Cancer survivors strut their stuff

DESIGN DISTRICT

Cancer survivors took to the catwalk alongside doctors and nurses at a fashionable fundraiser for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Wearing an aqua dress, black high heels and clutching a Chanel purse, Bal Harbour resident Cindy Davis Carr walked down the runway at a Design District charity event -- but she was showing off more than just her fashion sense.

``I am modeling myself,'' Carr said proudly.

In 2003, Carr was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and sought help from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

On Nov. 11, Carr celebrated her victory against cancer as she strutted alongside Dr. Alan Livingstone, her oncologist, at Design for a Cure. The fashion show, which took place at the Moore Building, 4040 NE Second Ave., helps raise money for the cancer center.

``This evening is extraordinary just to see survivors that have won,'' said Carr, who served as an honorary chair for the gala event -- and had worked to raise money for the center -- before she was diagnosed.

A former vice president of a liquor and wine business, Carr joined 12 patients-turned-models on the runway.

Perry Ellis outfitted male models, while the ladies showcased the latest fashion from The Worth Collection.

The models were escorted by 14 doctors and nurses at the event, which takes place every two years.

More than 600 people attended the show, where participants also had a chance to buy sports memorabilia, designer clothes, and jewelry from a silent auction to benefit the center. The Sylvester Center, opened in 1992, treats more than 4,000 patients a year and performs more than 2,400 surgical procedures. Organizers say they raised more than $250,000 at the event.

Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, chairwoman of the Design for a Cure committee, said the feeling on the runway is like no other.

``When I walked on the runway with my doctors, it was a celebration of survivorship and battling a dreaded disease,'' said Buttrick, who modeled in 2007 after fighting kidney cancer.

Even though David Octavio Gandell often works as a model, his turn on the runway brought on butterflies.

``To be on stage as a supporter and to be looked at as a survivor, not a model is an experience that you hope you give someone here hope and inspiration today,'' said Gandell, general manager of Gold's Gym South Beach, who battled with a rare form of malignant tumor called immature teratoma.

Unlike the patients who showcased the latest fashion, doctors walked on the lighted runway dressed in their lab coats.

``It's a wonderful feeling compared to being in the hospital,'' said Dr. Jerry Goodwin, a head and neck surgeon at Sylvester. ``The hospital is a totally different atmosphere.''

Patient-model Trudi Pollack says meeting Goodwin, who escorted her, outside the hospital was a joyful experience.

``I am used to seeing him in a different setting and here we are in a social setting,'' said Pollack, who lives in Coconut Grove and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008. ``It's exciting.''

Livingstone, Carr's surgeon, says he was honored to hear his patient chose him to accompany her on the runway.

``When your patient recognizes what you have done for them and exposes it publicly, it is gratifying,'' he said.

Giving the gift of Thanksgiving

Thanks to volunteers,the Miami Rescue Missionwill feed hundreds of homeless and needy people this Thanksgiving.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Four years ago, Keith Selby had a promising life in New Jersey with a home and a career as a mechanical engineer.

Then he had a drink -- and it all eventually vanished.

``Once an addiction gets a hold of you, you are doomed,'' said Selby, 58.

He relapsed into alcoholism after 20 years of sobriety.

Selby came to Miami last year hoping to find a new job -- and ended up sleeping on the sidewalk.

A stranger pointed him to the Miami Rescue Mission. That is where Selby said he was able to start getting his life back on track.

He and about a thousand other homeless and needy people with similar stories will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week at the Miami Rescue Mission, 2020 NW First Ave.

On Saturday, more than 250 college and high school students, business professionals and residents came out to volunteer and donate food, clothes and money as part of a charity drive organized by Whilly Bermudez, who is running for a Florida House seat in 2010.

Selby graduated from the center's regeneration program and credits the Miami Rescue Mission for changing his life.

``Sometimes you feel like you are alone,'' Selby said. ``To see 250 volunteers come out like this does your heart good.''

Selby said he now has several job interviews lined up.

Even before the center started to collect donations, more than 50 people and cars lined up on the streets waiting for the doors to open.

They came to drop off boxes and bags of clothes, bottled water, bread and canned foods.

Bermudez helped organize the event.

``This is a place where they evaluate your skills and try to get you a job,'' said Bermudez, who said he helped collect around 2,000 donated items. ``It's a powerful place.''

