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King of Pop earns star-studded birthday celebration
filled with revealing reflections

MJ Fanvention
Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza
Merrillville, IN
August 28, 2010

Joseph Jackson

Scott Thompson

J Moffett Walker

Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis

On August 29, Michael Jackson would've turned 52, though after his untimely passing last summer on the verge of his This Is It comeback concert stretch, all fans have left to celebrate is a treasure trove of memories. The fittingly titled MJ Fanvention showcased several mementos and memorabilia, but more than merely checking out photos, artwork, costumes and loads of look-a-likes throughout the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza (just a few miles from his hometown of Gary, Indiana) were those who shared firsthand stories about the King of Pop.

One of the most anticipated guests throughout the convention-styled weekend was Jennifer Batten, his guitarist on no less than three world tours, plus a frequent collaborator with Jeff Beck and Natalie Cole. With her wild hair under a cap, the session player turned solo artist explained the magic and mayhem behind the Bad, Dangerous and HIStory road trips, concurrently praising the late great's professionalism and earning a surprise "thank you" from MJ's father Joseph Jackson for upholding his legacy. In addition to speaking, the axe-slinger performed a handful of solo sections accompanied by avant-garde visuals, alongside a medley of his greatest hits (including the jaw dropping solo to "Beat It").

Though her name may be less familiar, fellow guest Theresa Gonsalves also serves as an alluring component of the late legend's lineage. The three decade spanning friend and pen pal of the gloved one says she's the real "Billie Jean," and after a convincing hour long conversation with faithful backed by her Remember The Time memoir, that could very well be the case.

Others who appeared throughout the weekend included investigative reporter Aphrodite Jones (author of The Michael Jackson Conspiracy), Scott Thompson (weapons specialist and consultant for the classic "Smooth Criminal" video) and J. Moffett Walker (author of the self-released motivational book Blueprints of Sir Michael available at www.blueprintsofsirmichael.com). But no matter what their connection to MJ, everyone's over arching mission was to uphold and honor the entertainer, while reminiscing about the past and pondering what could've been.