BACK TO VENUE HOPPING

Now that the move is done and I am FINALLY around civilization again.  It has been great seeing old friends and making plans to see the others.  Mind you one of us is getting tickets to Hamilton.It starts in Chicago on June 27th.  Though tickets opened up at 10 am today, I cheated and looked at prices last night.  I had said my limit would be around 350-400 figuring that would put us in the mezzanine seating and not the nose bleed section.  WOOHOO got the tickets for February 26th and it was less than I was thinking.....and very good seats


Though between packing and other obligations I have not been able to get out and go venue hopping as often as I like but I have been a little get out there a little bit.

 Off to the Boom Pony Room, I would normally put in a link, but after talking with Ki, she had moved the Boom Pony and it is only open to public when she does events.....so watch events) now this is truly a fun party venue. and one I would I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great time.....always with a great line up, and lots of party people.  There I was able to see a couple of sl's greatest performers.....Twin Ghost and Jon Lar (Muldar Watts)

Twin Ghost at Boom Pony Room 060816_001

Jon Larson at Boom Pony Room 060816_001

 After /the Quadradix finished playing on the 12th, we stayed to see my wonderful friend Mavenn at Island Dreams.

Mavenn at Seaside 061216_001

 I also had a chance to stop at Hotatlana Blues on the 12th and listen to the amazing Toxie.  That woman can sing, if you have not seen her, I would recommend looking for her in events.  You will not regret it.

Toxie at Hotatlanta blues 061216_001

 Yesterday I had some time to myself and headed out for a while,  First stop is Emi's Yellow Rose Saloon.  This was a new venue to me and I could not have asked to be met by nicer owners than Denny and Emi.  I had a chance to hear Lisa Petrolhead.

Lisa Petrolhead at Emi's Yellow Rose Saloon 06202016_001

 From there I went on to The Merry Prankster.  As many years as I have seen this venue in events I had never been there.  The crowd was small but the talent was huge.  Kitzie Lane was there, That woman has the voice of an angel.  Sometimes, I am amazed.  I see such great talent and yet such a small crowd.  For the life of me I can not figure it out.  I have been to other places where the talent is good, but in Kitzie's case it is great.  Yet those venues could be packed.  I for one, will be going to more of Kitzie shows and if you want to hear pure talent, you will watch for her and give your ears a real treat.

Kitzie Lane at The Merry Prankster 06202016_001

 As I am getting more and more of Stand Up 2 Cancer ready, I just talked with them last week.....this year the big fundraiser will be the simulcast fundraiser on 85 different channels.  Canada will be doing the same in conjunction with the US.  I have not heard about the UK yet but I will be watching.

EVENT TO BENEFIT STAND UP 2 CANCER 2016

I BELIEVE THE WORD CANCER FALLS UNDER WHAT I CALL CUSSING

I truly hate that word, it effects so many people.  I do not know anyone that has gone through life without the effects of cancer, whether it be themselves, friends, family. A couple of days ago I received a Facebook post, another sl live music community friend, someone that I also knew from a jam and was crazy about her, was just diagnosed with cancer.  This came after the news of Brandy & Doofus hit the music community so hard. In my own personal opinion, there is only one way out of this and this is what research is all about.  Finding a cure.  When I originally looked at all the different non profit organizations out there focused on cancer, the reason I had liked Stand Up 2 Cancer so very much is that it is all about finding that cure (100% of all donations go directly to research)  or in the case of cancer, there will not be one magic cure all as cancer takes so many insidious forms, the answer will be making a difference and finding many different cures.  Though not any one person nor one of has the answer there is always a way we can make a difference in the lives of so many, quite often our friends, family future generations.  We can show our support and help as much as humanly possibly.  Each day brings new and innovative things things through research....once again we can come together to make difference.

This year rl has been one thing after another, yet you know me well enough to know I won't give up fighting for that answer.  I sat down and looked the calendar.  In the past Stand Up 2 Cancer has done their live simulcast program every other year.  This should be one of those years.  Though I have not heard anything as of yet.  I am also aware that there is a jam scheduled right in the middle of September, and will be an extremely well attended jam with a waiting list already that is long as my arm.  I had this idea rolling around in my head and a couple of venue owners what their opinion was.  This year Stand Up 2 Cancer will run September 1 to September 30, keeping in mind that the 16th-19th is the Twin Cities Jam and many of us will be traveling.  Just as last year, all monies raised be evenly divided between the US, the UK, and Canada.

The list of performers is growing.  The list of venues is growing.  If you are interested, in showing your support this year please im me inworld, let me know here, or email  stillbraveheart@gmail.com.

