It’s a song which has become synonymous with “Halloween.” This week, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” will be played around the world during a globally synchronized event, with tens of thousands of would-be zombies taking part. On the Central and South Coasts, flashmob events featuring “Thriller” will raise money for a number of non-profit programs.
Janet Reineck is with World Dance for Humanity, a local non-profit dance company which holds a number of “Thriller” events in the region.
She says the biggest of more than a half dozen performances will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Hundreds of performers and thousands of spectators are expected for the event.
What started, and continues as an effort to set a world record every year for the most people dancing simultaneously has taken a real philanthropic twist. Groups have used participation as a means for raising money for good causes. World Dance for Humanity raises money for several programs in Rwanda, including education efforts for kids. The non-profit also helps with programs at Santa Barbara’s Westside Boys and Girls Club.
The series of performances also includes some Sunday in the Santa Ynez Valley. The final one Sunday afternoon is outside the gates of the “Neverland” Ranch, which was one of Michael Jackson’s homes.
The music video from “Thriller” is now 35 years old. It was credited as being a breakthrough music video when the medium was still new. And, while the video runs 14 minutes, including some narration by legendary actor Vincent Price, the familiar version we know from CD’s and radio airplayclocks in at just under six minutes.
Information on local "Thriller" events: worlddanceforhumanity.org/thriller-2018/
