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A 3D Experience

moments in history

in his footsteps

Book Signing

“You’ve Got Michael”

Living through HIStory

"You’ve Got Michael" is Dan Beck’s inside account of his five intense years working as Michael Jackson’s primary marketing executive at Epic Records. Set during the pivotal Dangerous and HIStory eras, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes efforts to revive Jackson’s global image amid mounting tabloid scrutiny and shifting public perception.

From late-night calls and runaway video budgets to navigating crises and collaborating with stars like Michael Jordan and Lisa Marie Presley, Beck reveals the chaos, brilliance, and contradictions of working with the King of Pop—offering a rare, candid glimpse into the music industry at its multi-platinum peak.

our special guest for 2025

To continue celebrating our 10th year anniversary, and marking the 30th anniversary of “HIStory”, KV NYC is an intimate and special event that you do not want to miss!

  • Dan Beck

    Former VP of Marketing for Epic Records.

    Dan Beck is a Music Executive, Creative Strategist, and Author from New York City.

    With a career spanning over four decades in the music industry, Beck served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Epic Records during the height of Michael Jackson’s career. He played a key role in shaping the marketing campaigns for Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory, and was instrumental in bringing Jackson’s visionary concepts to life—both visually and globally. His close collaboration with Jackson gave him rare insight into the artist's creative process and the business dynamics behind some of pop culture’s most iconic moments.

    Beyond his work with Jackson, Beck has contributed to the success of a wide range of artists and was an early pioneer in cross-platform music marketing. In 2024, he published a book reflecting on his time working with Michael Jackson, offering personal stories and professional insights from behind the scenes.

    Today, Beck continues to consult within the music and media industries, drawing from a lifetime of experience at the intersection of artistry and commerce.

  • Steven Paul Whitsitt

    Michael Jackson Photographer.

    Steven Paul Whitsitt is a Photographer and Visual Artist from Port Huron, Michigan.

    Best known for his time as Michael Jackson’s personal photographer from 1994 to 1996, Whitsitt captured some of the most iconic images of Jackson during the HIStory era. His work includes promotional photos for singles like “Scream,” “You Are Not Alone,” and “Smile,” as well as behind-the-scenes moments from music videos and global appearances. Whitsitt was handpicked by Jackson for his ability to visually translate emotion and story through photography.

    Outside of his work with Jackson, Whitsitt has built a diverse career photographing artists such as Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and Aerosmith, and later transitioned into architecture and design photography. He has published multiple photography books and continues to share his personal stories and images from his time with Michael Jackson at events and exhibitions worldwide.

  • Diana Walczak

    Sculptor and creator of the HIStory Statue.

    Diana Walczak is an American sculptor, computer graphics pioneer, and filmmaker renowned for creating the iconic Michael Jackson HIStory statue.

    In 1994, Walczak sculpted a statue of Michael Jackson that became the centerpiece of his 1995 album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The sculpture was digitized and featured on the album cover, as well as in a global marketing campaign. A monumental version of the statue was also erected in London, floating down the Thames River during the album's promotion.

    Beyond her work with Jackson, Walczak co-founded Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company, a pioneering studio in computer-generated imagery. She has contributed to visual effects in films such as Stargate, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, and directed commercials featuring athletes like Kobe Bryant.

    In addition to her artistic endeavors, Walczak has directed numerous short films under the name Harmless Little Bunny Productions and has served on the boards of the Norman Rockwell Museum and Images Cinema.

  • Linda Ury Greenberg

    Former VVP of Market Research for Sony Music.

    Linda Ury Greenberg is an independent marketing and consumer research consultant with experience in higher education, music, and advertising. Most recently, she was Director for Marketing Research at Columbia University, leading alumni engagement studies to guide outreach, programming, and new initiatives across the university. Previously, at Sony Music, she conducted research on artists, brands, and products, as VP of Consumer Research. She is now a Board of Trustee member of We Are All Music (WAAM); a nonprofit creating tools and programs to strengthen and save lives through music. Linda holds a B.A. from Wellesley College, an Ed.M. from Harvard, and an M.S. in Strategic Communication from Columbia.

  • La’Verne Perry-Kennedy

    Former Vice President, Media Relations, Sony Music.