I do have to thank Tristyn Homewood for providing the kiosks the last few years.  Unfortunately this year he is retired.  I am currently seeking someone that could make this years years kiosks, auction kiosk, raffle system and selling venders.  We have had many others that want to join us this year, including designers, art galleries, etc.  I may have the auction solution and just need someone to design it for Stand Up 2 Cancer.  In looking through some of the things that were made for us last year, I may also have the selling solution, but again need someone to help me have it set it up Stand Up

FINALLY MADE IT BACK OUT YESTERDAY TO VENUES OR RATHER A VENUE

Now that the prom is over, and oh I apologize, I need to correct myself.  I should have emptied this apartment on May 30 and put my things in storage until the 13th when I move into the new place.  Well I just could not allow my son to load and unload all this furniture onto a truck by himself, so we decided to wait until the 13th when my brothers will be here to help and just do it in one trip.  This is a bit like camping but with a roof over my head.  Everything is in bins and boxes.  Believe me I am counting the days until the 13th.  Plus it will be wonderful to see my brother on the 12th and 13th, he is driving in from Nebraska to help, what a huge heart.

So while I am camping out in the old place, I had a chance to get out and headed over to Cafe Musique and visit my good friend Laya while listening to some amazing performers.

Bronze8020 at Cafe Musique 060316

The first performer was Bronze, wow what a performer, I loved listening to him, and when he finished loved debating with him.  He is not only talented but a also a very well read individual and I look forward to more conversations with him and also listening to him.

I did not have any intention of staying and wanted to get to more venues, but there was such a good line up at Cafe Musique and such a fun atmosphere that my feet became glued to the floor.  Stayed there while I got to listen to the awesome Dimi.

Dimivan Ludwig at cafe Musique 06032016

 Though I was listening to some amazing music after Dimi was done, my eyes were not on the monitor as I was also catching up on blogs....I looked at the screen and saw no one around me....chuckles they had all moved over to the other stage at Cafe Musique,  So turned my hud onto pause and walked over to join them, where I was able to see the absolutely amazing Vinnie.  If you have never been to a Vinnie show I have to say it is a must see.

Vinnie at Cafe Music 042816

To my dismay, rl reared its ugly head and took me away.  When I got back, I worked on the amusement park.  It is back and up and running......8 roller coasters, games, bumper cars, go karts and lots more.  Between all I have going on at the sim I love making it a place for the world to come to and just have fun. 

JUNE 2, 2016 THE DAY THAT BROKE SL MUSIC COMMUNITY HEARTS

This has taken me two days for it is truly the hardest post I have ever written.  This week the Second Life Live Music community has lost two very loved people, within a day of each other.  The news of each has truly rocked the entire community.

Brandy Maltas aka Kalli Birman second life, lost a battle to cancer.  Though Brandy and I go way back years and usually in disagreement over some points, she was always no matter how much we disagreed,  professional about it and it usually left us agreeing to disagree.  Brandy delved into the many things in sl with her entire heart, whether it was managing, blogging, setting up a an event, or reaching out to help others.   

No matter what, I knew she was fighting the fight of her life and yet so young with younger kids to care for.  As a single parent, the one largest fear we have is what happens to our kids if something happens to us.  Brandy lived with that fear and I know she fought with everything she could.  From everything I have seen by following Seth Regan's posts is that first how very fortunate Brandy is to have such a wonderful friend in Seth.  He has also set it up so that we all have been given a way to help Brandy's children.  Let me put that information in here for you.
 The best way for me to say it is not with my words but with Seth Regan's so with his permission here is what he said:

" PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU CAN!

As you probably know by now, Heaven gained an angel yesterday. Brandyleaves behind three children. She did not have money. In fact she struggled just to get by. Believe me when I tell you, she had it rough but I did what I could to help her family, I know others who also did. Yet, she gave of herself unconditionally, to help others, to do what was right. Well, SHE was right, in so many ways, and she was a representation of so much what is right in the world.

With her loss, right now her kids are going through this incredibly difficult time and I'm trying to help them to be strong, to be ok and this means trying to help in whatever way I can. Her youngest is not much older than my own Aden. In fact they often played together online.

Many of you offered to help with some kind of Second Life memorial or event in Brandy's honor. I appreciate it, but I don't think I can do that right now.

What I can do is thank you all for your offers to help. What is really needed now is to raise a bunch of money for her kids, for home bills, food, and for Brandy's final expenses. I thought of a Crowd Funding thing but they all take a percent and to me, that is just money wasted... money her kids need.

So I will ask all of you. If you are in a position to help, and to avoid any fees and deductions, if you are able to make a donation, I will offer my own PayPal account so I can be sure every last penny gets to the kids.

I would like to raise at least $10,000 USD to help them. This would take some of the pressure off them, at least for a few months.

Please do what you can. Every little bit will help. I will keep you posted as to how much has been donated.

