Hollywood Walk of Fame in Windsor Heights

When the City of Windsor Heights approves our own “Hollywood Walk of Fame”, I have an idea of the first star that will be immortalized on it. It will be to honor a man about whom I heard many stories before I finally met him at an afternoon of GiGi’s Music Makers this Fall: 48-year-old Erik Meyer. I said, “You must be Erik.” He winked and said, “Yes, but you can call me MJ.” And now I know why.

Erik loves all music, but he’s a huge fan of Michael Jackson — from head to toe, you might say. At our Fantastic Friends Halloween Party, he had both “Thriller” and “Bad” outfits in the backpack that he brought, along with his own sound system and microphone. (Thankfully, he doesn’t insist on his own dressing room!) And, as you might imagine, Erik has dance moves that even the King of Pop would admire.

When I asked him what he loves best about GiGi’s, he said “performing”. It gives him confidence, which is something many of our participants gain from our programs. He loves to sing, dance and tell jokes, and GiGi’s gives him the chance to do that in a space that is both encouraging and accepting. He spreads joy everywhere he goes, which is a real bonus.

I often serve as ringmaster during our Tuesday afternoon Music Makers, but my days may be numbered in that role. Last week after I introduced a fellow participant to take the stage, he whispered to me, “I can emcee, too.”

Oh well, there are worse things than being upstaged by a legend.