The Givens Performing Arts Center hosts a show honoring pop legend Michael Jackson Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. This event is a part of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Homecoming celebration.

The show, entitled “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience,” takes place at the GPAC, which is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This is the only show that continues to give tribute to the late superstar.

Originating from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the group – called Who’s Bad – has been successful and is the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band. They have sold out venues and performed all over the world including places like China and the United Kingdom. The band has been on tour featuring stops at The House of Blues, 930 Club in D.C., Bluebird Theatre in Colorado and the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Additionally, the group has performed onstage with The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, The Backstreet Boys, Pitbull and Boys II Men.

The group is comprised of Broadway performers, musicians and singers. The founder and manager of the group is Vamsi Tadepalli, a jazz performance graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He created the band in 2003 and serves as the saxophonist, arranger and choreographer, along with a group of other performers. James Times III is the lead singer and commands the stage as Michael Jackson.

Attendees and fans will be in for a real treat when watching this show. The performers know the music and choreography of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. They study tirelessly to make sure every dance and every song is executed with perfection. The band is passionate and dedicated to delivering a powerful performance.

James Bass,director of the GPAC, said, “This show is authentic and imitates not only the music of Michael, but the performers have studied his moves in detail. It’s going to be like you were there.”

The audience can expect to hear all Jackson’s greatest hits from the ’70s to the ’90s – tunes like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” – and there may even be a few songs from his days with The Jackson 5. Because this event takes place on Halloween weekend, the audience can definitely expect “Thriller” to be on the setlist.

Jackson’s music has brought people together for decades. He is still revered as the King of Pop. Posthumously, Jackson’s album “Thriller” is still the best-selling album of all time. There’s something about his music that appeals to people of all generations and backgrounds. Bass promised this is going to be a fun show, and it’s going to be hard to sit still.

Tickets for the tribute show are $36 for adults and $10 for children. Alumni of the university have a ticket price of $26. The show is set to start at 8 p.m.

For tickets and information, visit www.uncp.edu/gpac or call  (910) 521-6361.