![Michael Jackson fan Chris Lopez sings to Jackson’s music during a press conference at the inaugural 2300 Jackson Street Block Party on Aug. 29, 2025, at Jackson’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana. “I cannot dance like Mike,” Lopez said. “I wish I could [but] I couldn’t do it justice.” (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/43303618/b3fec6e56ff9fb6753a512b2f6dcb0e9f01c726a4aaf872372c457970e1de69a)
Overview
- Marlon and Jackie Jackson greeted fans at their childhood home on Friday as the celebration opened in Gary.
- Comedian Chris Tucker appeared at the kickoff, with local coverage showing festivities set to continue through Saturday.
- Saturday’s program includes a planned tribute to the late Tito Jackson and a performance by Grammy winner Deniece Williams, with DJs such as Kid Capri listed on the lineup.
- Events span the Jackson home at 2300 Jackson Street and the Roosevelt High School campus, featuring music, dancing and tribute artists.
- Mayor Eddie Melton emphasized the Jacksons’ roots in Gary and urged attendees to patronize on-site food and merchandise vendors, linking the festivities to broader community pride.