    La’Verne Perry-Kennedy’s 35 year career at CBS/Sony Music began as a receptionist at Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records at the time, eventually Sony Music. She held several positions in the Promotion Department before landing a position in the Publicity Department as administrative assistant to the VP of Urban Music.

    With an attention to detail and her enthusiastic, yet composed personality, Perry-Kennedy was promoted to Manager, followed by Associate Director and then Vice President, Media Relations, a position she held until her retirement in 2005. As VP, in addition to her affiliation with Michael Jackson, (as one of his many Publicists,)she initiated press campaigns and worked very closely with Sade, Luther Vandross, Miami Sound Machine and Alexander O’Neal to name a few. As VP, she was responsible for scheduling television, radio and print media interviews, as well as press receptions. She also worked with new artists in their early development in the areas of imaging and Artist Development and would, on occasion, provide her own clothing to insure a successful photo shoot.

    Currently, Perry-Kennedy operates a store on Ebay where she sells her personal designer clothing . She has incorporated her fashion savvy sense in her volunteer work at the Bottomlesss Closet, an organization that helps to empower NYC women in need, to enter the workforce.

  • Lori Lambert

    Senior Director of Product Management for Epic & Liaison for Corporate Synergy with other Sony Divisions.

    Lori Lambert is a seasoned marketing executive turned real estate professional, bringing over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to the world of property and lifestyle. Born in Manhattan and now based in the Hamptons, Lori built a dynamic career forging high-profile brand partnerships in the music world. She collaborated with iconic artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Cyndi Lauper, Enrique Iglesias, Nicki Minaj, and Celine Dion, and worked with major brands and organizations including Pepsi, the Gap, Calvin Klein, Budweiser, and the NFL.

    Her deep understanding of branding, negotiation, and client relations now fuels her success in real estate, where she offers clients the same level of discretion, creativity, and strategic insight that defined her work in music. Whether navigating luxury markets or helping clients find their perfect home, Lori brings unmatched energy and expertise to every transaction.

  • Lisa Kramer

    Former VP of International Marketing for Epic Records.

Join Us

IN PERSON

What’s Included In This Ticket?

10:30am Entry To KV NYC

Free Program

Lanyard

Meet & Greet

Open Seating

Buy Tickets

ONLINE

What’s Included In This Ticket?

Unique Access code to the Live Stream

10:30am EDT access to the live stream

Buy Tickets

*Not the final artwork

“You’ve got Michael”

The first 30 fans to purchase a ticket to KV NYC will receive a free copy of You’ve Got Michael by Dan Beck.

This special giveaway coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the HIStory album.

T&C: The book is personally donated by Dan Beck for this event. If you are one of the first 30 fans to purchase a ticket, you will receive your copy on the day of KV NYC. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend the event despite purchasing a ticket, your book will be offered to the next fan on the list. This is a limited offer and cannot be reserved or transferred.

For the very first time at KV NYC, fans will have the opportunity of a lifetime! Step into Michael Jackson’s world and be photographed by his very own photographer, Steven Paul Whitsitt.

You’ll pose against the original-style backdrop used by Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 when they revealed their union to the world, an iconic moment in HIStory.

This is a rare, one-of-a-kind chance to create your own piece of Michael Jackson history, captured by the man who photographed Michael during the HIStory era.

A Life-Time

Photo Opportunity

Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Times: 10:30am to 11:30am
Location: Studio 6
Duration per session: approx. 3-5 minutes
Photos: 1–3 photos

Price: $40 + booking fee.

Your professional photo will be delivered digitally after the event, ready to share and treasure forever.

Bookings will be available through our ticketing partner*, spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
*You will need to be a KV NYC Ticket holder to be able to purchase a Photo Opportunity. This offer is hosted by Kingvention and run by Steven Paul Whitsitt.

BOOK YOUR PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH STEVEN PAUL WHITSITT

special message from steven whitsitt

special message from steven whitsitt

Steven Paul Whitsitt special message to the Michael Jackson fans attending KV NYC at the Hit Factory on October 25, 2025.

