FAMU's Marching 100 Celebrates Michael Jackson Biopic at Red Carpet Screening

Students and faculty attend special event in Tallahassee to honor the band's viral tribute to the pop icon.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:50am

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An abstract close-up image of shimmering, high-contrast sequins and shattered disco ball fragments, evoking the glamour and excitement of a movie premiere event.The Marching 100's vibrant tribute to Michael Jackson takes center stage at a special red carpet screening in Tallahassee.Tallahassee Today

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching 100 band, along with other students and faculty, attended a red carpet screening of the new Michael Jackson biopic in Tallahassee on Monday. The event celebrated the band's viral tribute to the global pop star, and students watched the film that traces Jackson's rise from a young star to a legendary performer.

Why it matters

The Marching 100 is one of the most renowned collegiate marching bands in the country, known for their high-energy performances and creative tributes to musical icons. Their viral video paying homage to Michael Jackson has generated significant buzz, and this special screening event allowed the band to further celebrate the legacy of the pop legend they admire.

The details

The red carpet screening took place at the AMC Theater in Northwest Tallahassee. In addition to the Marching 100 members, actor Larenz Tate, who plays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy in the film, joined the students for the event. The band members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the tribute and see themselves on the big screen.

  • The red carpet screening occurred on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" is set to officially hit theaters on April 24, 2026.

The players

FAMU's Marching 100

One of the most renowned collegiate marching bands in the country, known for their high-energy performances and creative tributes to musical icons.

Larenz Tate

An actor who plays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy in the new Michael Jackson biopic.

Dr. Chipman

The head of the Marching 100 at FAMU.

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What they’re saying

“Man, I grew up in the 80s, so I know about MJ, and his family, and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," and "Thriller". I mean, I was back there during those times, and I'm just honored to be the director of bands. Our kids are super geeked up. They did a great job on our promo video that went viral throughout the world. And hey, we're here now to celebrate Michael in a way that only FAMU and the Rattlers and incomparable Marching 100 can do.”

— Dr. Chipman, Head of the Marching 100 at FAMU

“It's been great to be able to see FAMU marching band do what they have done — their creativity to relive and recreate Michael's music. I'm sure he will be very proud. The dedication, the commitment, the partnership that we've been able to have with them has been really extraordinary, and, you know, it's just great to see new audiences experiencing Michael. Some are for the first time, but some of them have probably listened to it when they were younger. To be able to see it now come full circle, it's really amazing.”

— Larenz Tate, Actor playing Berry Gordy in the Michael Jackson biopic

What’s next

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" is set to officially hit theaters on April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The Marching 100's viral tribute to Michael Jackson has allowed the renowned FAMU band to further celebrate the legacy of the pop icon they admire, while also providing new audiences the opportunity to experience the music and life of this global superstar.