Singer/dancer James Delisco, winner of E! Network’s reality series “The Entertainer” will join the Grand Rapids Symphony for a concert featuring 40 years of megahits from Michael Jac kson’s legendary career.
“The Music of Michael Jackson” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 4 and Friday, August 5 at Cannonsburg Ski Area. This special event is the final concert of this summer’s D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops Series.
The audience will be taken on a musical journey through each era of the King of Pop’s storied career. Delisco recreates Michael Jackson’s greatest hits through his multifaceted pop, rock, and soul style, along with impressive dance moves. Delisco’s talent has been described as a cross between Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, and Usher, and he has received rave reviews for his renditions of Michael Jackson’s songs including “ABC,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
The show is designed to keep the foundation of the music close to the Michael Jackson originals, while adding colors to enhance, according to Arranger/Guest Conductor Brent Havens.
“The wonderful thing with an orchestra is that you have an entire palette of sounds to call upon,” says Havens. “The band is reproducing what Michael did as closely as possible, and the orchestra gives the music richness and a whole new feel.”
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and parking is free on the Cannonsburg grounds. Patrons are invited to arrive early to enjoy picnics and pre-concert activities. The family fun area, open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., features free children’s activities including an instrument petting zoo, face painting and crafts. Dance floors will be available for audience participation. Pre-concert entertainment will be Kathy LaMar and Bob Van Stee.
James Delisco, has dedicated himself to bringing the music of Michael Jackson to audiences all over the world. He is a Jacksonville, Florida native has performed at Disney World, Universal Studios and on Broadway. He currently headlines on numerous cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Princess, and Celebrity. Delisco won E! Network’s reality series “The Entertainer” in 2005 earning a one million dollar production contract with Hilton, Las Vegas. Delisco’s humble beginnings inspired him to start the Lil’ Angel Project to encourage students through artistic presentations. Using life experience to educate, relate, and heal, children are given tools for creative development to find an imaginative outlet of their own.
Arranger/Guest Conductor Brent Havens has written music for orchestras, feature films and virtually every kind of television. His TV work includes movies for networks such as ABC, CBS and ABC Family Channel Network, commercials, sports music for networks such as ESPN and even cartoons. Havens has also worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony, arranging and conducting the combined group for Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Finale attended by over 150,000 fans. Havens is Arranger/Guest Conductor for six symphonic rock programs – the Music of Led Zeppelin, the Music of the Doors, the Music of Pink Floyd, the Music of the Eagles, the Music of Queen and most recently the Music of Michael Jackson.
Concert Tickets
Advance lawn tickets are $22, less for students/seniors ($20), and children ages 2-15 ($8). Ticket prices increase $2 the day of show. Children under 2 are free on the lawn. Reserved seating is also available through the Symphony box office at 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. Lawn tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, at any Ticketmaster outlet or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Cannonsburg box office beginning at 5:30 p.m. each concert evening.
Party Package: “Remember the Time.” One night only, Thursday, August 4
For $40, patrons can purchase an entire evening of fun, with a dinner/concert/post-concert party package. A picnic styled BBQ dinner and cash bar starts at 5 p.m. in the Hearthside Room of Cannonsburg Ski Lodge. After the concert, the celebration continues with a DJ and dancing. Advance reservations only. Call Annamarie at 616/454-9451, Ext. 149. Event partner is Saint Mary’s Health Care.
About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
Major Sponsors: Flagstar Bank, The Grand Rapids Press, Zondervan
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.