Michael Jackson Remembered in New York City

Thousands of fans came in droves yesterday, June 30, to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to pay their respects to Michael Jackson at a public memorial service. Fans began lining up as early as 5 a.m. and the doors opened at 2 p.m., with the line snaking around two blocks. An estimated 600 people endured the rain and long wait to crowd into the historic music hall. The Rev. Al Sharpton led the memorial service which lasted six hours. A special video tribute was played as well as Jackson’s hit songs.
Many other Jackson tribute parties have broken out throughout New York City. On June 27, about 100 people gathered in Times Square along with a crowd of onlookers. The group wore headphones and pressed play on their music players at about the same time to have a dance party to the song “Thriller.” Word was spread through Twitter of the get together.
A few hundred people spontaneously gathered in Union Square on the night of Jackson’s death, June 25, for a sing along and dance vigil to celebrate his life and music. The crowd belted out his hits in unison and circled around those brave enough to impersonate his signature dance moves.
Madame Tussauds has placed Jackson's wax figure in the window display of the wax museum in Times Square. Retail stores, bars, dance clubs, and other establishments throughout New York City have also kept Jackson’s music on repeat.