GARY, Ind. (AP) – Michael Jackson's boyhood hometown of Gary is getting ready to celebrate his birthday again.
Event promoter Karvin Johnson tells the Post-Tribune of Merrillville that this year's three-day Michael Jackson Tribute Festival of the Arts will focus not only on the famous singer, but also on encouraging new artists.
Johnson says Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, and other family members, including Michael Jackson's children, are scheduled to attend.
The festival kicks off Thursday with an orchestra and choir made up of Gary students singing and playing a medley of Michael Jackson songs. The Gary Community School Corp. conducted an audition last week for the lead singer.
The musical performance will be followed by a ceremony at Roosevelt High School on Thursday afternoon, which will include remarks by local officials.
