Hi,
Recently, I have been asked to do an article or series of articles about the SL live music community. I have thought a great deal about this...where to start, what to include etc...
Then I realized the this community is much more than my thoughts, so I am asking for yours, it is all of ours for that is what makes us a community.
Please keep in mind that I am not asking for information on a particular performer, or a particular venue, or a manager, etc....but the community as whole. What better place to start when writing about a community that with the community.
I am asking you to send me a notecard, im, email...about the sl music community means to you. How has it affected you, any favorite venues or performers.
I can not guarantee that every person's input will be used but I will try to use as many as possible.
Please get these back to me asap as I have already started writing.
Also if you have pictures of events or causes that have played a large part in this world, please send them. We will also use as many pics as possible to show the community. Also there are venues that are tributes to rl things....pictures of them would also be great with a brief line about what they are in tribute to.
Chuckles another words I am looking for all kinds of stuff. But to write about the community, I can only do that with your help....we are all a part of this wonderful community.
Hugs to each of you,
Still Braveheart
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Sunday, July 20, 2014
AN APOLOGY TO SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC COMMUNITY
Many of you know that I apologized the end of last year for not doing my job correctly as a captain and leader of the team SL MUSIC RACES FOR A CURE, when it came to not doing my homework thoroughly and leading the team into into something that I felt was misleading. I still feel that same way. My apology comes because as a team you were a community that made a difference. Bringing in over $13,000 USD one year and over $14,000 USD the second year. Besides making a difference the SL grid knew a bit more about SL Live Music and what a wonderful community it was.
My apology comes because I feel as though as I let you down. Because I had stepped back from RFL of SL, I did not ask anyone to step back with me, but rather follow your hearts. I suggested that someone else step up to lead the team if they would like. Unfortunately ....others decided to form a team on their own and change the word Races to Rawks. This possibly would have been good if they had the ability to talk to to me and get the team that was strong or changed the name completely so they would not be mistaken for the same team. Unfortunately one of those captains chose to im me and attack me. Needless to say I have muted her. The downside is that the team itself had made such an impression on the RFL of SL community that I have received a number of im's over the past few months asking what happened to the music community and did it just fall apart as they only raised less than $700 USD (as of this writing) and did not have a real presence this year not even having a compsite. Ultimately this is a huge disservice to the live music community as a whole, for I know what huge hearts you have and how proud you were of the team you were on.
Though RFL of SL is not about me nor about any of us individually, as a team you were amazing and I feel that one person in her quest to carry on and not be able to give the her all into it has diminsished what all of you have built together as a team.
My personal feelings toward RFL of SL have not changed....lol and I have a stage 4 cancer yet still do not believe in them and what was their misleading ways (they have since tried to clean some of it up, its wonders what someone being loud can cause). As the captain of this team though and the highest regard I hold for this team and for the music community as a whole, I am determined to help change this situation, though I would not do it through RFL of SL. I have taken a year off dealing with transplant clinics and oncologists and the emotional roller coaster it can take you on. Now I feel as if I have come to terms with my own issues and more determined than ever to give back to the music community all they have given me over the years.
On this note, I do ask that you ask a couple of things....before anyone asks I have a stage 4 lymphoma (it is a slow growing cancer) but unable to have it treated due to the organ failure. The organ transplant is completely off the table because of the cancer. I have had to come to terms with all of this and realize that it will never get better only worse....Chuckles, me the fighter, that was a very bitter pill to swallow. The two things I ask is that: One, you do not feel bad for me as there millions that are much worse off, and two, please do not im me with with sympathy and sad im's. Instead make the most of every single day.
Soooo make the most of each day ... oh and mark your calendars for September 5 it is the day that both Canada and the US will have tons of television stations and stars raising money for Stand Up 2 Cancer. The US link: http://www.standup2cancer.org/the_show And the Canadian link: http://www.standup2cancer.ca/press_release
Remember this is the nonprofit organization that every dollar you donate goes to research and not some six figure CEO salary. Their dream teams of doctors and research is nothing short of phenomenal.
My apology comes because I feel as though as I let you down. Because I had stepped back from RFL of SL, I did not ask anyone to step back with me, but rather follow your hearts. I suggested that someone else step up to lead the team if they would like. Unfortunately ....others decided to form a team on their own and change the word Races to Rawks. This possibly would have been good if they had the ability to talk to to me and get the team that was strong or changed the name completely so they would not be mistaken for the same team. Unfortunately one of those captains chose to im me and attack me. Needless to say I have muted her. The downside is that the team itself had made such an impression on the RFL of SL community that I have received a number of im's over the past few months asking what happened to the music community and did it just fall apart as they only raised less than $700 USD (as of this writing) and did not have a real presence this year not even having a compsite. Ultimately this is a huge disservice to the live music community as a whole, for I know what huge hearts you have and how proud you were of the team you were on.
