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Strawberry festival once sought Michael Jackson and brothers

AP

In this undated file photo, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, front right, Marlon Jackson, front left, Tito Jackson, back left, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine, back right, are shown in Los Angeles.

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 1, 2009

PLANT CITY - The Florida Strawberry Festival is largely known as a venue for country music, but there was a time when the festival had its eye on bringing a young Michael Jackson to its stage.

Early in the singer's career, when he was part of the Jackson 5, the festival looked at trying to sign the group for a performance at the annual strawberry festival. But no deal was ever reached, said Joe Newsome, a longtime festival board member and entertainment committee head.

Newsome said he can't recall if the Jackson brothers wanted too much money or they couldn't make it on the available date, which is frequently a challenge when the festival tries to sign entertainers.
"The [pieces of the] puzzle didn't fit," Newsome said.

As the late Jackson's star skyrocketed with a solo career, the festival never made another attempt to book him.

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