FREE TIME IN SECOND LIFE

It is not often these days I find myself with free time in Second Life.  It seems like I am pulled in a million directions at times....BUT today woohoo I get time to venue hop.  Starting out at an old favorite  Kicken.  Crash Landfall was performing.  While listening to Crash, I want to address something I have heard about recently.

Mind you, I have heard this and when I asked others there was some confirmation in there but they did not have exactly the same experience.  Second Life attracts people from all over, some with the financial means to do things and other that do not have them.  Some newer people that do not always realize about tipping and may not even have money on an account yet.  I have actually heard of a performer that berates people if they do not tip him enough.  That thoroughly bothered me.  I had a venue for almost 4 years and will reopen after RFL is done.  I have been a captain of a RFL of SL team now for two years.  Last year I heard about from one performer that had a fan win an item in a auction that we put on.  She read me the riot act because she did not feel I thanked that person enough.  These two people really bothered me....what makes the person that spends 1000 linden any better than the person that spends 10 linden.  Most of the music community is so very grateful to their fans as are the venues....but just like anything else, there are always a few bad apples.  Now I am done ranting.

Back to venue hopping.  On to Roy Mildour's Arts and Photography to listen to someone I had not heard before Essence Bilasimo.  I got here about 10 minutes early and there was no one here so I will wait a bit but no one ever did show.  So I got distracted in a skype call and then while talking did some bebopping around to check out different log homes...gotta admit if you are ever looking for the truly the best, just im me inworld....it is a toss up between two.  Took some time out for rl and came back...to......

The Jitterbug.....a really nice venue.  Tom and Gerry did a good job in putting it there and also by getting some in great performers.  I am listening to Nefer Adder.  Now I have to admit, that though I only speak English.....I also love to find talent that is from all around the world....sometimes it is not the words but the voice that can leave one speechless.  Nefer has an amazing voice.

Now that reminds me of someone else I must tell you about.  Though I try hard to keep the team and the blog seperate, it is difficult as the team is all about live music in sl.  This past weekend we held the International Song Contest.  Now those of you that know me well, know I do not condone many so called talent contests....they are next to impossible to do in sl without judges that have the credentials and are totally impartial.  Because of that, I tend to brush off most of those that claim to have won this or that.....and tend to laugh when I see a ton of self important titles in a profile.  So though this event had the word contest and a winner...it was not based on talent and done seley to gather performers areound the world for fund raising for RFL of SL....which by the way, turned out extremely well resulting in 166,000+ lindens in an hour.  With Phil Setner from Scotland bringing in the most in the most lindens.  Now I wanted to tell you about a woman from Italy that also performed, Vivianna Houston.  She performed two songs...one in Italian and though I did not understand the words, her voice was mesmerizing.....then she did a song that no one should do unless they can do it 100% right or it really takes away from the song.....She did Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You.....and wow my jaw was on the ground, she was phenomenal.

WOOHOO-MUSIC IN SECOND LIFE

I am on a weekend with no events planned, during the RFL that is rare, so I thought I would take the time and do what I love best.....visiting venues and finding performers I had not heard yet, as well as some that I just adore listening to.

Armed with a huge mug of hot black coffee, off to one of my favorire spots to start the day.  GUTHRIES!!!!!  I got there and found that my friend Twinky was hostessing as one of the team's visionary's was FINALLY getting some long overdue R n R,,,,Dottie take your time and catch up rest, but know you are missed.  Then I did not follow local so I don't know wheat happened to the performer, I will try to make it back there.

Instead search did not show me many live shows this early, so I tried sopmething different and headed over to The Rafters, for open mike.  Low and behold there was avantgarde Frequency, smiles as he made my coffee so much better.

So much for that day.....duty calls.  The search for international performers that can fit into time slots continues.

Back to venue hopping again on Tuesday.  Just whwen I thought I had the International Song Contest done, we had a cance due to rl.  That darn real life.....pops up just when you aren't expecting it.  So looking for another international performer.  The took me to The Ragged Edge, and listening to paradorn Ansar.  I love The Ragged Edge....it is owned by a good friend Katspurs and is just one of those comy venues.

