A Guide to Michael Jackson Season for #MJFAM- Part One

If you are at all attentive to the Michael Jackson online community, I am sure that you've come across the term "Michael Jackson season" more than a few times. The well-known "all things Jackson" Youtube guru Gadget Trish coined this term a few years ago. It refers to a period in time during which the Michael Jackson community is most active. After 2009, June pretty much kicked off Michael Jackson season but to my surprise (and JOY)- Michael season is starting earlier and earlier as time goes by. (I ain't made at that!)

If you aren't living in NYC, you may not even be familiar with the events associated with MJ season but, I am hoping that this post will break down all of the biggest events in Michael Jackson season 2013. I plan on doing another update later this summer in a part 2 installment but for now, take a look at what the season will bring us in May and June.




May

Thrill the World NYC & Legacy of Love at the 2013 Dance Parade


This year two of the most loved groups within the MJ fan community will join forces to dance at the annual New York City Dance Parade! Rehearsals are just about through but, there is still time for you to join in by being a spectator and cheering fellow #mjfam on!  One of the coolest things about this year is that they will be LEADING the parade- a HUGE and awesome honor.

The parade is on Saturday, May 18th-   join the Facebook event for more information! (Oh and if you like what you see- be sure to join in next year!)

Who's Bad Tribute Show

I have been to this show only once but, I have to say that it's my absolute favorite tribute show. The great thing about Who's Bad is not only the fact that they are big MJ fans themselves but, also that they take advantage of having a live band and encourage fan interaction. If you are a Michael Jackson fan who has never experienced Michael live, I would highly recommend this show to you. PS:  I am not one for impersonations so... coming from me, this is a pretty big deal!  The Who's Bad Show will be going down at BB King's in NYC on May 30th but, be sure to check the band's Official Website for more information on tour dates around the world.



June

Apollo Theater Vigil with MJ Fans of NY 

Everyone knows that the Apollo Theatre is one of the places that the Jackson Five got their start. I personally go to the Apollo with many other fans, to join MJ Fans of NY in this annual vigil. On an otherwise somber and sad day, this is a great way to celebrate Michael's music and life with others. You won't really find your typical #mjfam fan but, more of the general public that has enjoyed his music. Nevertheless, if you like seeing people dancing and enjoying the music, but don't mind shedding a few tears when we all join hands and sing "Man In The Mirror" when dusk sets in, this gathering is for you. For more information... just show up on June 25th in front of Harlem's Apollo Theater.

In the Studio With Michael Jackson Seminars    (Buy Tickets Now on Ticketbud.com)

If anyone knows me, they know that I am all about the MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC. This event is pretty much a dream come true for a fan like me so I have been urging all of my friends across the US to show this event some love and buy tickets! If you haven't heard (or seen my last post) here's a quick run-down of this unique and one of a kind seminar. 

Technical director to Michael Jackson for nearly two decades, Brad Sundberg has announced a series of informative seminars to take place this June in New York City. Brad will be sharing behind-the-scenes stories and little known facts from his time working with Michael on the Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory albums. This interactive, music and video-filled seminar will bring fans closer than they could ever imagine to working with Michael “In the Studio”. Brad will share the back stories from the projects he worked on, including firsthand experiences of being with Michael when we wrote and recorded his demos and songs. For more on Brad and what he says we can expect from the seminar, check out his exclusive Q&A with MJJC .

Only 50 fans have the chance to be at each seminar and VIP tickets for the first day are already sold out! I personally can't wait for this, as I feel it will bring me closer to Michael and bring me a greater understanding of what went into the music that was to become the SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE. I hope that a lot of fans show up, as it is rare that anyone who has worked so closely with Michael is willing to spend one-on-one time with the MJ fan base.   

   Buy Tickets for SATURDAY June 29th!     \\    Buy Tickets for SUNDAY June 30th! 

I will be at most (if not all) of these events and I totally look forward to celebrating and enjoying the special gifts that Michael left us, with my Michael Jackson family again this year. 

What will YOU be doing this MJ season? Got any other events to add to the list?

NOTE: If you are interested in getting involved in the "offline" fan community, you should join the most awesome MJ group on the planet (if I do say so myself!) Legacy of Love. My co-organizer and I would love to have ya! <3

press release - In The Studio With Michael Jackson - this summer in NYC

Technical director to Michael Jackson for nearly two decades, Brad Sundberg has announced a series of informative seminars to take place this June in New York City. At this oneofakind event, 50 Michael Jackson fans will have a rare opportunity to see, hear and experience what it was like to work side by side with the King of Pop. 

Brad will be sharing behind-the-scenes stories and little known facts from his time working with Michael on the Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory albums. Additionally he will share stories and background about the years he spent installing music and video systems on the rides, attractions and residence at Neverland Valley Ranch.

