A Fan Review- Spike Lee's Annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Party in Prospect Park

If you are an active member of the Michael Jackson fan community, I'm sure that you've heard of one of the biggest events of the summer. Every year since 2009, Spike Lee has hosted a gathering in Brooklyn's Prospect Park to celebrate and remember Michael Jackson's life. Its become one of the absolute must -attend events for me and I'm sure, many other fans feel the same.  

This year it will be held on August 25th from 12pm-5pm and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

The first year I attended, it was on August 29th which happened to land on a Sunday. It was the first summer without Michael. I know to some non-fans that sounds extreme but hear me out... For YEARS I'd go days and days without listening to anything besides Michael's voice. In fact, my first MP3 player (a Creative Zen *throwback*) was actually full of MJ related songs (there may have been 20-25 other songs but, besides that it was strictly the King of Pop). I am serious when I say that I'd spend all day in high school staring at my Michael Jackson binder (before they had MJ stationary I had to handcraft mine) and I'd come home to chat with my MJ friends (most of whom I am still besties with today). I'd browse eBay for the most interesting and rare finds and spend hours on MJJC (when it was MJJForum). When I say it was a summer without Michael, I mean it was the first time in my life without knowing that MJ was somewhere out there. All of my dreams about new albums, new music, the chance to meet him, new interviews, heck- even the latest paparazzi pictures would never ever come to fruition. It was what I thought was the end to a beautiful (sometimes painful) but, a special chapter of my life.


When Michael left us in June 2009, I was not at the height of my fandom. It's the truth. I'd just graduated from a prestigious university (We Are... Penn State!), was in the beginnings of my relationship with my first love, and I had a ton of money in my pocket. I had planned to totally have a kick-ass summer. Unfortunately, when Michael died, so did those plans.

Until the Brooklyn Loves Michael Party...

This party is special to me for soooo many reasons but, the number one reason is that it makes me feel closer to Michael. If any of you guys have ever suffered a loss, you know that certain activities and certain things just make you feel CLOSER to the person that you lost. For Michael, it's events like these that help me remember why I love this guy and his music so much. Being around thousands upon thousands that have been touched in the same way helps as well. DJ Spinna is the resident DJ for this event (I think I've told you before how much I LOVE DJ Spinna's MJ set) and there are always special guests popping up on stage to celebrate Michael's legacy.

If you are a fan of BLASTING MJ's music in your room/car/in your headphones... you will LOVE this party. Trust me, you have never heard MJ's music loud until you come to this event. It's just beautiful to hear ALL of his songs (I will say some eras get more love than others but, perfect for those who love the J5 and Jacksons music too- like me!). Most of the songs are faster ones, from "Can You Feel It" to "ABC"

The first year I attended, I remember there was this super magical moment where it started to rain and just really get windy and foggy out but, before you know it, the sun shined, bursting with light and drying the field. It was like Michael cleared the skies for us and let us know that everything would be okay! I am not one of those fans that has a deep spiritual connection to Michael or anything but, I totally felt his presence running through me that day.

Last year the party was cancelled because of the awful weather we were having but, this year it seems like nothing will be stopping the show. If you are thinking of traveling to attend--- do it!

I promise you will not be disappointed. 

For more information on this AWESOME event, happening August 25th this year from 12 noon -5pm Click HERE    and don't forget to check out the Brooklyn Loves MJ Facebook fan page for more information and to link up with fans who will be attending. 


I hope to see you all there!

Do you anxiously await the Brooklyn Loves MJ party each year as much as I do?

 Wanna meet up with me and the rest of the Legacy of Love NYC crew (legacyoflovenyc.com) --- 

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

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The Michael Jackson Fan Community...Divided We Fall?

(photo: sodahead.com)

As you all know by now, there's been some inner drama (that has been very much public, thanks to social media) in the Jackson family, involving Michael's three children. Over the past few days, I've personally kept mum about this because I've been trying to just watch and observe, instead of getting all heated about something that virtually, is not my business. I will say that I feel for all parties involved and I have never been a part of a huge family like the Jacksons so, I really don't know what it's like to try and get so many people on the same page. (As we see, it's pretty much impossible!). I hope the best for Michael's children because we all know how much he loved them. Apart from this, the one thing I notice is that this issue AGAIN has divided the fan community. It's so sad to me that Michael stood so much and believed so much in togetherness but, we argue and lash out at each other over the simplest of issues. Why is that?