On I went to PALAZZO LIVE MUSIC VENUE....listening to Onster Merlin, I also had at the same time received a tp request from my friend Impress at  Vincent's Blues and Jazz Bar to come hear a woman that I had never heard before,Essence Bilasimo...wow  she could sing, but I was on a mission at the time for the International Song Contest so I could not stay and went back to Onster's show.  You know I have hear Onster's name quite a bit in the past, but never make it to any of her performances.....I am totally impressed.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

And I stayed at Palazzo listening to VincentSantino Resident.  What a fun show he puts on.  took us all down memory lane with the Monkees.  Made me remember Davy Jones being plaster all over bedroom walls as a kid. 

HAVE YOU MISSED ME???

It has been almost a month since I have posted.  What a month it has been.

I have visited many venues in looking for performers for certain events that we are putting together as a team.  Keeping in mind that have old age and blonde roots (a dangerous combination)  It is so very difficult to remember all of the venues and the many talented performers I have seen.

There is one that stays in my mind though.  I will not mention names.  But through the course of the conversation regarding performing at an RFL event, he quoted me rather high prices.  There were a couple of things about this, the first being that this was for a fundraiser so I would never pay for a performance.  I think what bothered me most wa that when I commented on the higher prices and stated that some of the biggest performers in sl would not charge that much, I was told that because he performs in rl and with that comes a professionalism that other sl performers do not have.

Many of you know me well enough, to know that this is a community that I love and know so very well, so words like that crawl right under my skin.  I confess that I was not that nice with my response.  I told him that he should get to know the members of the very community here and he will see rl careers that would put him to shame.  I did list a few....after an insult or two from him the conversation was over.  It bothered me throughout the day so I looked deeper.  He is fairly new to singing in sl and his group was less than 30.  I did look at his website and he has done a lot of local kaoke.  I will admit he is talented, and I personally would like to see him grow.  We did talk later that day and apologize  to each other.

I think the reason that it has stayed so much on my mind, for as long as I can remember sl has brought in new performers every single week.  Residents that never performed in Second Life have started performing.  With all of it, every week brings us new talent.  Taking into consideration that we also have performers that have kept us entertained for years.  They worked their way up to where they are, many bring tons of rl experience with them.  Having such wonderful wonderful talent.  I would ask that new sl performers never think that you are any better because you have rl experience.....before you say something like that, take the time and get to know the community you are a now a part of.  Those that were here before you earned every linden that they get....and more.  Take the time and get to know these people.  Just like every other community in the world, there is good and bad.  Yes there are performers that everything they do is for their own agenda.  There are performers that you may like or not like the talent....every one has different tastes.  Overall you are going to find, the most compassionate, giving, and talented community.  A community that I am so proud to be a very small part of.

TWO WEEKS IN THE MAKING

Starting out at Guthries....what a wonderful way to start the week!  Listening to Phoe Nix....I love listening to this woman.  Her voice smooth, beautiful, angelic.  This is woman I can not say enough good things about.  I adore starting the day at Guthries....it has to be one of the most relazing venues on the grid.  What a fun show......Roger Moore and Sean Connery were decided to be the best Bonds from the James Bond movies along with Octopussy and Diamonds are Forever.  This is a wonderful venue....such awesome music, Dottie is known for having quality music and absolutely my favorite venue to start the day with a cup of coffee.  Then again this has been one of my favorites since I first heard Russell Eponym here many years ago.  Though I am determined to do venue hopping today, this will be a hard one to pull myself away from. I stayed for another hour while working on things for the team and listened to Icky Flux....just such a relaxing morning.  Icky is great to listen to as well.

