The Michael Jackson Fan Club

Saturday was the "meeting of the troops". In the morning, the flags, banners, etc. (to be carried on the walk to the courthouse) were organized and created. There were also rehearsals for Sunday's performances. That same day, fans met at a beautiful local park for music and fun where a Piñata bearing Sneddon’s picture was strung up from a tree and fans took turns whacking at it! There was also an area for making posters and banners in preparation for the rally outside the courthouse on Monday.

On Sunday, final preparations for the evening show took place as well as final preparations for the walk to the courthouse. In the evening, the 'Many Nations...One Voice' Fan Gathering took place at the Radisson Hotel.

Michael made a telephone call to the fans at the Radisson. The call was put on speakerphone and Michael’s first words to the crowd were, “I love you!" which drew a cacophony of screams back: "We love you!" Michael told the group, "God and the truth are on our side. We will be victorious." Michael’s comments were limited because he was under a court gag order but, he did take time to say, "I truly believe I have the most wonderful fans in the world. I'm looking forward to being with you very soon. Keep on dancing. I love you all very much."

When he got off the phone, fans cheered loudly and the program turned to music. The first song played was Michael’s "D.S." from the HIStory CD which is known to be a bitter denunciation of prosecutor Tom Sneddon. The phone call was the highlight of the ‘Many Nations…One Voice’ Gathering, which included performances from DJ Arved, Kennedy Tap Company, Navi and Dev.

On Monday, fans dressed in white gathered in front of the Santa Maria Courthouse for an early morning candlelight vigil which was directly followed by a support rally. Rally participants were urged to wear white to this event, to symbolize Michael Jackson's innocence! Gold armbands were be provided to those wearing white. The MJFC provided flags of many countries that were carried en route to the courthouse as well as at the opening of the fan gathering on Sunday evening.

Performers

We present to you the performers who took part in the huge fan gathering 'Many Nations...One Voice' on April 3, 2005.

DJ Arved - Kennedy Tap Company - Navi - Dev

DJ Arved

This Sunday we will be dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Arved. Arved has been an avid supporter and fan of Michael Jackson for more than twenty years. He’s attended more than two-dozen Michael Jackson events and fan gatherings including the Invincible Release Party in London, MJ Day USA in New York City, no less than ten MJ fan parties in Germany, and much more!

Arved told MJFC that Michael Jackson’s music has helped him get through both good and bad days, so it is a must that he return the favor and be in Santa Maria to show his 100% loyal support to MJ.

Arved is currently looking for a venue for an upcoming Michael Jackson fan party in Germany for this upcoming fall, which we are sure will be a huge success. 

Kennedy Tap Company

The Kennedy Tap Company has performed in various professional venues as well as community based, and religious arenas in service to its audiences. They were also the first tap group to be invited to the International Dance Festival of Cuba.

Performances have included, the Grand Opening of the Kodak Theatre and the Hollywood Beautification Project honoring Mr. Tap himself Ben Vereen. The Kennedy Tap Company has also enjoyed the privilege of sharing the bill with such giants as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, shared in the re-opening of the Ivar Theatre home of the California Youth Theatre and performed at our Birthday Party 2003 in LA.

Navi

Navi has been a professional impersonator for the past 15 years. During this time, his reputation as the best impersonator is of a global opinion. He has performed on five continents, in over thirty-three different countries and in at least eighty of the major cities in the world. From the United States to the United Arab Emirates, from Japan to Jamaica, even Italy to India, his show is truly world renowned.

In the world of media, he has appeared in far too many publications to name. Film appearances, to stints in pop videos. Appearing on front cover of magazines, to promoting products within them. Navi has appeared in the S Club movie 'Seeing Double' and one of the Simply Red videos.

Dev

Devra Gregory has worked as a professional dancer for over 30 years. Her roots are in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Dev has performed for many different types of shows and in 1996 was cast as a back up dancer in the female impersonator show "La Cage". She worked for their International company on the island of Aruba for over 3 years. It was during this time she saw three different "Michaels" come and go, all male performers. Dev got the idea that it would be more interesting to have "Michael" performed by a woman, in keeping with the gender bending theme. As a seasoned dancer for many years and in many styles, good at stage make-up and costuming she felt ready to take on the new challenge. Although her manager said the producer would never audition a woman, he did audition her and she did perform as MJ in Aruba. Dev left the company in 2000 to join a show in San Diego at "Lips", a drag themed nightclub. She was able to break away from just working drag when she was hired to portray MJ on E! TV's True Hollywood Story.

"I wasn't a fan until I began to study his movement, and now I am in absolute awe of Michael as an artist and performer. He is unique. Portraying Michael Jackson has been a fabulous experience."

As an introvert, being "Michael" has allowed Dev to break out of her shell and shine.

"I was never able to cut loose or free style as a chorus dancer." Dev reflects. "But now that I have learned this style of performing I feel such freedom on stage. I have also traveled to places I would never have had the opportunity to visit, such as India."

Dev continues to study dance at Culture Shock Dance Studio in San Diego, training in popping, locking and hip hop. She also plays an African drum called a djembe'. "My black insides coming out", she teases.