What: “In the Studio with Michael Jackson” seminars with Brad Sundberg

Who: Meet Brad Sundberg, technical director and engineer to Michael Jackson for 18 years

When: June 29th 2013 

Where: Smash Studios 301 W 36th Street New York, NY 10018

This interactive, music and video-filled seminar will bring fans closer than they could ever imagine to working with Michael “In the Studio”. Brad will share the back stories from the projects he worked on, including firsthand experiences of being with Michael when we wrote and recorded his demos and songs.

He will share music, video, photographs and memorabilia from his personal collection. In addition, there will be an exclusive question-and-answer segment, encouraging fans to further discuss and analyze Michael’s creative process. Those curious about the working style of Michael Jackson will surely enjoy the unique chance to be a part of this event. Brad Sundberg has remarked that his years working with Michael Jackson encompassed “a portion of his career that [he] wouldn't change for the world.” He adds...

 “If you appreciate the amazing sounds and layers that you hear in his albums, you will enjoy this seminar. If you are curious about what it was like to work with one of the most creative forces in the entertainment industry, yet also one of the kindest men I have ever known, you will enjoy this seminar. I invite you to spend some time with me and hear Michael’s music and my stories. He was a genius, an entertainer, my employer and my friend. His name is Michael Jackson, and I would like to introduce him to you.”

For a limited time only, tickets are available for purchase at 30% off of the regular rate. To purchase tickets and find out about VIP front- row seating (including a catered dinner of Michael’s favorite studio meal) and a private meet & greet with Brad Sundberg, log on to:

www.inthestudiowithmichaeljackson.ticketbud.com

Note: Cell phones, cameras, recording equipment, etc. will be checked at the door by security. Out of respect for Michael’s legacy and the content being presented, it is requested that MJ apparel be limited to shirts, buttons, etc. No costumes, please.

Follow the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/inthestudiowithmichaeljackson

Source:   legacyoflovenyc.com

Photography & Michael Jackson.

Just about a year ago around this time, I made a pretty big purchase - my very first Digital SLR Camera!

(For those of you who don't know- that's a fancy shmancy camera with interchangeable lenses and way more options for controlling what your photos look like.)

I've always been into "the arts" and I got super addicted to blogging and reading blogs last year. I knew that an essential part of blogging is having good visuals to accompany each post. I also was really into taking photos in high school and somehow lost my way and fell out of love with it. Purchasing my camera was the first step to getting back into a hobby, I guess. And yes, we all know that it's the photographer that makes the photograph, not the camera, but I really wanted to get a good tool in my hands.

I have done so much research online but I finally got the nerve up to take a class! I went to a local school here in the city and for two hours, learned about the fundamentals of exposure. Although I've been pleased with the images I've taken over the past few months of doing internet and other minor research, the shots that I took in class were seriously mind blowing! I am totally motivated to take more and better photographs using this new knowledge. No more blurry, fuzzy, washed out, or too dark photos for me! I also learned that the prime lens that I'd purchased a few months back, is actually the closest to the vision of the human eye. NEAT!

Here is a selection of some of my favorite photographs of Michael: 

Source: google.com via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: iilse.tumblr.com via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: nocreastodoloqueescuchas.blogspot.com via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: lounge.obviousmag.org via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: google.com via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: michaelonthewall.tumblr.com via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Source: last.fm via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

Are any of you into photography? What tips do you have for a budding photographer like me? 

PS: If anyone is interested, this is my camera:
 Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera + Accessory Kit 
I plan on going into more detail in another post later down the line so, if you have any questions you'd like me to address, comment below!

Cirque du Soleil and The Estate announce MICHAEL JACKSON ONE : My Thoughts

So... #MJFAM I'm sure that you've all heard by now... the newest collaboration between Cirque Du Soleil and the Michael Jackson Estate has been announced. After the first leg of the IMMORTAL World Tour grossed over $160 million (source) it's no surprise that Cirque is going to ride this wagon 'til the wheels fall off. I'm not mad at that! 


About the Show

The show will start its indefinite run at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on June 29th, 2013. According to the official website for the show, " Michael Jackson ONE is a theatrical evocation of Michael’s creative genius. Guided and inspired by his music, four misfits set out on a transformative adventure. By journey's end, they will personify Michael's agility, courage, playfulness and love".  That all sounds excellent but, personally it's not enough for me to judge whether this show will be something I will enjoy or not. I'll just have to make a trip to Vegas and see :-).

Naturally, I am like most Michael Jackson fans who love most tributes related to him and his legacy. My ONE requirement for this show though, is that it be better ... WAY better than the Immortal show.