Wow that was over a week ago, next thing I knew I was in a whirl wind of SL MUSIC RACES FOR A CURE activities. From RFL of SL kickoff right into an 8 day live musicfest.  Though it finished on Sunday night, I think I slept the whold day yesterday (Monday).  It was an amazing week though that surpassed our wildest imaginations.  The performers....all I can say is WOW.  A special thank you to everyone that came out and supported us and RFL of SL.  I know in the past that I have told you how much this music community of ours leaves me in complete awe.  Your generousity and hearts....there are no bounds.  You give and give and give.  Your time, your talents, your money.  I know that I sound like a broken record and one would think that once said is enough....yet it never feels like enough.  Just when I think I have it all undercontrol, you amaze me over and over again.  The catch is, that so many of you share so many things with me about yourselves and your own situations and experiences, so I know that when you are up there and giving.....it is coming from your hearts, and that will never stop amazing me.  http://slmusicraces.wordpress.com/


This past week I learned something--thank you Voodoo Shilton.  It seems that lately Second Life has been messing with people when streams are changed.  Most people are unable to hear the new stream and either tp out of the venue and back, relog, or just tp out and do not return.  Voodoo taught me that if the next performer up has their stream running approximately 60 seconds before the stream change in land, it is a very smooth transition and everyone can hear it, so there are no complaints, no losing people on the venues.  After we learned this, we told each and every performer to have their stream up and running 60 seconds before we changed the streams.  It was such smooth transitions that other venue owners who had stopped at the fest for a while said something to me.  Giggles, because of it, we could always tell which performers followed thru and which did not.  This morning I had stopped by another venue and noticed the same thing, I mentioned it to the venue owner as she was losing people on her venue due to no sound.  She also liked the idea of it.

Whether you are a venue owner or a performer, this is something you should take note of as no one wants to lose people on their venues or at their performances.

As much as I wish I could spend more time right now venue hopping, the team itself keeps me pretty busy, though due to all of the AWESOME events being lined up, I will have a chance to get to many different venues then and quite often hear performers that I have not had a chance to hear before.  The same occured with the Music Fest.....there were performers that I had not listened to before, one being Jacqueline Luik, she is newer to performing in Second Life, but the minute she started singing I knew I was listening to a voice that is going to take SL by storm.  Stephanie Silentghost was another new voice for me, she is amazing. 

A reminder to everyone before I close out this this post.  Cancer takes on so many forms, and has touched every single one of us in one way or another.  Milestones have been made in fighting this horrible horrible disease, BUT--it is not enough.  More needs to be done, more milestones need to be met.  Each of you can makes a difference with ever linden, every dollar donated.  No matter how much....from 1 linden to $100...combined with everyone else s makes a difference.  Each of you make a difference.  As you wonder across the grid and see those familiar white RFL kiosks...throw those few lindens in.  Cancer may not be eradicated from the face of the earth during our lifetime, but more milestones will be met and just maybe with enough milestones, our children, our grandchildren will never have to hear the word Cancer again except in a history book.

I LOVE SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC

It seems like it has been months since I have been able to get out and do this much venue hopping---I love it!!!

Off to Southbound....what a comfy venue....just one of those when you walk in it is like you leave any stress at the door type feel.  Now the fact that I am listening to my old frinds Wolf n Hawk and thier such mellow sounding may also be helping that feeling.  There are a few performers that I love to go and listen to with a cup of coffee and just relax with...Wolf n Hawk are two of those performers.  Sooooo relaxing.  It has to be something about being from England.  The performers that I love for this relaxing mellow feeling are all from England.

On to WatrsEdge for the beautiful voice of Lisa Brune.  Now this is the first time I have been to WatrsEdge. OMG what a beautiful venue.  Not just the venue, the entire sim.  Put a beautiful voice in a wonderful venue on a beautiful sim and you have perfection.....until....well Lisa can bring in quite a crowd....and the sim crashes!!!!  Gotta love sl!

On to Rovers Return Inn....a performer I had not heard before...oldwolf Criss.....wow another performer that should not be missed.  Also from France. 

While I was at Rovers Return and talking with the owner, the subject came of closing venues.  It is with a sad heart that I have to admit I have seen too many that had wiithstood the test of time and economics are finally closing.  Gwampas Dance Kamp, Tammy Toll's, my own, and now the possibility of Rovers Return.  I am sure that there are also others.  At the same time, others start.  Yet those that have left leave a hole that can not be filled completely.

