Whether it’s On Set, or In The Studio With Michael, this year’s special guests had incredible moments creating with the World’s Greatest Entertainer.
The more the merrier
Kingvention LA will have a twist compared to the London editions.
Instead of having live-on-stage-interviews, this US edition will have panel discussions between multiple Michael Jackson colleagues and friends, live on stage, giving fans even more stories about the King of Pop!
Sharing Their Michael Jackson Stories At Kingvention 2024.
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Alif Sankey
Alif Sankey is a Choreographer, Dancer, Director and Creative Producer from Los Angeles California.
Having worked in all forms of entertainment for over 40 years, Sankey appeared as a dancer in Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” in 1987, which she credits for giving her the drive and inspiration to become successful in her field. She returned to work with Michael in 2009 as the Live Associate Producer for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts that were to take place at the O2 Arena in London.
Outside of her work with Jackson, Sankey has featured in a host of films and music videos and is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern.
In 2019, Sankey received her MFA degree in Filmmaking from Leeds Beckett University.
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Ashlei Tave
Ashlei Tave is a talented actress and creative professional recognized for her involvement in the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic. Her dedication and skill contributed significantly to the film, helping to bring the story of the legendary King of Pop to life. Tave's portrayal and efforts in the biopic highlight her versatility and commitment to her craft, making her a notable figure in the project's success. Her work continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
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Betty Pecha Madden
Betty Pecha Madden is a renowned costume designer known for her creative vision and expertise in shaping the visual aesthetics of iconic films. One of her standout projects was her work on Moonwalker (1988), the groundbreaking musical anthology film starring Michael Jackson. Madden’s designs in Moonwalker captured the futuristic and fantastical elements of the movie, complementing Jackson's iconic performances. With an impressive career spanning decades, she has also contributed her talents to films like Blade Runner (1982), Beetlejuice (1988), and Big Trouble in Little China (1986), showcasing her versatility in both sci-fi and fantasy genres.
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bill whitfield
Bill Whitfield, renowned as Michael Jackson's former bodyguard, offers an intimate glimpse into the King of Pop's life in his co-authored book, "Remember the Time." Serving as Michael's protector during his final years, Whitfield's memoir reveals personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments, providing a unique perspective on the enigmatic star. His detailed account highlights the profound trust and bond shared between the legendary artist and his devoted guardian.
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Bonnie Sinclair
Bonnie Sinclair is a talented costume designer celebrated for her work on visually distinct and imaginative films. Among her notable achievements is her work on Moonwalker (1988), where she helped craft the memorable, avant-garde outfits worn by Michael Jackson, contributing to the film's unique blend of music, fantasy, and innovation. Sinclair's career also includes standout projects such as Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), The Wiz (1978), and 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984), showcasing her ability to bring futuristic and iconic designs to the screen across a variety of genres.
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Cindera Che
Cindera Che is an Actor, Dancer and Choreographer with a career spanning over 40 years in film, television and music videos.
In 1987, Che answered a poster-advertisement for a professional dance role in a music video. The advert called for dancers of all forms. The video turned out to be Michael Jackson’s "Smooth Criminal" in which Che took the recognisable role as the Madame of Club 30s. In the iconic video, Che can be seen instructing the Club’s patrons to follow Jackson around her Club, before getting up close and personal with the King of Pop himself.
Off-screen, Che has worked as a performance coach and teacher for over 35 years, teaching at conventions and workshops around the world. As part of the Movement For Actors program which she created, Che appeared on "Dancing With The Stars" in 2008, coaching Kristi Yamaguchi in the final performance which crowned her the winner of the show.
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Courtney Miller
Courtney Miller is a talented dancer and choreographer known for his work with Michael Jackson. As part of Jackson's team, Miller showcased his remarkable skills on tours and music videos, contributing to the dynamic performances that captivated audiences worldwide. His expertise and creativity played a significant role in bringing Jackson's artistic vision to life.
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clay tave
Clay Tave is a distinguished professional known for his role as a bodyguard for the legendary Michael Jackson. With a steadfast commitment to security and unwavering dedication, Tave played a crucial role in ensuring Jackson's safety during various high-profile events and tours. His expertise and reliability made him an integral part of Jackson's inner circle, earning the trust and respect of the iconic artist. Tave's contributions to Jackson's life and career highlight his exceptional skills and professionalism in the field of personal security.
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Darryl Phinnessee
Darryl Phinnessee is a globally recognized African American Grammy Award winning singer, Emmy- nominated songwriter, performer, composer, vocal arranger and producer based in Los Angeles, CA.
Having toured with Michael Jackson as both vocal director and featured vocalist on the highly celebrated BAD, Dangerous and HIStory World Tours, Phinnessee returned for Jackson’s eagerly anticipated This Is It Concert Series, subsequently being featured in ‘Michael Jackson’s This Is It’ movie.
His unique voice and eclectic talents led him to work with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Chris Brown, recording and touring with Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie and Don Henley, to name but a few, and participating in more than one hundred such records, TV shows and films - including writing the Emmy-nominated theme for the TV show Frasier.
