Locals celebrate Jackson's life
The event, which coincides with a public memorial for Jackson at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, was to include testimonials from local Jackson fans and musical tributes from area groups.
Posted — UpdatedEvent organizers had 5,000 seats available, but saw a significantly smaller amount of $5 tickets sold.
The 400 people in attendance expected to see an event honoring the Jackson, but a few were disappointed when not all of the local artists focused on Jackson.
"They need a place to be creative, but right now let's stay on point. Out hearts are bleeding. We miss, Michael," fan JoAnne Norvell said.
The event was held to coincide with a public memorial for Jackson at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
"I grew up with him," fan Thersa Weems said.
At the beginning of the program, local clergy offered prayers for Jackson and the Martin Luther King All-Children's Choir performed. Local singer Tamika Sheids sang a medley of Jackson's hits.
But as the event progressed, some local artists played their own music. Some dismayed fans soon left early.
An electronic simulcast of Jackson's public memorial service from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., was aired on large screens.
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