(photo by Rachel Lazere)
I was happily surprised at the near capacity crowd at the Magic Bag for WHO'S BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE last Friday because of the winter blast that fell upon the city that day that left the roads snow covered and treacherous. But Michael Jackson is so larger than life that people, myself included, will brave any conditions to hear the songs that made him the "King Of Pop".
The crowd was diverse as you could get. A true melting pot. From twenty something's to seniors, and even the Insane Clown Posse (sans makeup) were in attendance donning Michael Jackson apparel. The whole crowd was moving right from the start with the bands first song "Jam".
WHO'S BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE gives you the total Jackson live experience. It's a total live band. You have musicians playing the guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. And boy did the trumpet player ever move. I think the guy has jello in place of bones. The vocalist was fantastic. He kept the energy level high all night with fantastic dance moves to match his singing. It's not a easy task to match "the king", but he came as close as I've seen.
Songs spanned Michael's total career from the Jackson 5 to his solo material. From “I'll Be There” to “Billie Jean” to "Black or White".
The band also brought up audience members a few times during their set to dance and sing with them. The place felt bonded through the music. So much positive energy in the packed house. Michael Jackson's legacy exists with the songs that will never die. And I'm happy to see such a act bringing them on the road to perform live and giving them justice.
Words can only explain so much so please sit back and enjoy this live video I filmed of the band performing "Smooth Criminal"...