The items collected will help feed more than 1,000 homeless and needy for the center's annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet on Thursday. Organizers say Northwest First Avenue -- between 20th and 21st streets -- will be closed for a few hours.

This will allow tables and food to be set up. There also will be a makeshift barbershop.

Marilyn Brummitt, director of community development, said donations are needed now more than ever.

``It's frustrating when you have more need and you have a little less coming in,'' she said. ``Right now, the community outpour is needed and very appreciative.''

The mission will also hold similar events at its Broward locations.

The Miami center currently houses 250 men, while the women and children's center, which is two blocks away, has 16 women and 30 children.

The Miami Rescue Mission, founded in 1922, serves 1,000 people at its three campuses located in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano.

The Christian faith-based center also offers several programs to help the homeless find work.

But the center has had to convert offices into rooms because of an influx of homeless, Brummitt said.

``More people are coming in because of the financial times,'' she said. ``We are seeing a new homelessness.''

Miami Lakes Educational Center student Laura Montoya, 15, took a break from hitting the books to lend a hand.

``I feel good and satisfied helping these people,'' she said.

Miami resident Claudia Castillo came to drop off a check.

``It feels awesome and I am glad to be able to do this,'' Castillo said. ``It makes you humble.''

Castillo was joined by her three children and nephew, who tagged along to learn about homelessness.

An emotional Selby said he hopes to soon be able to give back to those who have helped him.

Before he relapsed, he used to donate his time to local charities.

He said he hit bottom after he lost his business and home.

``I used to do this kind of stuff before, but now I am on the other side,'' said Selby, who credits his 12-year-old daughter as his inspiration. ``I want to get back to do it again.''

For information on the Miami Rescue Mission, visit www.miamirescuemission.com.

Andre Agassi promotes book in Coral Gables

Art in the Park kicks off in Coral Gables

Level dominates opponent

MARTINEZ REMAINS UNDEFEATED, DOMINATES OPPONENT

By Rodolfo Roman

Coral Gables---Miami’s own Rene “Level” Martinez was too much for his opponent Charlie Champion as he dominated his opponent Friday night at the University of Miami ’s BankUnited Center in Coral Gables.

Martinez, who was escorted by an entourage that included hip-hop artist Fat Joe, defeated Champion with a technical knockout at the 1:55 (TKO) mark of the first round at last week’s “Unconquered1:November Reign”. The large crowd was excited to see Level, who is undefeated in his young Mixed Martial Arts career with a 2-0 record, win in the 170 pound category.

Martinez , who trains with MMA masters, defeated his opponent Bounmy Somchay in his debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino winning a three-round unanimous decision in September.

Just like another South Florida MMA gladiator, Kimbo Slice, Martinez made a name for himself with the airing of his backyard brawls through YouTube.

In Friday’s fight, Champion started off the bout by shooting for a take down, but Martinez countered for a choke. Both fighters got on their feet. Martinez , 35, later out powered Champion by taking him down to the floor and landed a flurry of punches on the mount, which made the referee step in to call it a night.

“He is too strong,” said Champion to his trainers of his defeat.

After his victory, Martinez mingled and took pictures with the large crowd who came to see his win.

On the card’s main event, Luis “Baboon” Palomino defeated Rafael Dias at 4:47 of the third round on TKO.

Palomino, avenged his recent loss, where his opponent defeated him by a rear naked choke.

Both Palomino and Dias tested each other out in the first round. The Brazilian fighter Palomino took a shot at Dias by landing a low right kick. Dias later went for a take down, but both got on their feet and spent a sometime in the clinch. A short time later, Dias had Palomino in a tight guillotine for a lengthy period, but Palomino managed to escape in nice fashion. Baboon ended the round by landing punches on the ground that did some damage.

In the second, both fighters danced around the cage and Dias went for a take down again tripping Palomino to the floor. Towards the end of the second round, Palomino started his road to victory as he cornered Dias landing several punches and combos that sent Dias to the floor to take a nap, but was rescued by the bell.
In the third, fighters patiently waited to land a blow, but eventually ended in the clinch after Dias attempted another take down. In the end, Palomino defeated all odds and ground and pounded himself to victory as the referee stepped in to stop the fight at 4:47 in Round 3.

In the most exciting fight of the night, Martinez ’s former opponent, Somchay lost to his opponent Eric Morel by unanimous decision after a competitive bout that had the crowd on its feet.

