Moonwalk into the realm of Who’s Bad at festival in Fort Mill

It’s good to be bad, especially if you’re part of the long-running stage spectacle Who’s Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, live Saturday at the S.C. Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill.

Who’s Bad is an epic undertaking, dedicated to the genre jumping skills, thrills, with all the frills made famous by music legend Michael Jackson. With a nearly 50 year professional career, Jackson’s hit songs, landmark albums, innovative videos and musical milestones are abundant, with several distinct phases.

Paying attention to all the nuances for such a popular icon is quite a feat, with singers, dancers, six-piece backing band, horn section, costumes, crew, gear and more to capture the total MJ persona.

No wonder then that it takes two “Michaels” to fully realize MJ. Yes, Who’s Bad features two frontmen, Joseph Bell and Taalib York, to expertly handle different phases, stylized vocals and choreography of a legend. Joining them are Michael Buckley, guitar/vocals; Archie Logan, drums/vocals; Ray McCall, trumpet/vocals; Aaron McCoy, saxophone/vocals; Daniel Rychlec, dancer/choreographer, plus backup dancers Jonathan Sirois, Danielle Rich and Malcolm Blaze Little.

Together they are immersed in all things MJ as this musical, dancing and acting troupe morphs into a being that is highly recognizable and beloved to fans. Based in Chapel Hill, Who’s Bad is the longest-running MJ tribute, dating back to 2004. They’ve toured China, performed in Romania and Brazil, as well as assorted House of Blues gigs, and a long list of high-profile theaters, arenas and clubs.

It’s high-energy, expertly choreographed, sing-along magic designed to fool all into believing – if only for a brief spell – that MJ lives.

Moonwalk your way into the musical realm of Who’s Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, Saturday at the S.C. Strawberry Festival, Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St. For more information call 803-547-2273, or visit scstrawberryfestival.com for more festival details and list of all musical acts. For more on the music including videos go to whosbadmusic.com.

Elsewhere

Look for a live rock music invasion to hit the metro area Friday-Sunday through Carolina Rebellion 2016. This three-day rock/alt rock/new rock assault has a dynamic lineup with host of acts, bands and artists including: Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Shinedown, Megadeth, Escape the Fate, The Scorpions, Candlebox, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Collective Soul, Disturbed, Babymetal, 3 Doors Down, Six AM, and, well, the list just goes on and on.

This annual event of mammoth proportions is designed to appeal to every possible rock fan and popular music aficionado. Get there to experience Carolina Rebellion 2016, Friday-Sunday at the Rock City Campgrounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 7301 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord. For more information and the complete list of acts and attractions, check carolinarebellion.com.

Upcoming

Friday: Analog Daze at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Zach Fowler at McHale’s on Main, Rock Hill; Khaos Kings at The Handlebar Tavern, Catawba; Lipstick on a Pig at T-Bones at the Lake, Lake Wylie; Wayne Capps at Madison’s on the Corner, Tega Cay-Fort Mill; Skate Rink Juke Box (4:45-6 p.m.), Catalina’s (6:15-7:30 p.m.), Men of Distinction (7:45-9 p.m.), Voltage Brothers (9:15- 10:30 p.m.) at the S.C. Strawberry Festival, Fort Mill; Stateline Crossing at McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon, Charlotte.

Saturday: Troublemakers at Original Empire Pizza, Rock Hill; Mike Faulkenberry & Whiskey Prophets at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Carolina Rhythm Band (12:30-1:30 p.m.), Mr. Pleaze (2-3p.m.), Trial By Fire-Journey Tribute (5:30-6:45 p.m.), 20Ride-Zach Brown Tribute (7-8:15 p.m.), Who’s Bad-Michael Jackson Tribute (8:30-9:50 p.m.) at S.C. Strawberry Festival, Fort Mill; Mike Faulkenberry & Whiskey Prophets(12:30-2 p.m.) at Hog on the Hill Festival, Chester; Smilin’ Dogs at Pineville Tavern, Pineville.

Sunday: David Williams, Biker Sunday at The Handlebar Tavern, Catawba.

This story was originally published May 5, 2016 at 10:53 AM with the headline "Moonwalk into the realm of Who’s Bad at festival in Fort Mill."