Foreverland brings Michael Jackson’s music to life

The Merced Theatre will be the place to “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” as the 14-piece Michael Jackson tribute band Foreverland takes the stage Friday night to perform a diverse selection of hits from the King of Pop’s expansive catalog.

Luke Kirley, 33, who plays trombone in Foreverland, said while the musicians in the band don’t impersonate Jackson, there will be plenty of dancing and an energized atmosphere to entertain fans of all ages. “The music comes first for us,” Kirley explained. “We will be dancing and moving the entire time. It’s a party on stage...You’re just wrapped into it right there. It’s a high energy show.”

Foreverland was inspired to come together in the Bay Area in 2009, after Jackson announced his “This Is It” tour, which was planned as 10 shows at London’s O2 Arena, according to Kirley. Sadly, that tour never came to fruition, as Jackson died on June 25, 2009.

At the inception of the band, there were around six members. As the group began to perform more complex songs, however, more musicians came aboard over the years, evolving into the band’s current 14-member lineup, which includes four vocalists, a rhythm section, keyboards, two guitarists and a horn section.

The band plays songs spanning Jackson’s entire career, from his early days performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5, to his chart-busting years as a solo artist with producer Quincy Jones, where he broke records with albums like “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.”

Jackson’s music is particularly inspiring, according to Kirley, because it spoke to the hearts of people worldwide. Jackson was also untouchable as a performer -- one whose legacy continues to have a profound impact upon musicians globally. “His authenticity in his performance was something that was undeniable,” Kirley said. “It went across nations. He was an international success. It’s something that resonates with people even if they are not English language speakers.”

Although the band does not impersonate Jackson, Kirley said it’s not uncommon for fans turn up in full King of Pop regalia, or to see the occasional audience member doing the “Moonwalk” in the aisle. “People really get into it,” Kirley said. “They’ll come in crazy costumes, some people will do some choreography out in the audience. It’s really fun, and a celebration.”

This story was originally published September 18, 2014 at 2:30 PM.