Michael Jackson tribute to moonwalk at PAC stage on Friday

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 1993, file photo, Michael Jackson performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Apple Music announced on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, their 10 greatest albums of all time and Jackson's 1982 "Thriller" came in second on the list. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 1993, file photo, Michael Jackson performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Apple Music announced on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, their 10 greatest albums of all time and Jackson's 1982 "Thriller" came in second on the list. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File)

Michael Jackson has been gone for 15 years, but the energy and charisma that went into his live performances won’t go missing as long as Jalles Franca can do Jackson’s signature moonwalk.

The performer who has made a name for himself as the number one Jackson tribute artist in Las Vegas is one Springfield audiences can’t get enough.

“MJ Live! Michael Jackson Tribute Concert” will recreate what made the King of Pop’s live shows so electric, covering his Jackson 5 years up through his stellar solo career at 8 p.m. Friday at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

The show will be conclude the Springfield Arts Council’s Showtime season and tickets are still available.

Hailing from Brazil, it was Jackson’s music that inspired the young Franca to travel to the U.S. to become a performer, overcoming homelessness and other challenges to achieve his dream. This makes him want to give back.

Rather than just rely on certain traits picked up from a Jackson video, Franca watched countless hours of footage to get more than just the basics a regular imitator would rely on.

MJ Live! stands out by adding a live band, backup singers, dancers and choreography that is as accurate to the late Jackson as possible.

Franca is grateful at the opportunities of being able to make the most of his chance in the U.S. and hopes to spread love and positivity as part of his show and why he has performed in Springfield multiple times over the past several years.

Ahead of his most recent show here, Franca said “The most gratifying thing for me is when I look out in the crowd and see joy, smiles and sometimes tears of joy. When I step out on the stage, I am going to bring out the love and positivity and if I can help someone having a negative thought to have a better time. That’s what I hope for.”


MORE DETAILS

Tickets cost $31.50-44.50. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to springfieldartscouncil.org/event/mjlive.

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