Honoring Michael Jackson

The Midwest town where Michael Jackson was born will roll out its fifth annual homage to its most famous son. The King Of Pop Tribute Festival Of The Arts will take place this summer in Gary, Ind.

Photo: Pat Roque, File/AP

Performing the first of two concerts in Manila during the HIStory World tour.

The festival runs Aug. 28-30 at 2300 Jackson Street, the first home of the man who gave the world, “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and other mega-selling hits. As every fan knows, Aug. 29 would have been Jackson’s 56th birthday.

Family matriarch Katherine Jackson is promising a different kind of festival than in years past. Tagged with the theme “Art For Life,” the tribute will showcase undiscovered talent in a nod to the Jackson 5’s humble beginnings in Gary.

The event begins with an opening ceremony headed up by city officials and the Roosevelt High School marching band performing Jackson’s music. Expect a kids’ pavilion, arts and crafts vendors, dance competitions, live performances by local and national acts exhibitions, a classic car show and more. The festival’s last day includes an awards show along with a national recording group offering a tribute to Jackson, culminating with a fireworks spectacular.

While many details are still in the development stage, today’s announcement extends an invitation to “famous musicians, celebrities and guest speakers.” So if you know of anyone who falls into those categories, you might want to tell them to get in touch with Katherine.