Both gladiators fought to the end, as each connected vicious kicks and punches that had crowd wondering who would win? However, the crowd was not pleased with the judge’s decision awarding the fight to Morel.

In one of two women’s bout, American kick boxer and television personality, Felice Herrig came out on top as she beat Michelle Gutierrez in with an arm bar in the second round.

Here are the rest of the results:

Sam McCoy def. Daniel Dwyer by Submission in RD 1

Jason Jimenez def. Kenny Jackson by TKO in RD 1

Jessica Agullar def. Amanda Duval by Submission in RD 1

Randy Barrosso def. Sergio Tavaeras by Submission in RD 1

Patrick Mikesz def. Allan Arzeno by Submission in RD 2

Yuri Villefort def. Joshua Lee by TKO Rd 2

ExpoNica offers a little of Latin America in South Florida

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
It's been almost a year since Miami resident Natalia Rosa last tasted a Nicaraguan Rosquilla, a popular cookie from the Central American nation.

``I love the taste because, once I eat one, I want to eat the entire bag,'' said Rosa, whose Nicaraguan boyfriend, Jose Martinez, introduced her to the snack. ``I fell in love with the food,'' added Rosa, who is from Cuba.

Rosquillas -- the Nicaraguan equivalent of doughnut-shaped Italian biscotti best served with a hot cup of joe -- aren't terribly popular in South Florida, so chances of finding them in a well-known store are slim.

But thanks to the organizers of ExpoNica, an annual celebration of all things Nicaragua -- and, indeed, Latin America -- the odds are a little better this time of year.

For the past two years, both Rosa and Martinez -- and more than 35,000 others -- have visited the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition grounds, 10901 Coral Way, to buy a couple of bags of the snack -- as well as crafts and artwork from Latin American vendors at ExpoNica -- The Fair of the Americas.

Last week, 130 vendors from across Latin America flew to South Florida to sell the latest in artisan pottery and jewelry, clothes and art. Aside from purchasing products, visitors from throughout the Americas had 20 food tents to choose from and 60 musical bands to follow.

Juana Guitan Rizo, who lives in Nicaragua, says coming to Miami is about more than just making money. She has sold in the event for 18 years.

``We make some cash and we enjoy some time off to enjoy some family time,'' said Rizo, who sells kitchenware in a market in Managua, and has family in South Florida.

The three-day event was founded by Eduardo Arroyo and his five brothers as a way to preserve Hispanic culture.

In 1991, the fair began with an exhibition of Nicaraguan artisan pottery and folk art. Arroyo said he noticed South Florida's diversity, so the nonprofit incorporated other countries such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, and the Dominican Republic and much of Latin America, as well.

``It's an event unique in its own kind because we celebrate culture,'' he said in Spanish. ``There are lots of people whose kids were born here, but know nothing about their heritage.''

Arroyo says the expo can help parents educate children about their roots.

Cristina Gonzalez has been attending the fair for five years. She says the fair is the perfect way to catch up with old friends.

``This is almost like being back home,'' said Gonzalez, who enjoyed munching on carne asada and gallo pinto, a typical Central American dish which includes grilled steak and rice and beans.

Gonzalez attended the event with her family, and said she couldn't wait to dance to her favorite native musicians like La Nueva Compañia and Los Toros Band from the Dominican Republic.

``This is a way of having a little piece of your country,'' said Gonzalez, who planned on dancing the night away after eating her meal.

Hilton Don Aire Lopez, a dancer of the Comparsa Aly, a Nicaraguan carnival style band, said the expo was a great way to promote music.

``We put our country's name on the map,'' Lopez said. ``We represent the folklore and street dancing. People have welcomed us and we have given them all we got.''

The band had 19 members -- some decked in feathers and high boots -- marching around the fairgrounds and on stage.

For 14 years, Maria Vazquez and Matias Menchu, a married couple from Guatemala, have been selling hand-made designed shirts typical of their country.

``We tell them [customers] where we are located in Guatemala and they come visit us to buy our clothes, so we are letting people know what our country is about,'' said Menchu, who owns a clothing store in Totonicapan, a Guatemalan city near the Mexican border, known as Manhattan.

Arroyo adds that the event isn't only beneficial for vendors, but for the local economy, as well, as it attracts people from far and wide.

``All of the vendors pay taxes and stay in our hotels,'' he said. ``It has an . . . impact.''

As for Rosa, she looks forward to enjoying her bag of Rosquillas.

