PART 1 OF A TWO PART SERIES...The annual Riverside, CA, "Ghost Walk" got off to a smashing success today as fans were invited from all over Southern California to celebrate what would have been Michael Jackson's 52nd birthday - by trying to break the "documented" record for the most people dancing to "Thriller" at the same time. Riverside is about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, CA.
I spoke to the Riverside CA Ballet Co spokeswoman and board of directors member Jennifer Reed, who said that this was a great event for the city and the inland empire. This shoot was approved for all media and the public by the ballet company, and all the video and photos in this report were shot with full permission.
This reporter also interviewed two heavyweights from Michael Jackson's inner circle: BJ Brasier, who was the assistant choreographer to Lavell Smith Jr, Mr Jackson's lead choreographer. Mr Brasier also worked on the preparations for "This Is It", the tour that was cut short by Michael's untimely death.
I also interviewed Courtney Miller, who worked on the video "Remember The Time", "Ghost", and "Dangerous" for the MTV Music Awards.
Watch the video to the end for my interviews of the fans, and to see the costume contest! This public, free event was a blast! RIP Michael Jackson, and Happy Birthday!