Michael Jackson tribute artist Joby Rogers performed as the “King of Pop” at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. The outfits that Rogers wore throughout the performance were replicas reminiscent of many of Michael Jackson’s iconic outfits. Riana Braselman/The Lion’s Roar

“Smooth Criminal,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and other famous songs by the “King of Pop” were performed in downtown Hammond. 

On Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., the “Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” took the stage at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“Every January, I go to New York to a big booking conference,” said Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood. “And they have booking agents there, and they also have showcases. And I saw Joby Rogers’ showcase there. As soon as I saw him, I knew I wanted to bring him here.”

Blackwood hoped that the show would appeal to a younger demographic.

“For the most part, we do fine arts performances, opera, theatre, symphonies, things like that,” said Blackwood. “I’m trying to move to a younger demographic and that’s kind of a challenge for us. But that’s what I’m doing and trying to bring in a different set of people.”

Rogers, the Michael Jackson tribute artist, was dubbed the “Official Substitute” by Michael Jackson himself.

Professor from Southern University Law Center Angela Allen-Bell visited the Columbia Theatre with her husband and said she had heard about the show through Twitter. Allen-Bell said that she has seen many Michael Jackson performances on television in the past.

“Of course, I’ve seen many on television, never live before, but that’s also because we were always afraid of environments,” said Allen-Bell. “But this is a safe place, and so it just exceeds everything we thought tonight would be.”

During the performance, Rogers often exited the stage to interact with audience member. A young female audience member was invited to participate in the dance number for “Thriller” to imitate the original music video. 

Rogers explained that involving audience members in the performance is one aspect he enjoys when performing at a venue like the Columbia Theatre.

“I like the intimacy of the small crowd,” said Rogers. “I really enjoy, as you can see, going to the balcony. I like to get to do things that Michael really couldn’t get to do. They would have torn him apart. I really like that part of it.”

Rogers’ career as a tribute artist started in 1984.

“I started off working children’s parties,” said Rogers. “I’d show up with a boombox and balloons and dance at people’s houses.”

Rogers listed an hour and a half of putting on makeup, yoga, stretching and prayers as a part of his preparation for a performance.

Allen-Bell expressed that Rogers’ performance “far exceeded our expectations.”

“He completely captures his moves, his energy, brings back the essence of who Michael was,” said Allen-Bell. “Everything that I would think Michael would have wanted us to remember, I feel like he did an effective job at capturing that.”