Saturday marks what would have been the 51st birthday of pop star Michael Jackson.
Meanwhile, a belated private gathering birthday party in Tinley Park, Ill. last Saturday honored Jackson Family patriarch Joe Jackson, while launching plans for the much buzzed about proposed performing arts center and museum in honor of Michael Jackson.
Joe Jackson's actual birthday is July 26. And depending on the source consulted, he turned either 80 or 81.
As for the party, it was hosted at the beautiful "mini-mansion" home of Odie and Sharon Anderson, known as Odyssey Estate in their gated Tinley Park neighborhood. The Andersons own a chain of clothing stores called The Look as well as Unico Designs, LTD at River Oaks Shopping Center in Calumet City.
Among the more than 100 invited guests who attended were Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, Evelyn LaHaie of Valparaiso, the Gary native credited with naming The Jackson Five, Karen Billick of Merrillville, Sherry Thatcher of Chesterton and singer Marshall Thompson, founding member of the musical group The Chi-Lites who was also recognized for his birthday. Thompson and Joe Jackson are business partners for recording company Ranch Records.
In addition to a "red carpet" for arrivals and entertainment, including a fashion show, I'm told there were four Rolls-Royces parked in front of the house as guests were greeted by event security provided by ISA Security.
The party, which included banners, balloons and programs featuring the theme "Celebrating Living Legends" was presented by Mar-Ance Records & Blue Star Technologies Inc.
The party also included plans for the proposed Jacksons performing arts center and museum.
Harry L. Parson III said the name of the planned space will be called The Jackson Museum Performing Arts Center with the possible locations narrowed down to Gary, Las Vegas or Chicago. Los Angeles, previously considered as a location, has since been eliminated.
A number of guests also purchased memorial bricks, priced from $100 for small bricks and up to $1,000 for a bench. Each will display engraved names and be featured as part of the museum facility's architecture design. FYI: jacksonmuseum.org.
Michael's birthday celebration
Even though the King of Pop has yet to be laid to rest, there are a number of celebrations honoring his 51st birthday Saturday.
One of the most interesting press releases I received came from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club on Chicago's Northside.
From 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. tonight, Kit Kat is hosting a "King of Pop" tribute featuring Kit Kat's own Traci Ross, performing as both Michael and his sister Janet Jackson, along with "special appearances" by Michael's "friends" Liza Minnelli and Liz Taylor. In honor of the occasion, Kit Kat's "Black & White Martini," which features VOX Vodka, dark chocolate liqueur and vanilla, will be on special for $5 and Kit Kat's Executive Chef Mark Kasper has created special menu items highlighting Michael Jackson's favorite foods, including cheesy potatoes and spicy blackened chicken and roasted corn. Kit Kat's five large screens will show Jackson footage and videos.The first 50 guests will receive a limited edition Kit Kat/MJ sparkled glove. Table reservations welcomed, not required. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is located at 3700 N. Halsted St.. FYI: (773) 525-1111 or kitkatchicago.com.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Country singer Billy Grammer is 84. Actor Ben Gazzara is 79. Actor Sonny Shroyer ("The Dukes of Hazzard") is 74. Actor Ken Jenkins ("Scrubs") is 69. Actor David Soul is 66. Singer Wayne Osmond of The Osmonds is 58. Actor Daniel Stern is 52. Olympic ice skater Scott Hamilton ("The Celebrity Apprentice") is 50. Actress Emma Samms is 49. Actress Jennifer Coolidge is 48. Country singer Shania Twain is 44. Actor Billy Boyd ("Lord of the Rings") is 41. Actor-singer Jack Black and actor Jason Priestley ("Beverly Hills, 90210") are 40. Actor J. August Richards ("Angel") is 36. Singer-bassist Max Collins of Eve 6 is 31. Actress Carly Pope ("Popular") and actor Shane Van Dyke (grandson of Dick Van Dyke "Diagnosis Murder") are 29. Country singer Leann Rimes is 27.
