Magical MiG Memories Countdown - #6 and #5

The countdown continues in the Top 10 Magical MiG Memories, in honor of Team MiG's four years of supporting and promoting MiG Ayesa. Check out the Team MiG Facebook Fan Page to see a photo album with selected pictures from the Top 10 Magical MiG Memories. So far the countdown is:

#10 - Rockstar: INXS
#9 - Cleveland Gigs
#8 - Team MiG Photo Shoot in LA
#7 - QUEEN Rock & Symphonic Spectacular

Onward and upward....

#6 - We Will Rock You Tour and Online Community Project
As the star attraction of the We Will Rock You - Asia Pacific Tour, MiG jetted to South Africa for rehearsals, and then began an almost year-long tour. MiG gained legions of fans as he wowed crowds in New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. It presented a wonderful opportunity for MiG, and we were happy that people in the Asia Pacific could get introduced to the same incredible person and performer that we knew. At the same time, it was important to keep MiG's existing fans in the U.S., Philippines, U.K., Australia, Canada and other countries connected for all those months. It also gave us another way to promote MiG.

MiG in We Will Rock You - Asia Pacific Tour


MiG during the We Will Rock You tour - photo by Su & JC (special thanks to Fuchsia)


Nicole and Davyd from Aussie Queens (a Queen fan site) and I launched an online community project to include major MiG fan sites. It offered a great chance to bring everyone together. MiG kindly agreed to provide updates, which included a letter, radio interview, and videos. The ultimate video involved fans. We asked each fan group to submit a question for MiG. While at his hotel in Hong Kong, MiG created a video and took great care in answering every question with such warmth and humor. I was blown away. I shouldn't have been, because MiG strives for excellence in everything he does. If you watch MiG's video with answers to fans' questions, you'll be impressed too.


#5 - The Release of MiG's Debut Album
MiG had a dream of becoming a recording artist, and we anxiously waited for that dream to become a reality. The news that he'd be working with a world-class team and recording at such places as Abbey Road like the Beatles did, whipped us into a frenzy. MiG was so deserving of that support and collaboration. We chomped at the bit for a chance to listen to MiG's impeccable vocals and unparalleled emotion on a CD, iPod and the radio. Even more than that, we were ecstatic that MiG would have within his grasp something he'd worked tirelessly to achieve. After encountering a couple delays along the way, MiG persevered. It couldn't happen for a more special person. The CD, "MiG," was released in the Philippines and Australia before being unveiled in the U.S. and Canada (you can get it on Amazon or in the Store on MiG's Web site). The wait was too much to bear...but thanks to Rah at MiGCentral and our friends at MAP (MiG Ayesa Pinoy Fans), we could get our hands on the first release.

The album featured a masterful collection of classic songs elevated by MiG's talent and interpretation. I was amazed by how brilliantly MiG struck the perfect balance between passion and control in every note. The addition of three MiG originals, She Loved, You and I, and Could It Be (U.S. version), made the album priceless. As wonderful as the classics were, the originals showcased MiG's immeasurable talent, creativity and beautiful soul. After listening, we couldn't wait to post reviews and spread the word about such an artistic accomplishment.

Check out #4 and #3 tomorrow!

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

Magical MiG Memories Countdown - #8 and #7

In honor of Team MiG's birthday, I'm counting down the Top 10 Magical MiG Memories in our four years of supporting and promoting MiG Ayesa. Yesterday I shared:

#10 - Rockstar: INXS
#9 - Cleveland Gigs

And now to unveil the next two:

#8 - Team MiG Photo Shoot in LA
Not long after Rockstar: INXS ended, two of Team MiG's founders, Laura and Nancy, had the Team MiG gang at the edge of our seats. They piqued our interest with a surprise, saying they'd make "the big reveal" on a certain night. The night was upon us, and a large portion of the Team MiG crew scrambled to get online for the announcement. The news that MiG had done a photo shoot in Los Angeles had rabid MiG Ayesa fans reeling. In addition to having all those MiG photos to enjoy, we were over the top with excitement about having all that new material to use for promotional online banners and buttons.

Here are a few shots from MiG's photo shoot to feast your eyes upon...

Looking good in leather


Apparently MiG is ignoring the No "Smokin'" sign...


Posing with a mysterious statuesque woman


#7 - QUEEN Rock & Symphonic Spectacular
During the last two summers, MiG has performed in these popular concerts at picturesque locations throughout the United Kingdom. Queen fans and supporters of MiG and his co-stars have braved torrents of rain and dipping temperatures some nights. Team MiG members have had some special time with MiG and enjoyed the camaraderie with other friends and fans. And the shows were indeed spectacular.

Tomorrow....Magical MiG Memories #6 and #5!