Though RFL of SL is not about me nor about any of us individually, as a team you were amazing and I feel that one person in her quest to carry on and not be able to give the her all into it has diminsished what all of you have built together as a team.
My personal feelings toward RFL of SL have not changed....lol and I have a stage 4 cancer yet still do not believe in them and what was their misleading ways (they have since tried to clean some of it up, its wonders what someone being loud can cause). As the captain of this team though and the highest regard I hold for this team and for the music community as a whole, I am determined to help change this situation, though I would not do it through RFL of SL. I have taken a year off dealing with transplant clinics and oncologists and the emotional roller coaster it can take you on. Now I feel as if I have come to terms with my own issues and more determined than ever to give back to the music community all they have given me over the years.
On this note, I do ask that you ask a couple of things....before anyone asks I have a stage 4 lymphoma (it is a slow growing cancer) but unable to have it treated due to the organ failure. The organ transplant is completely off the table because of the cancer. I have had to come to terms with all of this and realize that it will never get better only worse....Chuckles, me the fighter, that was a very bitter pill to swallow. The two things I ask is that: One, you do not feel bad for me as there millions that are much worse off, and two, please do not im me with with sympathy and sad im's. Instead make the most of every single day.
Soooo make the most of each day ... oh and mark your calendars for September 5 it is the day that both Canada and the US will have tons of television stations and stars raising money for Stand Up 2 Cancer. The US link: http://www.standup2cancer.org/the_show And the Canadian link: http://www.standup2cancer.ca/press_release
Remember this is the nonprofit organization that every dollar you donate goes to research and not some six figure CEO salary. Their dream teams of doctors and research is nothing short of phenomenal.
LIVE MUSIC IN SECOND LIFE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS
I pulled up events and found a venue and a performer that I have never heard before or visited. What a fun venue Shit Kickers. If you like to have fun, it is the place to go and the performer....one of those WOW's Geoffrey Steuart. Look out those that love country singers....this is a man that is amazing. I was able to meet the owner as well or one of them, Fayte Stuart. What a sweet person. I am so glad I stopped there. After we chatted for a bit, I went on to the next venue.
Elite Sounds of Jazz and listened to an old friend HammerFla Magic. This man never fails to disappoint....he is extremely talented and a joy to listen to. In talking with owner of Elite, Foxhaven2000 Hecht, another wonderful person, I learned that she not only built a to die for venue with both inside and outdoor pavilion but that she is also on sail-able water leading out to the Black Sea. I know of no other venue can say that......can you imagine arriving for a special out night out of wonderful performers and dancing yet arriving in your yacht or boat.
After taking a break and doing that one thing we all hate doing, housework, I came back to visit The Music Makers "The Dreamers of Dreams", and hear Annette Sernade. an extremely pretty ballroom and a performer with a really nice voice.
On to one of my favorite venues...Windows on the World. Some of you may remember when I talked about this venue before and all it stands for commemorating September 11th. Joyful Finesmith and Wallace Locke have this venue...it is truly gorgeous yet never lets us forget. Thank you so much Joyful and Wallace for this venue. I am listening to Lynnie Michigan in the piano portion of her show. Such talent.
It brings to mind something I thought about a great deal last night. There has always been the dispute between musicians and track. Unfortunately lately, I have noticed a difference between pianists and guitarists. There are such wonderful pianists in sl, many with lovely voices and those that hear them can not help but be mesmerized by both the music and the voice. I do not see the recognition they deserve though, that is so sad. They are not track but amazingly talented musicians. I could only hope that many of you take the time to go see a pianist just as you would a guitarist.
Elite Sounds of Jazz and listened to an old friend HammerFla Magic. This man never fails to disappoint....he is extremely talented and a joy to listen to. In talking with owner of Elite, Foxhaven2000 Hecht, another wonderful person, I learned that she not only built a to die for venue with both inside and outdoor pavilion but that she is also on sail-able water leading out to the Black Sea. I know of no other venue can say that......can you imagine arriving for a special out night out of wonderful performers and dancing yet arriving in your yacht or boat.
