Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra's Pop series - The Music of Michael Jackson. With the entire Saskatoon Symphony led by Maestro Victor Sawa and paired up with the Jeans 'n' Classics Band along with some extraordinary talent in the vocals department from Toronto including Gavin Hope (MJ for the evening), along with Kathryn Rose, Katalin Kiss, and Lis Soderberg(Who just happens to be my auntie!). Together the entire performance couldn't have been better. Starting in the Jackson 5 days the band worked their way through timeless classics of Michaels that once again proved just how influential and unbelievable Michael Jackson was and will forever be. Although he was taken far to soon his music will truly live on forever.

As written by the Saskatoon Symphony "From early songs like 'Rockin' Robin' and 'ABC' to chart-toppers like 'Billy Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Human Nature,' and 'Thriller,' Gavin Hope and the Jeans 'n' Classics vocal and rock ensemble will highlight Michael Jackson's R&B and soul roots and his rise as an international pop icon. Together with the Saskatoon Symphony's big wall of sound, it will be a concert that honours and celebrates Michael's musical legacy. It's For Michael and it's a concert you'll long remember."

The night couldn't have been better, Gavin was absolutely bursting at the seams with energy and I can honestly say I have never seen a man have such an astounding range. That talent paired with some pretty unreal MJ dance moves really brought the experience to life. Being with my mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, and my brother Anthony also made for the best company. Not to mention getting to see my auntie Lis preform again! She is an extremely talented woman who has lived in Toronto for the past 20 years but always finds a way of bringing her work home. She recently finished an album and I’d be stoked if you guys would like to take a listen! Her work is available on her website and on iTunes so check out the link below.

Lis Soderberg

In closing a huge thanks to TCU for throwing an excellent event (including a MJ Karaoke station in the lounge) along with Conexus and PotashCorp for sponsoring such a wonderful evening. For anyone interested in attending this event next year I also have a little information Now apparently we aren’t suppose to know this but the Victor Sawa the maestro just might have let slip that next years pop series will be a dedication to Queen… Can’t wait to see what they can do with such a smorgasbord of classics.

Also. Had to share this as well. Amazing.
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Sincerely,
Nathan Emanuel Thoen