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

Magical MiG Memories Countdown - #10 and #9

The celebration begins, as Team MiG Global marks four glorious years of supporting MiG Ayesa on October 6. Birthdays often bring thoughts of gifts, and this one is no exception. The gifts we've received haven't come covered with shiny wrapping paper or adorned with a bow. They've come in the form of friendships we've grown, and of a supremely talented guy who dreams of taking the world's breath away with his music.

Team MiG was born when MiG Ayesa stepped on stage for CBS-TV's Rockstar:INXS. In the four years since then, MiG has made many at Team MiG feel as though birthdays come much more than once a year. The heart beneath the rockstar makes every day of work worth it. We've been having a ball, and MiG has made it special.

To mark our 4th Birthday, let's revisit some of those special memories. Countless moments stand out...but I'll limit it to 10. Through October 6, I'll count down to reveal the Top 10 Magical MiG Memories. Here we go....

#10 - Rockstar: INXS
Rockstar: INXS has to be in the Top 10. It helped bring MiG and everyone from Team MiG together. During all those weeks, it was our mission to vote for MiG with reckless abandon, and we heaved a collective sigh of relief every time he survived for the next show. I remember being impressed with most of the people who considered MiG their favorite. MiG had a way of attracting kind, intelligent, talented and giving individuals. Those are traits they have in common with MiG.

#9 - Cleveland, Ohio Gigs
MiG hit the road on a national Hard Rock Cafe Tour with a stop in Cleveland. After one night at the Hard Rock, he followed it up with a night at McCarthy's. MiG took the time to greet everyone before and after the shows, and posed for pictures with people of all ages.

MiG's performance at McCarthy's was spellbinding. He treated us to two fabulous originals from his debut album "MiG" (Decca/Universal) - You and I and Could It Be. I still can't get enough of them.

MiG joking around at the Hard Rock - photo by Mary Beth


Singing with heart and soul


Our street teaming exploits for MiG in Cleveland amused some people, as our stealth operations focused on posting flyers for MiG's show in the most creative of locations. Some nice security guards refrained from giving us a hard time, so we escaped unscathed! The weekend was one to remember.

Tomorrow...Memories #8 and #7!

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

Cold Hands, Warm Heart for MiG Ayesa and UK Fans

MiG Ayesa heated up the crowd on a frigid night in Leeds with a peak performance that ended the summer season of the QUEEN Rock & Symphonic Spectacular. MiG starred with Kerry Ellis, Mazz Murray and Ricardo Afonso at Harewood House on September 4. The group left it all on stage and had a ball. The crowd forgot about their chattering teeth and shivering for a while, in spite of the sinking temperatures. Check out these videos of One Vision and We Will Rock You and you'll see why.

MiG gets the crowd into it


MiG Ayesa always warms a crowd, but on this night he also thoroughly warmed the hearts of two people in the audience. Wend, who is a member of Team MiG, and her husband, Geoff, went to see MiG and experienced an evening they won't forget. It started with a riveting performance by MiG that oozed with personality, as one can witness by Bicycle Race. One of the best ways to tell you how MiG's thoughtfulness touched Wend and Geoff is to share Wend's own words, photos and videos of the evening. Read on....

Wend's Account of the Special Evening
MiG rocked. It was a bittersweet performance as it was the last summer Queen Spectacular of 2009 so emotions were running high, which made the show even more special. All the singers seemed to make the most of their last evening together and blew the audience out of the water! In my opinion, it was the best show of the summer (the coldest, but the best)! And YES, it was soooo cold! MiG was really feeling it. Even with the several layers of clothing he had on, he still said he was "bloody freezing." At the end of singing I Want to Break Free, he included his words of "and I wanna warm up too..." just classic!

MiG does his best to warm up


Our evening was made even more special and unforgettable as Geoff was celebrating his 40th birthday, and MiG went out of his way to help the celebrations along. Anne-Louise had a fabulous cake arranged with a picture of Geoff and MiG at Clumber Park last year on it. We were able to get some great photos of MiG and Geoff holding the cake, while a few "old age" comments were being batted about. MiG continued to carry on the "40" theme by making "40" signs with his hands. After making an announcement on behalf of the park owner, he made one of his own, wishing his good friend Geoff a Happy 40th Birthday.

MiG and Geoff show off their smiles and the birthday cake


MiG and Wend brave the cold


The whole evening was just a dream come true. MiG does and says some of the sweetest things, which makes him a unique individual. That is why Geoff and I will continue to support him no matter what!

MiG rocks at the Queen Rock & Symphonic Spectacular


Although the summer season is complete, the sweet memories MiG gave Wend and Geoff, as well as other UK fans, will remain. There will be more performances, more gigs, and more appearances for MiG. You can bet that at every one, whether it's a massive crowd or an intimate one, MiG will make them feel the same way. That's who he is. And that's one reason he's so special to us.