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Donald Ray Boyette
Donald Boyette is a highly skilled musician, songwriter, producer and engineer based in Los Angeles, California.
Boyette was selected to join Michael Jackson on the Bad World Tour in 1987 as the bassist and would appear in all 123 shows around the world. He returned to join Michael and the rest of the band on the Dangerous World Tour in 1992.
In 2011, Boyette was reunited with Greg Phillinganes and the Jackson-brand as he joined Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour as the Bassist. The show went on to become the Eighth highest grossing tour of all time and the most financially successful Cirque Du Soleil production to date.
Aside from his work with Michael, Boyette has also worked with the likes Lionel Richie, Sheila E, and Natalie Cole, bringing his distinct style to their music.
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Donna Schultz
Donna Schultz is a skilled costume designer known for her ability to create striking and memorable looks across a variety of film genres. Her work on Moonwalker (1988) stands out, where she contributed to designing some of Michael Jackson's most iconic looks, helping to elevate the film’s blend of music and fantasy. Schultz has also lent her talents to other notable films, including Big Trouble in Little China (1986), Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992), and Jurassic Park (1993), demonstrating her versatility and creativity in both sci-fi and adventure genres.
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Dorian Holley
Dorian Holley is a musician, backing vocalist, vocal coach and director with a career spanning over 40 years.
Starting out, he was selected as one of four backing vocalists for Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour in 1987. This began a long professional relationship with Michael that would see Holley return for the Dangerous World Tour in 1992, The HIStory World Tour in 1996 and various live performances, including Michael’s iconic 1993 Superbowl Half Time Show.
In 2009, Holley returned to work with Michael for the final time, this time in the position of Vocal director for the This Is It Concert series that were due to take place at the O2 Arena in London.
Holley released his first album, Independent Film, in 2008 and has served as associate music director and vocal coach on American Idol.
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Eddie Garcia
Eddie Garcia is choreographer, dancer, director and actor with a 40-year career in the entertainment industry. At 14, he was cast in Disney’s Captain Eo with Michael Jackson, but due to a schedule change, he couldn't appear in the film, much to his disappointment.
Two years later, through hard work, Garcia appeared in Janet Jackson’s music videos ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately’ and ‘Nasty’ as well as several live performances. It was during this time that Garcia was spotted by Michael Jackson, and this began a multi-project journey that would see Garcia feature in ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel, ‘Speed Demon’ and various live performances during the BAD era.
He was a principal dancer in Michael's first solo world tour – Bad World Tour, returned for the Dangerous World Tour in 1992, and performed in Michael’s iconic 1993 Superbowl half-time show.
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Giovanna Ottobre-Melton
Giovanna Ottobre-Melton is a gifted costume designer recognized for her ability to craft visually stunning and imaginative designs. One of her standout contributions was for Moonwalker (1988), where her work helped bring Michael Jackson's visionary music film to life through bold and innovative costumes. Ottobre-Melton has also been involved in other prominent projects like The Abyss (1989), The Color Purple (1985), and The Princess Diaries (2001), showcasing her versatility and creativity across a wide range of genres from sci-fi to drama and family films.
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Nicholas Pike
Nicholas Pike is an Emmy Award-winning British composer known for his versatility in orchestral and electronic music. He has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and scored major projects like Michael Jackson’s GHOSTS and YOU ROCK MY WORLD.
His film work includes scores for Disney’s Blank Check and Captain Ron, MGM’s Return to Me, and darker films like Fear Dot Com and Stephen King’s Sleepwalkers. He has also worked on music videos for Will Smith and MC Hammer, and won an Emmy for documentary Baghdad ER. Other notable projects include For the Love of Spock and 100 Years, for which he composed the Academy-shortlisted song “On Ghost Ridge.”
Pike has received the Elmer Bernstein Award and Best Music Award from the Sitges Film Festival. His music career began at age seven, studying at the Canterbury Choir School and later at Berklee College of Music. He is recognized for his innovative sound and is highly sought after in Hollywood.
Nicholas is known for his innovative use of instruments and sounds to create music and has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after composers.
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Rob Hoffman
Rob Hoffman is a Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, and recording engineer. He has collaborated with top artists and producers like Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Etta James, Jam & Lewis and Phil Collins.
With a B.A. from Skidmore College and a degree from Full Sail Recording Institute, Rob began his career at the Hit Factory in NYC, working with legends like Arif Mardin and Bruce Swedien, who became his mentor. This led to a four-year role on Michael Jackson’s team, contributing to two albums, a tour, an TV show, and a short film. He also worked closely with Quincy Jones on “Q’s Jook Joint.”
In 1998, Rob helped launch Christina Aguilera's career, leading to her debut album selling over 15 million copies. Aguilera and Hoffman have remained friends for over 27 years.