HIStory 30
the pearl experience

HIStory 30 | The Pearl Experience is an exhibition celebrating Michael Jackson’s album HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I. The most personal and political album that the King of Pop ever released is turning 30 this year, and as fans, we simply cannot let it go uncelebrated. Part of KV NYC, fans will be able to experience a part of it: “2000 Watts, HIStory - A Stereoscopic Experience”.

For the first time in 30 years, the HIStory Statue will be seen in public

HIStory statue

The HIStory Statue on display

Kingvention is proud to announce a historic first: Diana Walczak, the sculptor behind Michael Jackson’s legendary HIStory Statue, will be bringing the original statue to KV NYC.

Created in 1994 for the HIStory: Past, Present and Future – Book I album artwork, this iconic piece became one of the most powerful and enduring images of Michael Jackson’s career. Until now, the statue has remained in Diana’s private collection and has never been displayed publicly in the past 30 years.

At KV NYC, fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, up close, the original work that defined the HIStory album’s imagery and was immortalised on its cover and in the worldwide HIStory campaign.

This marks a historic unveiling, bringing together the sculptor, the statue, and the fans in the very city where Michael recorded the album itself.

For the first time in 30 years, Michael Jackson’s original HIStory Statue will be unveiled to the public, only at KV NYC

CLUB 30’S AFTER-PARTY

CLUB 30’S

Saturday, October 25, 2025
from 7pm to 10pm

Jake’s Dilemma

After a full day celebrating Michael at the Hit Factory, the evening continues at the Club 30’s Social After Party! From 7:00pm to 10:00pm, fans will gather at Jake’s Dilemma (430 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024) for a night of food, drinks, music, and great company.

We’ve chosen the Oak Cellar for its incredible look and feel — a downstairs party room styled as a wine cellar with European charm and industrial accents. Think stone archways, mosaic tiles, brick walls, cobblestone floors, and stained glass — the perfect atmosphere, reminiscent of the Club 30’s set from Smooth Criminal.

Guests can relax at the private bar, sip cocktails, or enjoy conversations at the marble bistro tables — all while Michael’s music plays throughout the night.

As this event is taking place in the U.S., please note that attendees under 21 cannot be served alcohol. While this is a private event, we do need to know in advance if you are under 21 and plan to attend Club 30’s. Please email us at info@kingvention.com to let us know.

You will need to have a ticket to enter Club 30’s. Make sure you book in advance as no ticket will be sold at the door.

CLUB 30'S TICKET - $15

cocktails

mj themed

cocktails • mj themed •

$14

“Club 30” Martini – A bold Espresso Martini with Colombian espresso and distilled vodka.

$18

“Lucky Star” Margarita – A Casamigos Blanco Margarita, smooth and refreshing.

$15

“Smooth Criminal” – A classic Old Fashioned, with Bulleit Rye or Bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters

This cocktails will be available to purchase at Jake’s Dilemma on Saturday 25 October, 2025 between 7pm and 10pm

Food & Drinks at Jake’s dilemma

Check out the food and drinks menus available for you at Jake’s Dilemma:

MENUS

Getting To CLUB 30’S

 

Closest Subway Station:

The nearest New York City Subway station is 79th Street on the 1 line, just a short walk from 430 Amsterdam Avenue

Directions from the Hit Factory to Jake’s Dilemma

Address Overview:

  • Hit Factory/Fount Studios – 421 W 54th Street, Manhattan

  • Jake’s Dilemma (Oak Cellar Social After Party) – 430 Amsterdam Ave (between 80th & 81st Streets), Upper West Side

By Subway (Fastest Option):

  1. Walk from Fount Studios to 59th Street–Columbus Circle station (A/B/C/D/1 lines).

  2. Take the 1 train northbound (Uptown) to 79th Street.

  3. Exit at 79th Street and walk west to Amsterdam Avenue, then a short walk north to 430 Amsterdam Ave.

By Bus (Alternative Surface Route):

  • At Columbus Circle, you can take the M10 or M104 bus northbound up Amsterdam Avenue towards the 80s, and get off near 80th Street.

Estimated Travel Time: About 15–20 minutes total, depending on wait times and walking pace.

Jake’s Dilemma
The Oak Cellar
430 Amsterdam Avenue
New York NY 10024
United States of America