Yes, Michael was our "leader" of some sorts but, I'd hope to believe that we all carried a part of that hope for unity and peace in each of us.

If it's not the Jacksons issue now, it was the MICHAEL album a few months back. And before that it was where Michael's children should go. Before that it was where Michael should be laid to rest. And what really happened to him. Let's not to mention the division between fans who think Michael is still around somewhere on this Earth.

ENOUGH ALREADY! 

I just wish that we could all stand together instead of lashing out at each other.

We all love Michael for the same reasons, generally speaking. I am learning to try and stay neutral, watch things play out and keep my opinion to myself! I love my Michael Jackson friends and would do anything to keep them around! We are like a little family and I love the unity I feel when at the more positive events like the Heal the World for Children's Annual Children's Festival on Michael's birthday or at the Brooklyn Loves MJ Party held every year by Spike Lee.

 Feel the love and let go of the anger!

In other news, I am having a really great great week. I won't go into much detail but I am happy and very appreciative of things that have been going on in my life right now.  I am way more open to a lot more possibilities and just trying to be more positive all around. I have my moments, like all of us do but--  I have been going out way more and enjoying spending the hours of my life outside of my home, and with family, friends, and loved ones. I went to an IMAX theatre for the first time (ever!) to see a major motion picture and it was OUT of this WORLD! Totally awesome experience (and worth being sleepy and having to wear my glasses at work the next morning. *smile*)

I will have to say that I have ALWAYS been somewhat of a loner (especially in high school!). For the most part I can do without having a million people around me and I just stick to my core group. It's taken me years and years to realize that it's OKAY to have friends who share your same interests (or your MAIN one). Plenty people are friends with people who like the same sports teams, who love to travel, who enjoy eating at fancy places, or who just live in the same neighborhood and it's convenient. At the peak of my fandom, I was totally happy to come home from school and talk for 6 or 7 hours on the phone at nights with fellow fans online and on the phone, about how simply awesome and amazing Michael is. Now, I will say that Michael plays a bit of a different role in my life. My fandom has evolved as I have evolved as a person and I am sure others feel the same as I do. I am still every bit grateful and inspired by him but, now I want to go out and live my life. Living with the dream and the love that MJ so graciously taught me and all of us, and enjoying every moment (or trying to at least!)



How do you feel about the MJ Fan Community? Do you feel that we will ever be united again? 
Are you happy to be a part of it or are you done with trying to get on the same page as your fan friends?

Talk to me! 

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Legacy of Love NYC Updates for July

Legacy of Love NYC has big plans to bring up the rear end of this year's Michael Jackson season.

For those who are unfamiliar, Legacy of Love is run by co-organizers (one being myself and Shanda) two Michael fans who are driven by lots of love, inspiration, and the admiration they have for Michael Jackson as an entertainer, a humanitarian, and as an all around good person. We have been determined to create a home base for all MJ fans in the Tri-State area and have been doing so for over 2 years for nearly 150 fans.


Are you just dropping by in the area and want to meet some like-minded people?


Legacy of Love will be present at some of this year's biggest events including (but not limited to):

- WBLS Annual Michael Jackson Cruise hosted by Shayla and DJ Qua

- Spike Lee's Annual Michael Jackson Loves Brooklyn Party

- Heal the World for Children's Annual Children's Festival

& MORE...

Not to mention that we will be hosting what is to be one of the biggest parties to celebrate and tribute the release of BAD25 with an exclusive screening of the new tour dvd, a dance party, BAD era costume contest, and prizes only to be won on SEPTEMBER 22nd (location to be announced shortly!).


If you are interested in becoming a member, it's easy! Just click on over to LegacyofLoveNYC.com and tell em MJFanGirl sent ya!




P.S. #MJFam...

Don't forget to check Legacy of Love out on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter !

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TMI Talk: Jackson Siblings Contest Michael's Will

Okay, so I just happened to be laid out at the beach when I logged on to Twitter and saw the MJFAM rumor mill pumping feverishly with the news that the Jacksons (well some of them) had released a letter to the estate, asking the executors to step down, and insisting that the will being in used is not Michael's latest version.


Supposedly this letter also included some news that Mrs. Jackson had a mini-stroke. Paris (Michael's daughter) then takes to Twitter to refute these rumors, sending a tweet directly to her uncle Randy, demanding that he stop lying and have some respect for his mother.