Rob's compositions have appeared in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and The Office, films such as Pursuit of Happyness and Rize, and ad campaigns for Mercedes-Benz and Virgin Mobile
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siedah garrett
Siedah Garrett is a renowned singer-songwriter, celebrated for her collaborations with Michael Jackson. She famously duetted with Jackson on the hit "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and co-wrote iconic songs like "Man In The Mirror" and "Keep The Faith." Garrett also toured with Jackson during the Dangerous World Tour, contributing her powerful voice and artistry to his unforgettable performances, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Panel discussion #1: On the road with MJ
Panel discussion #2: The Music That Brought Ghosts to Life
Panel discussion #3: BACK TO CLUB 30’s
Meet & Greet
Our guests with Michael
2bad x thriller
A special performance from Encore Dance Centre’s students, aged between 12 and 16, choreographed by Eddie Garcia.
Special Discussion Sessions
Kingvention is offering a brand new section to the Michael Jackson Convention: Special Discussion Sessions on the King of Pop! Those sessions are free to attend for all Kingvention Ticket holders and will take place during one of the break.
Meet the keynotes
Let’s talk Michael Jackson!
Listen to Michael Jackson Specialists talking about different topics on the King of Pop!
screening at kingvention -
screening at kingvention -
‘Walking on the moon’
We're delighted to announce that the mini documentary 'WALKING ON THE MOON' will be screened at Kingvention in Los Angeles on October 12, 2024 with several of those who feature in the film being in attendance.
WALKING ON THE MOON takes an in-depth look into the creation of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker movie.
First screened at Kingvention in London last year, the mini-documentary has been revisited, re-edited, and expanded to offer an even greater insight into the 1988 classic.
Walking On The Moon stars: Colin Chilvers, Bill Bottrell, Eddie Garcia, Lavelle Smith Jr, Cindera Che, Alif Sankey, Webster Colcord, Jennifer Batten, Jack Gill, Craig Lamont Parks, Dr Joseph Vogel, Pez Jax, Lorraine Fields, Elizabeth Amisu, Betty Madden, Gigi Ottobre Melton, Bonnie Sinclair and Donna Schultz
Special Feature
Michael Jackson’s costumes on display
In partnership with
Kingvention has partnered with Propstore to showcase some of Michael Jackson’s own items which will be in auction soon
This will be the last time fans will be able to see those items before they will get purchased by a private collection or museum.
All ticket holders will have access!
Learn more about the auction:
Featured Exhibit
Featured Exhibit
Michael Jackson's 1987 Pepsi Commercial Wire Rig Jacket
Michael Jackson's wire-rig jacket from Pepsi's "The Chase" commercial, released in 1987. The Pepsi commercial was filmed soon after the release of the pop star's hit single "Bad", with a Pepsi-themed remix of the song used as the soundtrack.
michael jackson items from propstore:
Check out items owned by the King of Pop on display at Kingvention LA 2024, presented by Propstore. These items will be auctioned, so make sure to get up close and personal before they’re gone—this might be your last chance to see them!
The Omer Bhatti Collection: Michael Jackson’s Black Corduroy Shirt
A custom-made black corduroy shirt previously owned and worn by Michael Jackson. Michael was pictured wearing his black corduroy shirt over several years, including during the Bad Tour rehearsals at the Pensacola Civic Centre, Florida, in early 1988.
The Omer Bhatti Collection: Michael Jackson’s Custom-made Bubbles Hand-puppet Doll
A custom-made puppet doll of Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee Bubbles, owned by the King of Pop himself. This lot comes from the personal collection of Norwegian rapper Omer Bhatti, who was personally gifted this puppet by Michael at his Neverland Ranch.
Michael Jackson’s Fedora
A fedora that was part of Michael Jackson’s personal collection. In 1992, Michael gifted this particular hat to Wayne Nagin, a former security guard for MJJ Productions, who worked with the singer for over 20 years.
Michael Jackson’s Autographed “You Were There” Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration Loafers
A pair of autographed loafers worn by Michael Jackson during his performance on the Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration television special. The show was taped on 13 November 1989 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
from the collection of Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson paid tribute to her brother at the MTV VMA’s Awards in 2009. She performed “Scream” on stage and all the dancers were wearing black and white outfits inspired by some of the most iconic looks of her brother. From Thriller jacket to the military look, each of those designs will be on display for fans to enjoy.
2000 WATTS
‘2000 WATTS: A Stereoscopic Experience’ is a 3D Exhibition of Michael Jackson.
You may now apply... Your 3D glasses.... As we proceed, prepare for proceed!
Kingvention’s after-party
Burn this disco out
DJ Dome
DJ Dome has been in the music industry for over 15 years as Hollywood's preferred "DJ to the celebrities" and has toured around the world with artists such as Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. He has curated a variety of eclectic megamixes such as "Michael And Me" - an electrifying all Michael Jackson mixtape that spans through his biggest hits in under 50 minutes. Dome has been a true dedicated Michael Jackson fan for over 27 years, starting at the age of six! He is a member of the Michael Jackson community, activity expressing his passion not only through music but as an avid Michael collector.
gold is the new black.
Burn This disco out’s
theme is gold
A golden masterpiece
Every year, Kingvention hosts an incredibly popular after-party for fans. For the past two years, we've added a theme to the event, giving fans the chance to dress up. This year's theme is "Gold." You could wear the HIStory Tour Space suit or transform one of Michael's iconic looks into a golden masterpiece. This theme adds an extra layer of fun and glamour to the night. Participation is optional, so join in only if you want to!