Hometown Plans Birthday Tribute for Michael Jackson

Wed, 25 August 2010 22:33:59 ET

The 'Thriller' hitmaker, who died of Propofol intoxication at his home in Los Angeles in 2009, will be honored with a special 'This Is It' birthday party outside his childhood home in Gary, Indiana.

Michael Jackson's hometown is planning a birthday tribute to the singer. The late "Thriller" hitmaker, who died of acute Propofol intoxication at his home in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009, will be honored with a special "This Is It" birthday party outside his childhood home in Gary, Indiana on Saturday, August 28, the day before what should have been his 52nd birthday.

"The passing of our favorite son, Michael Jackson, is still fresh in our hearts," Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said. "A year later, on the day before his birthday, we honor his memory as a great and giving person and as the world's greatest entertainer." Michael's father, Joe Jackson, will attend a cake cutting ceremony at the tribute, which will also feature a group "Thriller" dance.

As well as the birthday celebrations, a separate four-day MJFanvention begins in the town on Thursday, August 26. The main attraction at the fan event will be a special tribute concert on Saturday, featuring Tony Award-winner Melba Moore and the late singer's former tour guitarist Jennifer Batten, as well as impersonator Edward Moss and a choir of Indiana residents.

A stage production based on the life and music of the legendary singer entitled "Yesterday, Today & Forever" will also take place in the town on Thursday. Michael's mother Katherine Jackson unveiled an 8ft granite plaque in his honor at the house in Gary on the first anniversary of the King of Pop's death earlier this year.

The Jacksons left Gary in 1969 after the Jackson Five became a successful recording group. The Jackson Family Foundation, headed by the late singer's father, is planning to build a multi-million-dollar museum, golf course and performing arts center in Michael's honor in the town.

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