With just over 2 months to the European Michael Jackson Convention, the guest speakers who will be in London on September 30 have special messages for the fans!
EDDIE GARCIA:
Eddie Garcia’s first opportunity to work with Michael Jackson came after he was hired to appear in Disney’s Captain Eo. At the age of just 14, Eddie was one of two performers under the age of 18 to be cast, however a change in the filming schedule would include longer working hours, meaning Eddie was unable to participate in the project or work with Michael.
After completing his studies, Eddie went on to become a dancer for Janet Jackson, featuring in her videos ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately’ and ‘Nasty’, going further to join Janet on tour. It was through Janet, that Eddie caught Michael’s attention.
Auditioning for Smooth Criminal, Eddie was cast as one of the gangsters who appears next to Michael in the final dance sequence. Following shortly after he was invited to be one of the four principal dancers that joined Michael on his first solo tour, the legendary BAD World Tour as well as appearing with Michael at numerous award shows and in the short films for The Way You Make Me Feel and Speed Demon.
As natural progression has it, Eddie continued working with Michael as a principal dancer on the Dangerous World Tour and appeared on stage at the infamous Superbowl performance.
For Kingvention 2017 – Access All Areas, Eddie Garcia seemed the perfect choice for a Special Guest and we look forward to hearing him share his experiences of working directly with the King of Pop.
DORIAN HOLLEY:
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Michael Jackson fan who doesn’t know Dorian Holley.
Beginning his professional singing career as a backing vocalist on the BAD World Tour in 1987, Holley went on to perform with Rod Stewart where, along with fellow Jackson alumni Darryl Phinnessee; he received critical acclaim.
In 1991, Holley returned to Michael’s team as a backing vocalist on the DANGEROUS World Tour completing the 69 date mammoth schedule before joining the backing group for five time Grammy winner, James Taylor in 1994.
Holley received the call to join Michael once again as he headed out on the HIStory World Tour which lasted for 13 months from September 1996 – October 1997.
Moving in to television in the 00s, Holley served as a featured vocalist on Dancing with the Stars and as Associate Music Director and Vocal Coach on American Idol. At the same time, he released his debut solo album Independent Film described as a New World Soul Beat Project, the first of its kind.
In 2009, Holley was once again re-united with Michael for This Is It where he served as Vocal Director and Backing Vocalist and would have joined Michael at on stage at the O2 in London.
Having worked with the likes of Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Kanye West, Holley is one of the industry’s most consummate performers and we are delighted to welcome him to Kingvention 2017 – Access All Areas to celebrate Michael Jackson.
STEVEN PAUL WHISITT:
Steven Paul Whitsitt is no stranger to Kingvention after his stunning images featured in the gallery at Kingvention 2016. So well received were his pictures, that the stories behind them needed to be shared, live in person.
Steven first began working with Michael as a photography assistant to Michael’s then personal photographer. Getting to witness Michael up-close on stage on the Dangerous World Tour, meeting former presidents, celebrity friends and at the legendary Superbowl half-time show, Whitsitt felt incredibly privileged.
In 1994, Whitsitt received a call from MJJProductions asking to come and shoot Michael, who was in need of a new personal photographer. So impressed with the finished results, Michael wanted Whitsitt and he agreed.
Between 1994 and 1996, Whitsitt shot Michael on the set of the HIStory Teaser, Scream, You Are Not Alone and Childhood and pioneered the Charlie Chaplin shoot which went on to become the single cover for the promotional release of Smile. Other projects included the You Are Not Alone single cover, the HIStory album booklet and Michael & Lisa-Marie Presley’s wedding invitation.
Seeing Michael Jackson at his finest; on stage and on-set makes Steven Paul Whitsitt the perfect addition to Kingvention 2017 – Access All Areas and we look forward to bringing his stories and memories to London.
KINGVENTION, the European Michael Jackson Convention will be held in London on September 30 and over 200 fans have already booked their tickets.
For more information and book your tickets, CLICK HERE