After taking a break and doing that one thing we all hate doing, housework, I came back to visit The Music Makers "The Dreamers of Dreams", and hear Annette Sernade. an extremely pretty ballroom and a performer with a really nice voice.
On to one of my favorite venues...Windows on the World. Some of you may remember when I talked about this venue before and all it stands for commemorating September 11th. Joyful Finesmith and Wallace Locke have this venue...it is truly gorgeous yet never lets us forget. Thank you so much Joyful and Wallace for this venue. I am listening to Lynnie Michigan in the piano portion of her show. Such talent.
It brings to mind something I thought about a great deal last night. There has always been the dispute between musicians and track. Unfortunately lately, I have noticed a difference between pianists and guitarists. There are such wonderful pianists in sl, many with lovely voices and those that hear them can not help but be mesmerized by both the music and the voice. I do not see the recognition they deserve though, that is so sad. They are not track but amazingly talented musicians. I could only hope that many of you take the time to go see a pianist just as you would a guitarist.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC VENUES
Last week I decided to bring the Live Music Venue Directory up to date, there have been quite a few new admissions lately, and I knew that it needed some updating. I tp'd to each and every venue in the directory. It was actually pretty sad. I had to remove quite a few because they were no longer there, and in trying to reach the owners, I was told that many had closed. That was the sad part. The uplifting part is that as some close others open. Each with their own uniqueness. Some of the new ones have truly impressed me. Music in the Mist...that one I just can not say enough about.
With all this said, though it makes me reflect on what owning a venue truly means. I believe that many close because of the cost of running a venue. This is something that every person thinking of opening a venue needs to truly consider. I know I have given my formula a ways back and just maybe with new readers I should repeat it. I choose to be a paying venue. No one plays for tips only at my venue. Nor do my hostess work for tips only....she also is paid hourly. This is the way that I choose to do business...it does not mean it is the right way for everyone. I do know it has worked successfully for me for 5 years. As far as being able to afford the venue. I have a formula that I use in finding the performers that appear. I look for 4 things. First being talent, Second being following. The third and many of you have heard me preach this...is promotion of the venue. Fourth and last are the rates. If all 4 come together well, then hopefully we can work together to find times that are good for both of us. No it is not foolproof, and I have made my share of mistakes. But once I hire a performer, I try to keep them for at least 4 weeks....During that time. I keep on a spreadsheet...how much I spend to hire them, how much in venue tips comes in and an average. It takes at least 4 weeks as everyone has good and bad weeks. I expect my performers to be at 40% of ROI (Return on Investment). I once had someone that heard that say I am foolish that I expect a profit....that came from a performer that I had to let go. It was a silly statement on his part because 40% is a long way from profit. I also do not like to hire performers that also do tips only venues. I am trying to figure out why they think they should charge others to perform. My best recommendation for any new performers is to not allow yourself to start at tips only...it is one of the hardest ruts to pull yourself out of. Though I would also say that should not attempt to get going at 4k-5k a show. No matter what your rl background may be or how talented....this is sl and until you can draw a following and make yourself valuable to venues here, you are not worth the 4k-5k. Start out low and build. As you build so will your rates.
I am going to elaborate a bit more on promotion of venue. This does not mean showing up for your showing up for performance and reminding people to tip the venue. It shows to your audience and to the venue that it is an afterthought. It does mean taking the time to know the venue owner and the venue. LOL it takes all of a few minutes to visit a new venue and explore it a bit. Know what they have to offer, build a rapport with the venue owner. Besides finding new things and building a friendship, you are also able to talk about the venue and the owner while you are performing. There is a sincerity in your voice in then when you discuss it the venue during your performance and why your audience should support it. Though it may sound silly, the venue owners will love you for taking a personal approach.I stopped giving out notecards talking a bit about the venue the day I heard a performer read it verbatim. There is no personalization in that. Oh and on a another note....always wear your venue tag.
I have asked my performers to also have their streams running before they take the stage. It keeps the dead time down and keeps the audience involved. It may be just music but it still avoids the dead time.
I do have a few pet peeves. I guess some of this can be chalked up to individual likes and dislikes....but once your show is done, unless you are doing a back to back, hang around for a bit and give the performer that has taken the stage your support as well. I, myself, have let at least one performer go because even after I asked him to hang around he left as soon as his show was done each and every time. Remember those same performers come early and support you, the least you can do is hang around and do the same for them.
OK I am getting off my soap box.
