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Lehman Center Presents KING MICHAEL 6/26

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Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present a spectacular, multi-media, live performance honoring the [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]greatest entertainer of all time, Michael Jackson, on this very special first anniversary. KING MICHAEL - TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 8pm features three talented artists - MICHAEL FIRESTONE, PETE CARTER and IVAN KELLEY aka LIL MAN -- who will portray Michael at different stages of his amazing career, mastering his unique dancing to perform such hits as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal" and "Earth Song." Supplying electrifying solos and super-rich harmonies to Michael's hits will be the fabulous Harlem GospeLive. The show features an all-star dance company, DJs, video jockeys and master percussionists in newly expanded, never before seen tributes.

[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for KING MICHAEL - TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 8pm are: $45, $35, $25 and $20 and can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718.960.8833 (Mon. through Fri., 10am-5pm, Tues. 10am-7pm, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert), or through 24-hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org. Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway. Free on-site parking is available.[/SIZE][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]Michael Firestone (MJ Impersonator, Live Singing and Dancing) learned, as a child, to imitate every move and vocal vibration of his idol, Michael Jackson. He performed Jackson's songs in shows throughout his adolescence. As an adult, he moved to Las Vegas and began a career impersonating the King of Pop. Prior to Jackson's untimely death, Firestone had performed as a Michael Jackson tribute artist in such live shows as "MTV Magic" and "Around the World" in Asia as well as "Legends in Concert" in Myrtle Beach, "La Cage" and "Masquerade" in Atlantic City, "Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular" and the Asian variety show "The Bon Show." Since Jackson's passing, Firestone has become one of the most respected and sought-after Michael Jackson tribute artists, performing memorial shows and tributes in Las Vegas and around the country. He was one of two official Michael Jackson impersonators chosen for the "Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular" shows in theaters and casinos all over the US and Canada.[/SIZE][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]Pete Carter (MJ Impersonator, Live Dancing) has been thrilling audiences as Michael Jackson ever since he was a child. At just 8 years old, he would dance in front of his idol on the TV screen, as his mother sewed replica Michael Jackson costumes. For the past 10 years, Carter has been professionally impersonating the King of Pop for audiences all across the country. In June 2003, he had the honor to sit down with the King himself, who complimented Carter on his costumes and thanked him. Later that year, he was invited to Neverland Ranch on two separate occasions and met the entire Jackson family. Since then Carter has worked with Madame Tussauds, Guinness and Sony BMG on behalf of Jackson. In April 2009, Carter got to spend what would be his final moments with Michael Jackson. He asked Michael to autograph his back in black Sharpie, and then got it permanently tattooed on later that night. Last June, Carter attended Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center.[/SIZE][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]Ivan Kelley aka Lil' Man (Young Singing, Dancing MJ) is reminiscent of an early Michael Jackson. Born Ivan Kelley Cousin Jr., Lil Man, is indeed a child prodigy. His father, Ivan Kelley Cousin, Sr., sang professionally for over two decades. With his own undeniable talent, Lil Man performed in his first talent showcase at age seven and has continued to cultivate his craft, performing all over the United States with such stars as Acon, and appearing recently on the "Ellen Degeneres" show. With flawless delivery and pitch, his voice is distinctively laced with soul and has earned the adoration of fans across the globe.[/SIZE][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]Harlem GospeLive, started by producer and singer Maurice Lynch combining the concept of Gospel with cabaret and jazz, premiered at the Blue Note in NYC and has continued to dazzle and delight audiences around the world.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2][SIZE=-1]This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts.[/SIZE][/SIZE]


http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lehman_Center_Presents_KING_MICHAEL_626_20100525
 
People of Note: Lehman Center plans a June 26 Michael Jackson tribute extravaganza

By Deardra Shuler

No matter what one personally thinks of Michael Jackson there is no denying he was a musical genius the likes this world will never see again. Not because there aren’t or wont be other geniuses to follow but because he was unique unto himself. He was aloof yet caring having donated numerous amounts of money to charities.

There is a price to pay for genius in this world because it sets one apart and puts one in the position of being original in a world that is trapped into a programmed mindset that seeks to attack or tear down those who stand above the status quo.