Times are truly changing!!!

LIVE MUSIC VENUE HOPPING IN SECOND LIFE

Yahoo!!!  I found time to go venue hopping.  Started out at AerRock Beach listening to ugh Yeu.  What a performer!  There is nothing better than a great venue and a great performer.  I had not heard Rick yet....though I have seen his name a number of times.  I would recommend to anyone, watch events and when you see him listed....get to one of his shows.  And he does BUFFETT!!!!!  One of my all time favorite performers.

Wow, I love going out this time year, seeing friends....and no matter what ....someone always joins the team.  The team is larger than last year, I am in such awe of this community!!!

 I spent so much time at AerBeach that before I knew it I had to run for rl and food....giggles then naptime.  Fianally woke up and had my skype date with my wonderful grandaughter

Back to venue hoping.....Grand Falls here I come.  Grand Falls was celebrating their anniversary.  What a beautiful venue.  I was able to hear one of my favorite performers.....Chris Quan was playing.....he truly is one of sl's best. 

I also had a chance to visit with Gar at The Source while listening Beamer Lowtide....I adore Beamer both as performer and a friend.  Gar well there are no words to tell you how much he has done for live music....Ya just gotta love him!  While there Strummer stopped in,  for those of you that don't know, seeing Strummer was my first venture into Second Life live music.  I liked it so much, I am still here.  Stummer though holds a special place in my heart, as he does my favorite ...Buffett, and even learned a new song for me which he has since recorded.

This morning, I headed over to another favorite venue...Guthries.  I had gone over to hear Matthew Peraultt and Beth Odet, but unfortunately, Beth was under the weather....get well soon Beth....missing you,and a woman that I have been friends with but she was unable to perform for a long time Kiesta Aljon.  It was an awesome show.

Many many times I have talked about the how much I love the music community in Second Life.  You all watched SL MUSIC RACES FOR A CURE do awesome things last year.   Raising over $16,000 USD to help make a difference in the lives of others and make  a diffence in the battle against cancer.  This year WOW.  Last year left me in awe....this year.....there are no words to say to describe this team.  196 members and growing.  I will never be able to tell all of you how very much mean to me.  Such a wonderful, giving, loving community.  I have done many things in my rl experiences from sitting on national committees of non-profits all the way down to being a local girl scout leader and cub scout leader, captioned teams in rl for the American Liver Foundation.....but there was never anything that has touched me as deeply as this team has done.  You are truly the best of the best!

SL MUSIC RACES FOR A CURE

First and foremost, I have to tell you, that I am truly blessed to have the awesome co-captains that I do.  Liz Harley, Sam55 Chester, and Precious Rallier...knowing how very much last year took from me, stepped up to help in ways that ...well they are amazing!!!

Once again this team will come together in ways I never thought possible when this started.  Last year when the season ended, we had 177 members. this year the team looks like it is continuing to grow in size.  Soo many are returning.  If you were on the team last year, and are continuing this year please let myself, Liz, Precious or Sam know.....I will never assume and so it is important that you let one of us know that you are intending to continue with us. 

For those of you that are not aware, I will give you a brief synopsis of the team.  We are a Relay For Life team of SL....comprised of performers, venues, managers, fans...all the many different avenues of Second Life music working together, with no personal agendas,  solely to make a difference in the lives of others.  Smiles, that being said, this is still entertainment...so there is promotion involved.  A close friend of the team had made us a sign last year...a rotating musical note and a rotating harp...depending on the venue's preference; this sign does contain the bio of every performer on the team and a description with landmark of every venue on the team.

I will copy and paste the notecard I am sending out inworld, it will give you a brief description of last year as our first year:

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and has had time to get back to normal.  It is the time of year that SL MUSIC RACES gets to make a difference in so many lives.

Just a brief recap of last year:

* We had the 2nd largest number of team members in RFL of SL demonstrating just how large of a community live music is in SL.  The team was made up of SL performers, Live Music Venues, managers, and fans, bringing together all the different avenues of live music from around the world.  (I learned how to use a translator...lol)

* We were the third highest fund raising team raising over $16,000 USD...beaten by one of the oldest teams in SL and Amaretto Horses.