``I love having them at breakfast time,'' said Rosa, who took a bite from a Rosquilla, recently shipped from Nicaragua.

For information on next year's event, go to www.exponica.org.

Hard workers kick their stress out in downtown Miami

A sports and social club, founded by a Kendall resident, allows many downtown professionals a chance to play sports such as kickball at Bicentennial Park.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Earlier this month, about 100 business people and other professionals forgot about their serious work and kicked a ball at Bicentennial Park.

It brought back childhood memories of grade school kickball -- and also gave new ones to members of The Miami Sports and Social Club.

Kendell resident Steve Arsenault started the club eight years ago to do just that. And also to provide a chance for folks to meet each other.

``To get professionals together who come from different parts of the country is hard,'' said Arsenault, who once belonged to a similar sports and social club in Boston. ``They could have a hard time meeting people . . . .''

``We are very much in the work-hard, play-hard group category because we don't have a lot of time,'' agreed Coconut Grove resident Sharky Borja, who played in the outfield. ``When we do have spare time, we try to mix as many things as we can.''

That's what Arsenault had in mind. He escaped Boston's cold weather to come to South Florida for a job opportunity in 2001.

However, the job as a project manager for a web design company didn't come through.

``By the time I came, the bubble had begun to burst,'' said Arsenault about the dot.com industry.

So he started his club to bring together people for sports and just hanging out.

Earlier this month, his club hosted the first annual Dade Original Recreational kickball coed tournament at Bicentennial Park, where about 100 professionals of all ages mingled, kicked and ran the bases.

Coconut Grove's Borja said kickball was a great way to release some stress.

His team won second place: The Therapists team defeated his Black team 6-1.

Several of Borja's teammates were still in the Halloween spirit -- some wore costumes such as a chicken hat.

Eight teams participated in the tourney. Each team played at least three games and vied for a $150 gift certificate to a nearby pub. There was also a second place prize.

Kickball has become popular in the nation. It is commonly played in elementary schools around the country.

The rules of the sport are similar to baseball. There are 10 positions on a team. The game is played with an inflated rubber ball on a softball diamond.

``It's a sport anyone can play; you don't have to be an athlete,'' said Flintstones team player Bethann Stobs, who played second base. ``Everyone has a good time because it's only kickball and we can catch up with old friends.''

``It brings you back,'' added attorney Cynthia Morales. ``I was horrible in grade school and I am hopeful that I have improved since then.''

Aside from the sports competition, Arsenault said his club has served another function -- as a matchmaker.

``We aren't a dating club, but we have had people who have met and gotten married,'' he said. ``It happens, since you play something that you have in common.''

The Miami Sports and Social Club run other sports leagues year round. Go to www.tmssc.com for more information.

Bal Harbour police give more than money to an alternative school

Bal Harbour police chief and other officers reach out to help an alternative school.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Bal Harbour Police Chief Thomas Hunker traded the village streets for the hallways of Young Men's Academy for Academic and Civic Development at MacArthur South in Naranja.

Last month, Hunker served as honorary principal of the day at the alternative school, 13990 SW 264th St.

His duties included observing classrooms and monitoring hallways with school administrators during breaks and dismissal.

``It was a worthwhile effort,'' Hunker said.

The opportunity came after the Bal Harbour Police Department donated $11,000 from forfeiture funds to the school. Hunker and Bal Harbour Councilwoman Patricia Cohen presented the check to school officials.

The contribution will be used to help finance the Positive Behavior Support, a program that rewards students for doing the right thing, said Principal Cynthia Valdes-Garcia.

She said the chief's recent appearance was a great learning tool.

``It is an honor for us to have a law enforcement officer to work with these challenging students,'' she wrote in an e-mail. ``Also to encourage students to learn from their mistakes and to provide them with the hope and additional support.''

It's not the first time Bal Harbour's finest has donated to the school. For the past three years, the police department has donated $15,000, not including this year's contribution.

Hunker and his department became aware of the school when retired FBI agent Terry Nelson told the officers about the school's programs.

Nelson has been thrilled with the Bal Harbour Police's donations to the school.

``You can't imagine how significant that [latest] contribution is for our school,'' said Nelson, who serves as the community liaison at juvenile delinquency criminal court.

The money will be used to buy a recreation reward room equipped with video games and entertainment. Food, sodas and field trips will also be funded by the most recent donation.

