The life and music of Michael Jackson will be celebrated at the University of the Virgin Islands this weekend in a benefit concert featuring Tito Jackson. Marlon Jackson will also make an appearance during the event. "MJ51 - A Tribute to Michael Jackson," will take place Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. An after-party hosted by Caribbean Posh Magazine will take place at the Reichhold Center immediately following the concert. Marlon and Tito Jackson are expected to attend.
Former BVI Music Fest promoter Marjorie Smith and Leslye Commissiong of 340 Productions asked Tito Jackson to perform this musical tribute as a benefit concert for the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Sponsored by the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the VI Lottery, Southland Gaming, Cruzan Rum, Ackley Media Group, Fat Turtle, Posh Magazine, WMB Entertainment, 93.5 Paradise Radio, the Buzz, ZRod Radio, WSTA, and Isle 95, this tribute will allow members of the Jackson family and Michael Jackson's Virgin Islands fans to celebrate his life and legacy. Saturday would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday.
Reichhold Center Co-Director Pamela Toussaint said the benefit concert will provide the Reichhold Center with funds to assist with artistic programming.
"It has become a challenge to continue to offer audiences the top-tier entertainment they've become accustomed to" Toussaint said. "Costs have skyrocketed and entertainers require airfare, lodging and fees beyond what ticket prices bring in." In addition, the Reichhold Center is dedicated to developing local talent, which means productions such as StarFest must continue to be funded. "What we are concerned about is the development of our people," Toussaint said. "We have to develop young talent but you can only do more if you have more."
In addition to Tito Jackson, "MJ51 - A Musical Tribute to Michael Jackson" will feature performances by local entertainers Louis Taylor, Osa McCleverty, Linette Baa, Janette Brin, April Jackson and members of the Charlotte Amalie High School Jazz Band.
Tickets to the MJ51 concert are $45 in advance, $50 at the door, and VIP tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. After-party tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Reichhold Center Box Office, KCMovies in Nisky Center, Essentric Shoe Boutique, Home Again, Get Licked, VI Bridal & Tuxedo, Urban Threads and Smith's Ferry.
This season, the Reichhold Center for the Arts will come alive with performances by Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Ramsey Lewis, Steel Pulse, Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green, Ballet Hispanico, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Soweto Gospel Choir and Black Violin, among others. Visit the Reichhold Center on the Web at www.reichholdcenter.com or call the Box Office at 693-1559.
For further information about "MJ51 - A Musical Tribute to Michael Jackson" please contact Marjorie Smith at 690-0035.