Yesterday in New York, fans packed the legendary Apollo Theater  for a public tribute to Michael Jackson (after all this is the theater that helped launch the Jackson 5’s careers when they won Amature Night in 1969) and the scene was unbelievable!

All over the streets vendors peddled bootleg copies of “Moonwalker,” buttons, shirts and other memorabilia while thousands of fans wrapped around the block (many waited for hours in the sweltering heat, and later on in the evening: pouring rain!) just to experience the event. The crowd was full of people showing off their dance moves, singing songs and rocking some of Michael’s signature styles.

Groups of 600 were rotated in and out of the theater for a tribute that was simple, but extremely lively. Inside, the Apollo set up floral arrangements and blown up photos of the star that fans took pictures with before they took their seats. On stage (which was decorated with a fedora, shades and one sparkly white glove in remembrance of Michael and then later in the evening became cluttered with a sea of letters, posters, flowers and stuffed animals left by fans) a DJ from New York radio station 107.5 rocked the house with all the MJ classics we’ve grown to love. (Side Note: did you hear that MJ’s albums and other Jackson albums currently hold the top nine positions on Billboards Top Pop Catalog chart!?)

Spike Lee came to the theater to show his respects and at one point took to the stage with Al Sharpton, who attended to offer a offered a eulogy for Michael after each group finished rocking out. At 5:26pm (the exact time the East Coast learned that MJ passed), there was a moment of silence in Michael’s honor.

There was so much love for Michael in Harlem, it was truly amazing! Below are pictures from the event! If you happen to be in New York, be sure to check out the Apollo again tonight: the theater is dedicating its weekly Amature Night to Michael and there will be special performances and dance features such as a moonwalking contest.

The funk don’t stop!

Click here for a full photo gallery of the Michael Jackson tribute at the Apollo in New York City.