A big thank you to Wend for sharing her words, photos and videos.

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

MiG Ayesa LIVE in New York - Part 2

Welcome to the second half of our exploits and adventures in New York to see MiG Ayesa live and in technicolor. After our first two nights of MiG Ayesa at The Australian and Eight Mile Creek, to our delight, MiG played another night at Eight Mile. The previous gig included MiG and what he proclaimed his band of merry men in a jam session that rocked our socks (or high heels) off. The second night at Eight Mile featured MiG alone with his keyboard, and it couldn't have been more special.

Up close and personal with MiG at Eight Mile Creek


He's got personality plus


The intimate setting presented the perfect environment, and MiG's magnetism and professionalism had everyone eating out of his hand. MiG lead us down familiar, treasured paths with song selections like Yesterday and Let It Be, which are my two all-time favorite Beatles tunes. His interpretation of both songs had me completely entranced. MiG also introduced us to new musical experiences, including his original Escape. He hadn't performed the song for about 10 years, so we felt as though we'd won the lottery. All evening, MiG's seemingly effortless vocals and versatility impressed the crowd, and almost presented a challenge - is there any song he can't do?!?

Mr. Versatile



Giving it all he's got


He invited us to make requests, so one of us obliged and asked for A Song For You. I can't imagine it ever sounding more beautiful. Somehow MiG managed to come through every time, regardless of what we requested. He even pulled off Without You by Nilsson, La Bamba and Donna. Some of his bandmates from Thursday night popped in for a few musical interludes, including Luke and Mike.

The Dynamic Duo - MiG and Luke


Much to our dismay, the night was ending, but not before MiG flashed an endearing smile for pictures, and signed photos for those who couldn't make the trip to New York. In all the time I've known MiG, no matter how weary he may be after a night of performing, he still takes the time to connect with those who come to support him. To see a photo album of MiG during our weekend in New York, visit the Team MiG Facebook fan page and become a fan!

For the last event of the weekend, MiG took on the duties of celebrity judge for GMA Pinoy TV's Pinoy Dance Showdown in Bayonne, New Jersey. The competition featured young, talented hip hop dancers. A sincere thank you to Grace for her thoughtfulness, and for stopping to visit us before the show. We greatly appreciated her kindness and enjoyed the show immensely. TV viewers around the world could also enjoy the performances, because GMA Pinoy TV taped the event to broadcast it to a worldwide audience. The competition was intense and exciting, yet the highlight for us was none other than MiG Ayesa. He exhibited a talent for effectively evaluating the dance competition and offering clever, entertaining and helpful comments as a judge.

MiG took his turn on stage as a celebrity performer and was accompanied by Luke Dolahenty. MiG sent shockwaves through the crowd with a rocking and radio-ready original called To Whom It Must Concern. I've heard the song before on MiG's MySpace and his site mig-music.com, but MiG nailed it and hit a new level that made my heart pound. The acoustics didn't enable us to pick up some of the sound on video, but take my word for it - it was SMOKIN.' Those who dug the way MiG rocked it on Rockstar: INXS will be all over this song. Check out the video of To Whom It Must Concern. I give one rousing vote for adding the track to MiG's next album. The lyrics are incredibly creative and gripping, and it's got a catchy sound with a good beat. The performance ended the weekend in New York with a bang.

MiG's live shows rock this world. It's not just the energy, the rich tone, or the smooth delivery. It's not just the sense of humor, charm, or the way he expresses himself so you hang on every note, anxiously awaiting what’s coming next. There's something else that's difficult to put into words. Perhaps it can best be described in this way....MiG's performance locks people in, and when they meet him, he throws away the key. His performances amaze an audience, and after spending time with MiG, there's a new light in their eyes. MiG is the most loving person I know, and that makes an immediate impact. He energizes and makes people feel more alive - not only through the incredible music he shares, but through his sincerity and warmth. It's personal, it's lasting, and it's a gift MiG gives to everyone he meets.

It's a gift you get to unwrap every time you see MiG, and rather than losing its worth over time, it only grows in value.

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

MiG Ayesa LIVE in New York - Part 1

I consider myself fortunate to have seen MiG Ayesa perform live many times since his popular days in We Will Rock You and on CBS-TV's Rockstar: INXS, but now MiG Ayesa has completely outdone himself. MiG pulled off a whirlwind week of performances in New York City and New Jersey, and this time left me speechless. Thank goodness blogs don't require speaking! I'll give you some insight into the adventure, and maybe you'll understand what makes MiG's fans count the days until MiG's next performance, video and album.

