Thursday June 28th, I had the experience of a lifetime. I had the chance to see the Jacksons (Marlon, Tito, Jermaine and Jackie) perform live at the Apollo Theatre in New York City for their Unity Tour. It was their first tour since their Victory Tour in 1984 which included all of the brothers and their first tour without their brother Michael. Randy was not a part of the tour, as well.
I was able to actually meet and greet the Jacksons with my ticket upgrade. I was so excited to meet them. I wore my red “Beat It” jacket, white v-neck and black bucket pants. I dressed as Mikette for the occasion. I was nervous as I approached them all lined up for their hand shake and photo opportunity. Some of my friends were also in line nervous as well. The looks on their face as I approached them were surprising. They loved how I dressed as their brother Michael. They even mentioned that I looked so much like him and how amazing I looked. Of course, I blushed and say thank you. As I greeted them I almost forgot Jackie’s name and still couldn’t say it right. He was my second favorite after Michael that I truly adored. Just know I was going to be in the center and he was to my left with his arm around me, made me tense up inside. They were all so beautiful in person inside and out. I fell in love with all of their smiles and soft voices. This was also my second time meeting Jermaine, the first time being at his book signing in September 2011, and he remembered me.
After the meet-up, it was time for the show to begin. Even though I sat in the third level, it was still great seats and I truly enjoyed the show. They opened up with “Can You Feel It” and from that point on, they brought the house down. I danced and sang along to their set list that mainly consisted of their hits from their Jackson 5 days. They also sang so of Michael’s songs as well. I love how they paid tribute to their brother by showing his photos on a projector screen as they sang “Gone Too Soon.” I was in tears along with my friend Shanda who sat next to me. They really performed to their best vocally and performance wise. They danced and made the crowd go wild. I was on my feet dancing like there was no tomorrow. I truly loved how they looked as if they were having a great time together and showed what the name of the tour was, and that is unity. I wish I was able to see them at least one more time. I will always remember that day forever, and my love for the Jackson family will never die.
