reachable by Michael Jackson’s private plane and mobile production unit.”

“What More Can I Give” was performed live at the 9/11 benefit concert “United We Stand: What More Can I Give.” Held at the RFobert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington D.C.  on October 21, 2001, the eight-hour concert featured numerous artists performing to a sell-out audience of 54,000 people. Jackson performed his songs “We Are the World” and “Man In The Mirror“, before he and other singers such as Rod Stewart, Al Green, James Brown, Sean Combs, Pink and many of the original recording artists, closed the show with “What More Can I Give.” ~excerpts from Wikipedia

Why in the world are all the people that trashed Michael’s reputation while he was alive now singing his praises? There was money to be made on the fruit of their bad mouthing, and now there is money to be made on their sweet remembrances. The First People of the Americas referred to the white settlers as those who had “forked tongues.” This expression aptly describes the above mentioned hypocrits.

In this moment I feel mad. Not happy mad. Not giddy with joy mad. I feel mad with anger at the thought of social injustice. I feel mad at the type of social injustice that lived, and breathed, during the trial in 2005 when Michael Jackson was mercilessly raked over the coals by the despicable journalism displayed in supposedly reputable newspapers, television and radio stations worldwide.

During the months of the trial, very few people reported accurate information. Very few media outlets, short of a few bloggers and courageous journalists such as NBC’s Geraldo Rivera, took the time to present the objective facts. There was a lot of money to be made, and unfortunately for Michael, dirt meant cash in the coffers of trusted reporting agencies. Truth was not as lucrative as skewed and lurid sensationalism. So that is what we, the public, received regarding the progress and outcome of the infamous Jackson trial of 2005.

Plentiful, but not as blatantly publicized, were  more balanced, honest perspectives. Geraldo Rivera investigated the facts himself, met with Michael and his children numerous times, and refused to regurgitate the popular juicy morsels of hearsay. After Michael’s acquittal Rivera was able to sing to the tune of “I told you so.”