The alternative school, which teaches sixth through 12th grades, was established in 1973 to help students whose problems range from disruptive behavior to truancy to substance abuse.

Valdes says the at-risk kids can change -- with help.

``These students have made mistakes but it takes someone to believe and provide them with hope to learn from their mistakes,'' she said. ``We can make this world a better place if we give back to the community and instill hope.''

Students are helping their own cause by selling artwork completed at school.

Their talent stunned Hunker.

``The artwork is unbelievable,'' said Hunker who bought a painting.

Students draw in their weekly art class and also receive instruction from artists at ArtSouth in Homestead. Their artwork is sold and displayed at shows. The money from the drawings is used to help support school programs.

``If anyone needs help in the school system, these guys need it the most,'' Hunker said.

To donate or to get more information call Sheila Freckleton at the school, 305-258-7200.

Miami Beach's Veterans Day parade gets big turnout this year

Despite a low turnout last year among participants and attendants, this year's Veterans Day parade in Miami Beach drew more than 1,000 people.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Under a drizzle, Lisa Perez walked the streets of Miami Beach carrying an American flag and a framed picture of her son, Jason Vazquez, a U.S. Army soldier.

In September 2008, Vazquez died in combat when a bomb exploded about 100 feet from his Humvee during a mission in Afghanistan. He was 24.

On Wednesday, Perez, who wore a T-shirt displaying a picture of her son, was joined by family and friends, along with more than a thousand others who paid tribute to those who serve in the military at the Miami Beach Veterans Day parade.

``My son would have wanted me to do this, to be here to honor him and the rest of the guys serving our country,'' Perez said. The picture she clutched also included Joshua Harris, who served with Vazquez in the Bravo Battery unit in Operation Enduring Freedom. Harris was 20 when he died during the mission.

The six-year Miami Beach resident said it's important to honor the service given by the men and women in uniform.

``Everybody forgets the veterans, but if you see a soldier on the street, thank them or help them,'' Perez said. ``They put their lives on the line for our freedom.''

The parade -- sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559 in Miami Beach and the city's American Legion Post 85 -- began at 17th Street and headed south on Washington Avenue to 11th Street, where it then veered to Flamingo Park. At the park, a wreath-laying ceremony was held and followed by a 21-gun salute and picnic.

Last year, the Nov. 11 event fell on hard times as attendance dwindled among viewers and participants, organizers say. But this year was a different story.

About 1,400 participants signed up to march in the parade, which featured members of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, the Miami Beach High School marching band, Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Miami Heat dancers and an array of older model cars, such as a 1916 Model-T convertible.

Hundreds of people waving American flags lined up on the sidewalk to watch soldiers marching and riding on Humvees on Washington Avenue, along with a fire truck, conga dancers and the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a mobile multimedia recording studio.

In an effort to boost attendance and participation, Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin stepped in to lend a hand. Libbin said he was so disappointed with the 2008 showing that he committed on the spot to drawing at least 500 participants. Attendance was about triple that number.

``It's a matter of getting community pride and giving respect to our veterans,'' said Libbin, who started a tradition at City Hall of handing out the key to the city to veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. ``We all know the reason we stay safe is because of the veterans and that's why we enjoy our freedom.''

Jose Escamilla, company commander of the 377 MI Battalion, came from Fort Lauderdale to participate in the parade.

``It was nice for us to be here,'' said Escamilla, who rode in a Humvee and was stationed in Baghdad four years ago. ``It's good to hear that people are looking out for the military to show them what we are all about.''

Francisco Montebello, who is from Brazil, was on his way to work but parked his car in the middle of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Road to pay homage to those who have fought for his second home.

``This shows love for your country,'' Montebello said as he applauded soldiers who marched in front of him. ``This is emotional to see all these people who fight for our country.''

Veteran Marshall Berkson said the parade displays unity.

``Our country should remain strong,'' said Berkson, who wore his green, 60-year-old World War II armored infantry Company C unit jacket. ``We need to be strong and we need to protect our country, and our armed forces take care of that for us.''

After the parade, participants attended a ceremony and picnic at Flamingo Park where they had a chance to catch up with fellow soldiers and enjoy hot dogs.

Escamilla says it's a great feeling to meet other veterans.

``It's humbling,'' he said. ``Even though we are different in age, we all have a common kinship because we are all brothers.''

Ivette Borrello, who attended the parade with her family, is grateful for the veterans' efforts.

