Flash Mobs and Other Tributes

So I never really wrote about Michale Jackson's death. I wasn't really sure how--when someone like that dies it raises all sorts of emotions that don't seem fair to share. I didn't know him, I didn't ever meet him, I was just a face in an unseen crowd.

But his music was something that was pivotal in my life. Whether it was as the Jackson Five, Michael pre 'Thriller' or Michael post 'Smooth Criminal' each period had songs that helped define my life. From 'P.Y.T.' to 'Can You Feel' to 'The Love You Save'--each song is a part of my existance, my memory, my past. And even though his life was a tragic, uncertain, and questionable mess it doesn't distract from the art he made.

And on the day he died I cried. I cried when Chloe first called me about Michael going to the hospital, when CNN confirmed his death, when the first clips aired of him as a child singing and all thorugh VH1's video marathon. I was lucky enough to be able to be with Edie and Valeska when his star of the Walk of Fame was revealed.



It was surreal to be among the various people in Hollywood as we listened to his music, danced along Hollywood Boulverade and help carry all the candles, flowers, cards and art that was made in honor of his life. When someone that huge dies it becomes a common moment for strangers and friends, co-workers and family, countries and neighborhoods. Bceause at the end of the day, music like his becomes a soundtrack to our lives whether as the soundtrack or just background noise. Words we know, dances we have seen and things we all shared as part of the cultural tapestry.

But what really pushed me to finally put down words regarding Michael Jackson was this weekend. My friends Cullen, Kelly, Valeska and Scarlett all headed downtown to be a part of a flashmob in honor of the popstar. Even though I was on the nightshift, with only 5 hours of sleep, I headed down to watch and document the whole moment from rehearsal to performance.

It took place this past Saturday in the heart of Hollywood and Highland aka the Oscar complex. One hundred and fifty people of all types who teamed up to, for a moment in time, take over a public place to recreate the dance steps that made 'Beat It' famous. And while I couldn't dance, I was lucky enough to be able to watch live as my friends were apart of a very loving tribute.





If you look at the bottom corners you can see Kelly in her white shirt with blue jeans as well as Cullen in his red cap and white t-shirt. The others are sprinkled around them as they owned the made the dance their own.

I am amazed at this tribute and think it is proper homage to Michael Jackson--someone who made me dance.