I have to admit RL has been rough the past few days.....but I am getting better...if anyone wonders why I have been so quiet, or worse yet, messed up the venue calendar. I apologize now for any inconveniences that has given anyone. I thank the friends I do have that have given me support and held me up when I was ready to crumble. You know who you are. You have cried with me...made me laugh, and even more so given me hope, checking on me daily....I love each of you.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
ON A LIVE MUSIC ROLL IN SECOND LIFE!!!
Well I am on a roll!!!! Actually I started going out to each of the venues in the Live Music Directory to ensure that it was accurate.....Now sometimes I just do not stop and think!!! I should know better then to bounce around the grid on reset Tuesdays.
So what is the next best thing to do------LIVE MUSIC OF COURSE!!!!. Checking events I headed over to Tricksters and listened to my buddy Steely Decosta. Talked with Lokki for a bit and listened Steely....always fun to do.
Hit events after that and saw a name that I had heard of but not listened to before...to top it all off, my favorite group Flashdancers were there....soooo off I went to Low's bar & Playboat "Naughty Wishes. A new performer and a new venue for me and both were absolutely amazing! Listening to NonahReeves.....and she is a performer that will truly WOW you. Talking with her manager, my friend, Impress Allen, I wished I had an opening....unfortunately well fortunately...I am completely booked.If any venue is looking for an amazing performer and is open for European hours, I would sooo highly recommend this very talented woman. The venue is also a wonderful venue....I fell in love with they made their dance floor.....unique creative and beautiful.
Speaking of....The live Music Venue Directory is growing, though some may be outdated....I will bounce around on a day that is not reset Tuesdays to make sure they are all updated. It is a wonderful resource for people looking for a venue to visit, managers looking for venues to book their performers and performers looking for new places. slmusicvenues.wordpress.com
There is one thing that Second Life has given us....that is a neighbor with tons of talent and friends.....Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends. With that I went to Canada Day at Key West and listened to one of my favorite Canadians....Max Kleene. I never get tired of listening to Max. I was also able to see many friends....it was a great time.
Last night I did a giant WOOHOO! The line up for 5th anniversary of BS's is done. Now you all know that I am so technically challenged, so all I am waiting for is the texture and I will be sending out invitations. 9 straight hours of amazing music by some of the best performers in SL. Thank goodness I have the best hostess in the world, Tasha is truly a gem. Giggles when was the last time you had a hostess tell you did not need to pay them that they did extremely well in tips. Of course I ignore that....But wow what a sweetheart she is. I am soooo very lucky. The next couple of days will be busy so I probably will not get back to this until later next week. But I am trying hard to not fall so far behind.
So what is the next best thing to do------LIVE MUSIC OF COURSE!!!!. Checking events I headed over to Tricksters and listened to my buddy Steely Decosta. Talked with Lokki for a bit and listened Steely....always fun to do.
Hit events after that and saw a name that I had heard of but not listened to before...to top it all off, my favorite group Flashdancers were there....soooo off I went to Low's bar & Playboat "Naughty Wishes. A new performer and a new venue for me and both were absolutely amazing! Listening to NonahReeves.....and she is a performer that will truly WOW you. Talking with her manager, my friend, Impress Allen, I wished I had an opening....unfortunately well fortunately...I am completely booked.If any venue is looking for an amazing performer and is open for European hours, I would sooo highly recommend this very talented woman. The venue is also a wonderful venue....I fell in love with they made their dance floor.....unique creative and beautiful.
Speaking of....The live Music Venue Directory is growing, though some may be outdated....I will bounce around on a day that is not reset Tuesdays to make sure they are all updated. It is a wonderful resource for people looking for a venue to visit, managers looking for venues to book their performers and performers looking for new places. slmusicvenues.wordpress.com
There is one thing that Second Life has given us....that is a neighbor with tons of talent and friends.....Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends. With that I went to Canada Day at Key West and listened to one of my favorite Canadians....Max Kleene. I never get tired of listening to Max. I was also able to see many friends....it was a great time.
Last night I did a giant WOOHOO! The line up for 5th anniversary of BS's is done. Now you all know that I am so technically challenged, so all I am waiting for is the texture and I will be sending out invitations. 9 straight hours of amazing music by some of the best performers in SL. Thank goodness I have the best hostess in the world, Tasha is truly a gem. Giggles when was the last time you had a hostess tell you did not need to pay them that they did extremely well in tips. Of course I ignore that....But wow what a sweetheart she is. I am soooo very lucky. The next couple of days will be busy so I probably will not get back to this until later next week. But I am trying hard to not fall so far behind.
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