Mark your calendars! For the third year running, SPIKE LEE will hold his annual BROOKLYN LOVES MICHAEL JACKSON birthday party celebration in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on Saturday, August 27th.
The first year Spike did this, 20,000 MJ fans turned out. Last year, there were a whopping FIFTY THOUSAND (!!!) people in attendance, which is really just kind of insane and also completely awesome and amazing. Let me tell you, I’ve been to a lot of gatherings, concerts, parties and open park events in my life, but nothing compares to the BK♡MJ bash! It’s FREE, it’s FUN, it’s HUGE, and it’s all about L.O.V.E. + MUSIC and remembering how much of both of those things Michael delivered in spades. There’s something very special about being in a group that huge and feeling nothing but happiness and camaraderie for six hours straight!
Here are some of my photos from last year’s event. I’ll be there again this this year for sure! As far as I’m concerned, this is the FUN event of the year in New York City. (New Years Eve what? Saint Patrick’s Day Parade who?) My calendar has been booked since the moment Spike announced the date, and I’m already itching with excitement and ready to claim my spot up in the front row. DJ Spinna is as good it gets when it comes to spinning MJ, and I can’t wait to find out what special guests will be joining in on the party.
MA MA SE MA MA SA MA MA COO SA! Hope to see you there. ♡
For more information, visit the Prospect Park and 40 Acres websites.
Designer Fuse Green created the event artwork again this year. Thanks to 40 Acres for letting me share these behind-the-scenes photos of the mural installation at their headquarters in Fort Greene, Brooklyn!
8 Comments
50 thousand?! Do you think this year’s attendance will jump another 30k? Pretty awesome turnout. Is everyone really well-behaved, or do you get those typical festival-jerks who just like to start problems?
Incredibly, my experience has been that the crowd is really all very well-behaved. Last year there was an elderly guy next to me who was visibly drunk and acting a fool, but he was harmless (and a couple of strangers nearby helped to get him off to the side and out of the crowd so he’d be safe). It’s a family event with lots of little kids, and I really think that the fact that it’s Michael Jackson that’s being honored keeps everyone on the level and pretty respectful of each other. His music has that effect of people! As far as I know, there haven’t been any arrests or problems at all either year. I know the first year there was a lot of advance concern about that, so there was a HUGE police presence—but it was totally unnecessary. Last year the cops just looked to be enjoying the music and happiness along with everyone else. 🙂
It’s definitely the most positive and upbeat type of gathering I’ve ever experienced—pretty amazing, really, and a testament to the power of music (whether positive or negative—in this case, the former).
That’s wonderful to hear! What a great tribute to MJ. I think that is something he really would have been proud to see.
Ugh! I’m always so torn. I LOVE MJ and love the idea of going to this, but the realities of traveling to and from Brooklyn and dealing with the NYC crowd always zap my enthusiasm. Right now, today, I’m leaning toward going thanks in large part to this post 🙂
But the great thing about party is THE CROWD! It’s in a huge field and it’s a DJ (not Mike himself, alas), so it’s not like people rushing the stage or anything. You should come!! And bring bottles of water and sunscreen. 😉
Great post. Have a wonderful time Anna ( you know you will) — next year I hope to make it!
I went to Prospect Park on M.J. Birthday two years ago, and I enjoyed the people, and M.J. music so so much. I felt such a caring and loving climate there and felt the L.O.V.E. for MICHAEL JACKSON all around me. First was raining than was sunshine and than were tears of joy! THANK YOU SPIKE LEE and DJ SPINNA
NEW YORK CITY LOVES MICHAEL JACKSON!!!
I will deffinately be there. I missed last year because of the hurricane and wasn’t aware that they rescheduled but I will be there with my warmly socks on! !!!!!!!!!