There are a couple of things I would like to point out about this that made it so very impressive.....the first being that we demonstrated that music does make a difference and the second being that every event we did and everything sold was completely about live music in sl. 


Some events that were both unique and impressive: 

*A week long music festival week, working with another team.

* The live music raffle of which 10 (I think) live performances were raffled off.

* An Art Auction that consisted of live music throughout it...complete with a mime behind one of the performers.

* A global Music Fest consisting of a number of venues and spanning decades of live music.  representing the 4 corners of the world....both music and cancer are global.

* A music through the years tour consisting of a number of venues and spanning decades of music.

* A clothing auction uniquely done with each one of a kind made item made exclusively for one of the sl performers. Only the performer and winning bid received them.

* The first Ms. & Mr. SL MUSIC RACES FOR A CURE pageant. 

* The first international song contest bringing performers from around the globe to compete with one song.

*Venues of all types held events, gave some wonderful ideas that were acted upon, donated time and money.



* A packed weekend of dual streaming....bringing together so many different performers working together.

*  Every performer and venue was included along with their bios and/or description.  Many performers have since made comments to me that their own personal groups have grown due to many of the team events.

In a brief recap...sl live music came together,  no personal agendas, united as a team to make a difference and WE DID!  Now it is time to look at the second year,

As we enter our 2nd year, we are looking to repeat this and continue to show that sl music does make a difference.

Please join us as we continue to battle against a disease that takes on so many insidious forms and has touched every single one of us in so many ways.  The battle against cancer has had milestones in some areas and miles to go in others, only in everyone working together we will all continue to make milestones.

Please contact the following with your information, if you are interested in joining us along this journey:

Still Braveheart - Captain
Liz Harley - Co-Captain
Precious Rallier - Co-Captain
Sam55 Chester - Co-Captain

FINALLY---BACK TO SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC

Yahoo!!!  Construction is just about done on my sim...focusing on the team a great deal and this morning I got a chance to venue hop...Finally!!!

Started at a favorite venue of mine...Guthries....always a wonderful place to visit and Dottie outdoes herself in her choice of line up.  This morning I had the pleasure of listening to an absolutely beautiful voice...Phoe Nix.  This woman has the voice of an angel.  My advice to you, if you see her scheduled...run don't walk to one of her shows, you are truly in for a treat!


On to Singers Haven a new venue for me to hear FredMergatroid Resident. Another awesome voice at a great venue.  This must be my lucky day.....it is starting out perfect.....  On to another favorite of mine...Kickin Club.  This venue, always packed, it was like old home week, I was able to see so many friends.  Listened to the lovely sounds of Jacqueline Luik.  She truly knows how to WOW a crowd.

I went on to another new venue and a performer I had not heard before PALAZZO LIVE MUSIC VENUE, and was able to listen to UtahCowboy Kayor.  He has one of those soothing voices....ooohhh darn I lost the stream.....relogged, that did not work, tp'd home....there I had the stream so I went back...for whatever reason I could not get the stream there.  Time to think a little about rl and eating something anyway, so until the next hour begins.....

I never made it back....but went out today to do a bit more....started out at Blue Moon, I had not been to that venue before....so I love finding new places.  It has such a cozy comfortable feel and Madmax Huet playing the blues...what a great way to start.

On to another old favorite Cafe Casablanca, it was so good to be able to talk with NytEyes.  She let me know about an old friend that had passed away due to cancer.  Shakes head....so many good people lost to this devastaing disease.  Before I regress to how important the team is, I should let you know that I have been listening to Alatiel Pessoa.  I have never heard her before, she puts on a show that truly carries one away, and so much of it is not in Englixh.  I must admit that is one facet of sl music that I love.  No matter what t5he language, if the music and voice are great....it does not matter what language....the magic is still woven.

That was all I had time for before rl took over.  That darn rl, always finds a way to throw in a curve ball.

I have to admit, it felt good to get back out and enjoy the things I like so very much about sl....the live music community.