Lehman Center Presents KING MICHAEL 6/26

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present a spectacular, multi-media, live performance honoring the greatest entertainer of all time, Michael Jackson, on this very special first anniversary. KING MICHAEL - TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 8pm features three talented artists - MICHAEL FIRESTONE, PETE CARTER and IVAN KELLEY aka LIL MAN -- who will portray Michael at different stages of his amazing career, mastering his unique dancing to perform such hits as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal" and "Earth Song." Supplying electrifying solos and super-rich harmonies to Michael's hits will be the fabulous Harlem GospeLive. The show features an all-star dance company, DJs, video jockeys and master percussionists in newly expanded, never before seen tributes.

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for KING MICHAEL - TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF POP on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 8pm are: $45, $35, $25 and $20 and can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718.960.8833 (Mon. through Fri., 10am-5pm, Tues. 10am-7pm, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert), or through 24-hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org. Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway. Free on-site parking is available.

Michael Firestone (MJ Impersonator, Live Singing and Dancing) learned, as a child, to imitate every move and vocal vibration of his idol, Michael Jackson. He performed Jackson's songs in shows throughout his adolescence. As an adult, he moved to Las Vegas and began a career impersonating the King of Pop. Prior to Jackson's untimely death, Firestone had performed as a Michael Jackson tribute artist in such live shows as "MTV Magic" and "Around the World" in Asia as well as "Legends in Concert" in Myrtle Beach, "La Cage" and "Masquerade" in Atlantic City, "Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular" and the Asian variety show "The Bon Show." Since Jackson's passing, Firestone has become one of the most respected and sought-after Michael Jackson tribute artists, performing memorial shows and tributes in Las Vegas and around the country. He was one of two official Michael Jackson impersonators chosen for the "Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular" shows in theaters and casinos all over the US and Canada.

Pete Carter (MJ Impersonator, Live Dancing) has been thrilling audiences as Michael Jackson ever since he was a child. At just 8 years old, he would dance in front of his idol on the TV screen, as his mother sewed replica Michael Jackson costumes. For the past 10 years, Carter has been professionally impersonating the King of Pop for audiences all across the country. In June 2003, he had the honor to sit down with the King himself, who complimented Carter on his costumes and thanked him. Later that year, he was invited to Neverland Ranch on two separate occasions and met the entire Jackson family. Since then Carter has worked with Madame Tussauds, Guinness and Sony BMG on behalf of Jackson. In April 2009, Carter got to spend what would be his final moments with Michael Jackson. He asked Michael to autograph his back in black Sharpie, and then got it permanently tattooed on later that night. Last June, Carter attended Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center.

Ivan Kelley aka Lil' Man (Young Singing, Dancing MJ) is reminiscent of an early Michael Jackson. Born Ivan Kelley Cousin Jr., Lil Man, is indeed a child prodigy. His father, Ivan Kelley Cousin, Sr., sang professionally for over two decades. With his own undeniable talent, Lil Man performed in his first talent showcase at age seven and has continued to cultivate his craft, performing all over the United States with such stars as Acon, and appearing recently on the "Ellen Degeneres" show. With flawless delivery and pitch, his voice is distinctively laced with soul and has earned the adoration of fans across the globe.

Harlem GospeLive, started by producer and singer Maurice Lynch combining the concept of Gospel with cabaret and jazz, premiered at the Blue Note in NYC and has continued to dazzle and delight audiences around the world.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts.

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