The first night began with MiG at The Australian, a hotspot at 20 W. 38th St. in New York City. The food was fabulous and the service even better. Matt and the rest of the team went out of their way to make our visit a special one. MiG was testing out a new keyboard, but the headset didn't detract from the performance in any way. MiG was his usual fun and friendly self, and hung out with us between sets. He asked if we had any requests and treated us to songs ranging from Piano Man to Buses and Trains, from Maybe I'm Amazed to Unchained Melody. I'm completely hooked on his original music, so was particularly fond of the beautiful message and imagery of One Sunset at a Time, the irresistible sweetness and vulnerability of Blown Away, and the heart-wrenching She Loved from his debut album. Some fun-loving patrons joined MiG to belt out You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', which proved quite entertaining!

It's a guy thing - singing and dancing to You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'


What's MiG up to? That's one devilish grin!


Next stop on the Big Apple tour - Eight Mile Creek at 240 Mulberry St. A trip to New York wouldn't be complete without a night at Eight Mile Creek. Whether in high heels or flip flops, one feels comfortable and right at home at Eight Mile Creek. The food is fantastic, and the fun never ends. Andrew, Luke and Sarah deserve kudos for going above and beyond with their outstanding service.

MiG surprised us by jammin' with - as he called them - his merry band of men. What a talented group of musicians. MiG's voice is stunning without any music, and when he's backed by a first-rate band, it's out of this world. The incredible jam session set the crowd on fire, and many danced the night away. I marveled at the talent on display. In spite of seeing MiG sing on numerous occasions, I was thoroughly impressed by this side of him. It felt as though I was getting to discover something new and wonderful. MiG has got to be the best kept secret in New York. I can keep a secret, but this one should be shouted from the rooftop of the Empire State Building.

Having a laugh during the jam session


MiG in his element


Keyboard magic


The night flew by, but we could console ourselves knowing the next gig of the weekend was on the horizon. Stay tuned for Part 2 of MiG LIVE in New York - with more pictures and tales of the amazing weekend. Also check out some of our tweets from New York on Twitter (search for #migny).

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Kay
Team MiG Global

A Review: Handel's Messiah Rocks

Handel's Messiah Rocks, starring MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, is being shown on PBS stations across the U.S., and viewers are in for a ground-breaking experience. The production infuses a newfound passion and emotion into George Friderich Handel's timeless oratorio, Messiah, that will captivate people of all ages. After having seen Messiah twice, I can attest that the creators and performers pay the utmost respect to the classic work and retain its essence, yet add new layers that enrich it.

Handel's Messiah Rocks is professional in every way. The powerful trio of stars, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, deliver in every piece, and make you yearn for more. MiG Ayesa demonstrates an impressive range, a beautiful voice, and a stunning ability to convey emotion. LaChanze combines gorgeous vocals and stage presence, and Spencer displays a strong voice and an edge that adds drama.

Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops are in prime form, and the ultra-talented rock band blends seamlessly with the orchestra and singers. The camera work in the video is artistic and interesting, and the lighting enhances the show's appeal. The adult and children's choirs provide a lovely touch.

Handel's Messiah Rocks features an ideal pairing of artist with mood and musical style. LaChanze radiates a joy in her singing, especially with the triumphant and uplifting He'll Come In Glory, and the smooth as honey How Beautiful. J. Robert Spencer raises the intensity level in He Is Fire, joining the soaring electric guitars to make an impact. He follows it up with a powerful He Was Despised that shakes one to the core.

MiG Ayesa reveals an impressive versatility. In the stellar and emotion-packed Behold the Lamb of God, Ayesa brings forth an exceptional voice and holds notes for lengthy periods as cascading children's voices join in. The piece surrounds and takes one's breath away, and Ayesa's ability to reach deep inside and express that feeling in his performance is amazing. He lets loose in King of Glory, unveiling a license to rock and raising audience participation to a peak before bringing the house down. If I had to choose one favorite in Handel's Messiah Rocks, it's King of Glory. More than any other song, it honors, connects, and celebrates Messiah's message of joy.

The wondrous voices of Ayesa, Spencer and LaChanze stand on their own, and also sound divine together. Their harmony provided an irresistible dimension, particularly with Ayesa and Spencer in Rejoice Reprise, and Ayesa and LaChanze in He Trusted You.

Handel's Messiah Rocks will embark on a U.S. nationwide tour in 2010, and it's well worth the price of admission. For at-home viewers, the Handel's Messiah Rocks DVD provides an excellent value. It features bonus interviews with Keith Lockhart, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer as well as behind-the-scenes footage. The DVD and CD will be released on Sony Classical and Integrity Music on October 6, 2009. I'm thrilled to have the DVD so I can watch it multiple times before the release date. Some local PBS stations will be scheduling an airdate for Handel's Messiah Rocks if they receive requests.

Handel's Messiah Rocks makes a lasting impression. The gifted creators and artists have given us a tremendous musical work. It has the potential to unite people of all ages, reminding us that even though we hold different viewpoints, our core beliefs may be very much the same.

Kay
Team MiG Global