(image via)

MJ FanGirl's Thoughts on Immortal 

I was very excited to see the Immortal World Tour for two reasons: A. It was a Michael Jackson tribute show (duh!)  and   B. I'd never seen a Cirque show before.

My experience was quite emotional. As this "world tour" would be the first MJ tour without Michael Jackson's physical presence, I found myself enjoying the music but my heart yearned for Michael to burst out of the stage. That did not happen.  I also do wonder, if I wasn't a Michael Jackson fan, how much would I have enjoyed the show? The music was all familiar to me and the themes were as well but, yet it didn't quite hit the spot for me because let's face it... the performers are NOT Michael. I think us huge Michael fans will always struggle with that when it comes to tribute events. I also felt like it was just a TASTE of what could be done. I totally know that a Michael Jackson tribute has the potential to be and I can imagine just from all of the raving that I've heard others do about Cirque, that those shows are generally amazing. I have seen tons of reviews online of people complaining that the show was underwhelming.... NOTE: Michael Jackson's musical performances will always seem a bit underwhelming because Michael is not the one on stage. (Or at least that's my take on it!)

What will be the key difference between the Michael Jackson Immortal and Michael Jackson One Cirque Du Soleil shows?

I'm not sure and the information that has come out about the show so far hasn't made that very clear for me. Although here is an excerpt from an interview with director of both the Immortal and One shows, Jamie King where he addresses a similar question: 

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Robin Leach: You also were the director of “Michael Jackson Immortal,” so how tough was it to do a show different from a show you have already done? It has got to be the toughest.

Jamie King: I think at first the idea of it made me a bit nervous; I felt the challenge of it. I was so excited about another opportunity and knowing that it would be different because I know how to do a rock show. That was really what ‘Immortal’ was meant to be -- a rock/Cirque interpretation, arenas I get that -- but a theater show, to be able to do that, is really a dream for me. It already is a different show because it is in a theater, and once I got my head around that, a smaller, more intimate venue, it can be much more immersive.

(read more here: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/feb/25/michael-jackson-one-mandalay-bay-director-jamie-ki/#ixzz2M8ZTuIdn)

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 I do feel that after seeing Immortal, I am now more prepared to appreciate the artistic interpretation of Michael's life and legacy through Cirque Du Soleil.

Annnnnd I will absolutely be posting my thoughts  and review of the show once I do go see it.  

So... who's coming with me to Las Vegas ?

Watch the MJ ONE Facebook page for updates on this exciting new show! 

Lessons from Michael: love is a feeling.

"You always knew just how to make me cry. And never did I ask you questions why... it seems you get your kicks from hurting me. Don't try to understand me because your words just aren't enough."

"Give Into Me" - Michael Jackson

Wearing: Michael Jackson Beat It Shirt

This is what I wore to last week's meetup. I have plenty of pink and red shirts but, I decided to mix it up and do something a little more colorful and fun. We went along with the Valentine's Day theme and held a Michael Jackson love songs discussion. The group spoke about songs from "Lady In My Life" to "Rock With You" to "I Can't Help It" but, I chose to go the non-traditional route and talk about "Give Into Me". In my interpretation this song is all about a one sided and unevenly yoked relationship, Michael being the partner that was giving 100% and could never get his mate to GIVE IN to his needs.

Love songs don't always have to be lovey-dovey to be raw and passionate and I love how Michael takes on these kinds of subjects. 

In other news... just when I thought nothing else could go wrong for me this past week- God spoke to me and seriously showed me that I have to much in store; So much more to accomplish in life. My frown turned upside down when I was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime this week. I pray that it all goes well and that I can remain focused on the task at hand. I have always dreamed about putting my number one passion to work and using my business skill and expertise to make wonderful things happen... and now it is my time to shine.

Thanks for reading!

and PS. thanks so much to all who entered my very first giveaway. 

congrats to Kimberly who won the Jackson 5 DVD-- let us know how you like it! xx

Was Michael's Mind Ever Still?

Source: Uploaded by user via MJFanGirl Blog on Pinterest

A lot people consider me a loner and at times, I do too.

I can survive without constantly needing to hang out and I tend to thrive off of alone time.
But is the alone time REALLY alone?

I am starting to realize that I've never learned how to be still.

Usually, I'm watching YouTube gurus, on some form of social media, on some chat software, or browsing the web. My mind is really never still. Its always spent taking in information & constantly soaking up experiences and moments with people like a sponge. I've had this affinity to the world wide web since I was a middle school student. I always craved information and I'm still like this in a lot of ways.

I don't think I've gone a single day in over a decade without looking something up or researching a new interest of mine.

I've heard that Michael was this way too. Always curious and craving to improve and learn about new things.
Sometimes I sit back and I wonder... Was Michael's mind ever still?

What do you guys think?