Ummmm... DRAMA!

While everyone is still confused about what the heck is going on in the Twitter-sphere (is that even a word?) the major fan clubs release a letter in support of the estate and in disagreement with the Jackson siblings. Can I be the first to say... Who cares?

Personally, I am a fan of Michael's solo music AND his time with the Jackson 5/Jacksons. I love that family and their music so, all of this inner circle stuff is mostly just annoying to me! I don't feel that I even have a right to be signing any letter or passing anything around stating my opinion about situations like this, which is why Legacy of Love NYC is NOT and never will be a part of these types of events. I don't believe in fan clubs signing/co-signing/having a stance on these matters because at the end of the day, it's really a personal issue for the executors and the family. (Shame on whoever leaked/released that letter to the public!)


I enjoyed the JACKSONS Unity Tour twice last month and will thoroughly enjoy the release of BAD 25 and the first official DVD release of the BAD Tour, in all of its glory. I guess I say all of this to say... Can't We All Just Get Along?

#MJFAM - what say YOU?

Are you tired of hearing about these disagreements between the Jacksons and the estate? Or do you kinda like it, cause it keeps the MJ community active and busy with something new to debate?

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Broke as a joke--- Onto the 2nd half of MJ Season!

Ahhhhhh- weekend's here again!

Well not REALLY but, hm, yeah it is almost here. I am talking about the weekend after having had almost 6 full days away from work. Its my first year with the company and seeing as I only had one week vacation (a lonely tear rolls down my cheek and violins play) I had to find a way to make the best of things. A word to the wise--- take off a Friday and your weekdays so you have the weekend off too in succession with your weekday vacay. An old boss of mine used to use all of her PTO days right before/after national holidays and weekends (LIKE A BOSS).

Anyway since Michael Jackson season and some other things I've gotten into have totally caused me to blow my monthly budget out of the water, I'm super broke for the rest of the summer. Or at least I have to play broke, to catch up with my savings goals. I've been shopping and cooking to try and offset the costs of lunch and dinner every day. My meals are pretty cheap since I buy in bulk but, I'm often too tired to pack the damn lunch into my Pyrex bowl. CRAZY me!

Anyway, look at my trip this week- all for under 37 bucks! (My curiosity and recent interest in Greek Yogurt put me 2 bucks over my planned budget, so sue me!)

I am in desperate need of some money saving tips!

Any advice for me? :-)

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JACKSONS: Unity Tour - A Fan Review

EDIT: I went a 3rd time--- check out some updates on my 3rd experience here! 

Now I will be honest and say that I debated going to see the Jacksons Unity Tour for months and months (and months!) but, I finally decided that it was something I HAD to do. Most of my MJ Family in New York knows how much I love the music of the Jacksons and the Jackson 5 so, when I had the opportunity the day of to snag tickets to the show, I had to take the chance by storm.

I ended up having such an amazing time at the APOLLO Theatre show that I ended up going to the next show in the Tri-State area, the one in New Jersey! Good good times. I took some fun photos of my outfit for the second show:

I really and truly loved the show and as many others have said, felt Michael's presence in the building. To be honest, the start of the show was a bit awkward and somewhat emotional for me. Being such a big Michael fan, it's hard to go into a Jacksons show, knowing that Michael won't be there. After a few songs, I really got into the groove and was able to enjoy the songs were what they are *classic and awesome*..

There was a nice tribute segment to Michael in which Jermaine performed Gone Too Soon and that was no doubt emotional but, overall it was a really good experience. One of the best surprises of the night was when the brothers performed and introduced the band to "Can't Let Her Get Away". It's one of the filler tracks on the Dangerous album and the ONLY time I've ever heard that song performed live! Of course, they did some other solo MJ songs that have been done on past tours, such as "Rock With You" and "Wanna Be Startin Something" but, it was CLHGA that took the cake!

Here is an instagram that my good friend Gadget Trish posted of me from the New Jersey show... Groovy!

I would recommend the Jacksons UNITY Tour for any Jackson 5/Jacksons fan who can appreciate Jackson talent for what it is (independent of Michael).  Did you go to the Jacksons UNITY Tour? How'd you like it?

Share your thoughts! (& don't forget to follow me on Twitter--- XOXO!)

6

Wordless: beach.

Happy Independence Day everyone! 

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