``I want my children to appreciate what freedom is,'' said Borrello, who held a large U.S. flag on a pole. ``Thanks to them, we can hold this flag and say what we want without the government saying anything.''

As for Perez, she says Vazquez's spirit will live on as her daughter, Janice Vazquez, will fulfill her brother's dream: becoming a police officer. Janice Vazquez is training to join the Logan Square department near Chicago.

Coral Gables celebrates Halloween

Light the Night Walk in Coral Gables

Fedor-Rogers meet this Saturday

Mixed Martial Arts fans are in for a free treat this Saturday November 7 as CBS will showcase one of the elite fighters in the sports history, heavyweight great Fedor Emelianenko who has a date with undefeated Brett Rogers at the Sears Centre in Chicago.

The 30-1 Russian fighter will meet Rogers in the cage after his last fight was cancelled, when his opponent, Josh Barnett, was caught using illegal substance. Meanwhile, Rogers comes ready to prove his critics and the MMA world that he is the real deal; the American fighter is riding on a knockout victory against former UFC champ Andre Arlovski.
Experts say Rogers only chance of winning is knocking out the silent but deadly Fedor early in the fight. Fedor is notable for his great ground work and could be a disaster for Rogers if he gets on the ground with Fedor. Most experts have Fedor winning the fight, but don’t underestimate Rogers as he says he needs to fight for his family.
As for Fedor, this is his first time fighting for Strikeforce. This is his debut for the company after he tried negotiating with Ultimate Fighting Championship, which went down the drain. His last fight was also with Arlovski, who he also knocked out at the defunct Affliction pay-per-view. So lookout with what this company has to offer, the self-proclaimed heavyweight and fighter of all-time. If Rogers wins, it will definitely shock the sports world and will make headlines and help making into the big dawgs of sports media. Don’t miss the anticipated bout at 9 p.m. eastern time on CBS.


Here are the rest of the scheduled fights:


Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Jake Shields (for vacant Strikeforce middleweight title)
Champ Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (non-title match)
Antonio Silva vs. Fabricio Werdum

Under card (may not be broadcast):

Marloes Coenen vs. Roxanne Modafferi (CBS reserve fight)
Jeff Curran vs. Dustin Neace
Shamar Bailey vs. John Kolosci
Deray Davis vs. Mark Miller
Nate Moore vs. Louis Taylor
Jonatas Novaes vs. Christian Uflacker

King of Pop lives in This Is It

Michael Jackson’s documentary “This is It”, is truly it for MJ fans who miss and adore his music. The well edited and directed film takes an inside look to the King of Pop’s preparation of his comeback tour properly titled, This is it. The film offers fans what the concert would have been if he were alive today. And, trust me, the concert would have been one for the books as the production and tour directors, including Kenny Ortega planned an awesome show including 3 dimensional video and lots of fireworks. MJ fans who would have attended the show would not have been disappointed, after his two hour and some change concert.
In the film, the set includes hits such as Thriller, Billy Jean, Sexual Healing, Earth, and topped off the show with Man in the Mirror. Despite all of the rumors that he was sick and ill prior to his death in the summer, the man proved that he indeed was in shape and ready to do what he does best, entertain. Jackson was dancing like he was in his prime jumping around like a kid; he even got on his back and kicked upward after his “beat it” performance. He was full of energy and all the talk that he had heart problems seemed false, since he looked alive and kicking. I guess, bodybuilder, Lou Ferrigno trained him well.
One notable thing of the film is how the entertainer is such a perfectionist. The man really wants everything superb from the music to the dancing; he wants no mistakes on his show. At one point, MJ tells his pianist how he wants Sexual Healing to start. MJ asks that he start with a lengthy note that simmers. Once it ends, Jackson planned on singing, but he wanted the crowd to feel the song before he got it going. It’s funny how he leads his band and dancers. It’s not like your angry boss who yells and throws paper at you. The man basically commands people on what to do, but right after tells them, “God bless” in mellow tone of voice. Jackson is so good at what he does that his tour director asks him for advice on what the show should look like.
I don’t want to ruin the documentary for you, but if you are a Jackson fan this is it and you need to watch the film, since it is running in local theaters for only two weeks. While you watch the film, don’t be a shame to get off your movie seat and start jamming because his music will make inspire you too put on your dancing show and dance the night away. Plus, trust me, you won’t be the only one. I heard several people behind me singing. Check out the flick, you won’t be disappointed.