TMZ has learned Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson's three kids will not be in L.A. to commemorate the one-year anniversary of MJ's death.


Sources connected with the family tell TMZ the gang will be at Michael's birthplace -- Gary, Indiana -- where they will observe the day.

We're told Katherine is set on Gary because she feels it is a "family point of connection" -- and it's just too crazy in L.A.

Our sources say Katherine, Prince, Paris, and Blanket will keep things private with relatives and Friends in Gary.