MJ: A Celebration
I will never be able to put in words how magical WDKX Radio's Celebration of Michael Jackson was last night, but here is the re-cap:
Last night, WDKX Radio opened the doors of the Water Street Music Hall for Rochester to come together as one to remember the life of Michael Jackson. And oh what a night it was.
The line started forming at 6:00 PM for the event that began at 7:00 PM. By 7:00, the line started at the doorway of the Water Street Music Hall and went all the way to Andrews Street. By 8:00 PM, the club had reached capacity and people were not allowed to go in. With hundreds still left on the street, I was a little concerned that people would be upset. Instead, what happened was beautiful!
Music was being streamed onto Water Street from inside and all of the people that were turned away at the door, not to be out-done by the lucky fans who made it inside, started their own party right there on the sidewalk! Folks of all ages, races and backgrounds showed up dressed in their best MJ attire to honor the most celebrated musical figure in the world.
On a giant screen, Michael Jackson's videos were played and the crowd reacted as if Michael were really there performing live. They sang at the top of their lungs (my personal favorite was an a cappella version of "Who's Loving You") and re-enacted the dance moves from all of his videos. At one point, you actually thought you were in the "Beat It" video as the crowd recreated all of the choreography.
On the outside, people danced in the street and sang their favorite MJ tunes. Once the music was turned off at 9:00 PM, people turned on their car radios to WDKX (which was playing all MJ music) and the party continued. At dusk, everyone lit their candles for the vigil. Now candlelight vigils are usually very somber occasions. Not this one. People danced up and down the street with candles in hand.
There were several MJ Impersonators in attendance as well, most notably - Ron White. Ron hadn't done his MJ impression in years, but dusted off his sequined jacket, socks and glove for the occasion. He performed onstage inside and then took his show to the street. The crowd went wild!
Michael Jackson always had a way of bringing everyone together, no matter what their background. He did it again last night. The MJ love fest brought together people that under normal everyday circumstances would never cross each others paths. Last night, they partied together like they were old friends.
If you were there last night, you know exactly what I mean - If you didn't make it, you missed a one of a kind occasion. Michael would be proud. I'm sure he was looking down at all of us last night with a big smile on his face.
Thanks to Water Street Music Hall, the City of Rochester, sponsors, but more importantly, WDKX Radio, who provided the most beautiful tribute to the life of Michael Jackson since his death was announced. Last night was the proverbial cherry on the sundae. Being locally owned and operated, decisions are made in real time and no other station in Rochester would have been able to jump immediately into high gear like WDKX (thanks for everything Mr. Langston!!!!).