Michael Jackson was an original; a child man who maintained a degree of innocence so that his art form tapped into a untethered purity imbued with wonderment and imagination. Because his heart was so pure it could not withstand the cruel accusations and betrayals of those who sought to see his love for children as something vile or his whitened skin as something more than his affliction with the disease Vitiligo.

King Michael had the Midas touch when it came to music, dance and fashion and he was an astute businessman as well. Once on stage, Jackson was thrilling and mind blowing.

The seventh child of the Jackson family, Michael debuted with his brothers as part of the Jackson 5 in the mid 1960’s until he went solo in 1971. He went on to become an immense figure in the entertainment business obtaining crossover appeal for his records and videos like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Thriller.” In fact, “Thriller” is the best selling album of all time with “Off the Wall,” “HiStory,” “Bad” and “Dangerous” a close second. Michael captured 13 Grammy Awards, 13 No. 1 singles in the U.S., 26 American Music Awards and held the distinction of “Artist of the Century” and “King of Pop.” Mr. Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide.

MJ Impersonators Michael Firestone, Pete Carter and 11-year-old Ivan Kelly will be depicting the various stages of Michael Jackson’s career at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, the Bronx, on Saturday, June 26th (the day after the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing on June 25, 2009 due to cardiac arrest) in tribute to Michael Jackson: The King of Pop.

“This is a never seen before or again production. It will be like no other. We have all-star dancers performing unbelievable dance numbers to Jackson’s many songs. We will have the GospeLive choir doing harmonies. There will be Djs, percussionists, video jockeys and of course our three well respected Michael Jackson impersonators and tribute artists,” said Steve Love the producer. “We plan on a few surprises. This will be an extravaganza. Tickets are going fast so get them early,” continued Love.

“It takes me all day to prepare to do a Michael Jackson show. I start 6 hours before the show to get my voice ready,” said impersonator Michael Firestone. “It takes about 3 hours to transform into Jackson. I have to white out my face completely and erase my own features with makeup. No one has Michael Jackson’s eyes so I have to start with my eyes since eyes are the window to who you are. Once I get his eyes correct, I start on the cheekbones. Michael wore lip liner to conceal the Vitiligo. Usually the disease centers around the eyes, mouth area and hands. Its a gradual change in coloration over time. Thus, Michael had varying shades of coloration which he evened out with heavy makeup as his skin tone gradually whitened. Michael attempted to deal with his disease privately but when folks criticized him he finally revealed his affliction. But still many people didn’t believe him. In order to transform into Michael, I have studied his life and in some ways channel his persona and psyche. There is always someone in the crowd who is a heckler but since Michael passed the audience has been nice. I hope people will continue to be kind to Michael’s memory and to his children,” said Firestone who performs in Las Vegas and across the country. “I met Michael once in person all of 5 minutes but then later he called and we talked awhile. I had purchased up front tickets to catch the “This Is It,” concert in England but of course Michael died before he was able to do his farewell concerts.”

Child prodigy Ivan Kelley (aka Lil’ Man) is reminiscent of a young Michael Jackson. As a result of Kelley’s appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, he was invited to tour with hip hop artist Acon. “It’s very rare to find a young person whose voice is so similar to the young Michael. I like to think that Michael would be very proud of these impersonators who pay tribute to him,” remarked the show producer.

“I am working on the dance tributes to Michael. We will be doing many of his popular routines,” said Pete Carter who met Jackson several times. “I have been to Neverland and visited Michael in L.A., when he was rehearsing the “This Is It” London concert. I’ve been impersonating him for 10 years. I last saw him in April 2009. Michael was such a sweet person. He truly loved his fans and took the time to sign autographs whenever asked. In fact, he signed his signature on my back and I immediately had it permanently tattooed there. Michael was excited about doing the “This Is It” concerts. He was feeling good although he was thinner than I had ever seen him before. I felt his bones when we hugged and this surprised me. I look forward to performing at Lehman Center because everyone wants to truly honor Michael as the great “King of Pop’” said the renowned MJ impersonator.

Interested parties can call the Lehman Center Box Office at 718-960-8833 or go online at www.LehmanCener.org for tickets.

http://www.eurweb.com/?p=29789
 
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