Rest easy Brandy, they’re not alone. I miss you and I will always help you. WE will help you!

https://www.paypal.me/mankindtracer "

The Second Life live music community was also hit with another large loss this week.  For those of the have had the opportunity to attend a Doofus and Pan show, you are well aware of how very talented a couple this was.  I knew that Doofus and Pan had stopped performing as much due to health reasons.  I was not aware of how bad they were until recently when an event had been organized to help them with some of the many expenses that those health issues brought on due to the medical issues,  Shocked when I woke up on June 2nd to see that Doofus had passed from cancer.

My heart and prayers go out to both families.  It seems that I do not know the right words, if there is such a thing, to say to ease the pan.  My one condolence is that both Brandy and Ed are no longer in pain.  They each showed such strength and fought the battle as hard as they could.  Take some time and remember them in your hearts.  Each of them has touched each of us in so many ways, let that be the ways we remember them and keep their memories alive.

PROM 2016 ROMANCE UNDER THE STARS

What a prom and after party it was.  Lots of entries for both the 2016 Prom Queen and 2016 Prom King.  The Prom started at 11AM with the very talented Phil Setner kicking it off and ended at 5PM with the amazing Eliz Wantanabe announcing the 2016 Prom Queen and King.  Picturesque Studios was on hand with a brilliant back drop for both couples and individuals.  Hogman then kicked off the after party at 5PM at BS's live music venue and one performer after another ended at 10PM with Max Kleene closing the 2016 Prom and After party.  What a day it was and so many of you were there from open to end.

Now drum roll please........................................................

YOUR 2016 PROM QUEEN AND KING ARE:

Bree Birke & Woodstock Burleigh

Woody and Bree at the Prom 052816

 

Our King and Queen Woody and Bree

 

2016 Prom Queen Bree Birke

Each received a crown 1000L and a gift certificate (Hoorenbeck for Woody, Wild Orchid for Bree) and Bree also received a bouquet of roses.

 

Aleykat at the Prom 052816

Aleykat at the Prom 052816

Christopher Quan at the Prom 052816

Christopher Quan at the Prom 052816

Cryptic Harmony at the Prom afterparty  052816

Eliz Wantanbe at the Prom 052816

Eliz Wantanbe at the Prom 052816

Hogman at the Prom afterparty  052816

Phil Setner at the Prom 052816

Phil Setner at the Prom 052816

Alessia and Phil Setner

Anicka and Guus

 James and Arianna v2

 James and Arianna

Josh and ChelleBee

Karrie and Mark

Kikki Rattler

 Savannah and Chris

Savannah Rain at the Prom 052816

Savannah Rain at the Prom 052816

Toxie at the Prom 052816

Toxie at the Prom 052816

Collin Martin at the Prom afterparty  052816

Cryptic Harmony at the Prom afterparty  052816

Still and DennyMac at the prom after party

Max at the Prom afterparty  052816

A very special thank you goes out to the following performers and photographer. Without each of you, the Prom and After Party would not have been as successful as it was.

Phil Setner, Toxie (Toxic Darkmatter), Savannah Rain, Aleykat, Eliz Wantanabe, Hogman, DennyMac, Cryptic Harmony, Collin Martin, Max Kleene, and Åndi Goldfarb- Åndreω (andi.dunner).

Hmmm wonder what next year's theme will be.  I have a whole year for those wheel to spin to make the 4th annual prom even bigger and better.

SEEMS LIKE I AM ALWAYS CATCHING UP

I thought before I went on to tell you about the prom and then unfortunately some very sad news, I would first catch everyone up on the venue hopping that I have been doing or on many days not doing.

Wow I just looked at where I left off and I owe you the month of May....okay sit back in your chairs and relax I have some writing ahead of me.Starting with the beginning of May, I have a confession to make.  I have become a "groupie".  I have gone and done something I never thought I would do, I became really close to a performer, actually most of you know him as DennyMac and a member of The Quadradix.  Mind you I am not complaining, it is just not something I have done before.  Since then we have partnered and due to rl obligations, his regular manager had to step back and so I am doing it.  But me managing,,,I will be the first to say I am not a great one....sheesh I have not managed since Taunter's early days...and one disliked unnamed performer.  But due to my "groupie" status You may see more of The Quadradix and DennyMac than ever before.

t

 The Quadradix at Origen's Hollywood Bowl 05012016

The Quadradix at Seaside Lounge 05012016

Lyndon Heart at Seaside Lounge 05012016

After the Quad was done at Seaside Lounge, we stayed long enough for me to see my old friend and Starbucks buddy from a previous jam, Lyndon Heart.  Lyndon brings such a great party atmosphere and so much talent it is always so much fun to hear him.

I had asked Carol Greenwood about the possibility of doing a Quadradix show on May 14 but to make it a surprise birthday party for DennyMac as his birthday was the 13th.  That is when Carol slipped and told me that she had the same birthday.  I also knew that Max's birthday had been on the 11th.  So one surprise birthday party turned into a surprise birthday party for three.  Without Calley Inglewood, Ben Cleanslate and Desi Cleanslate I don't know if we would have been able to pull it off, and I can't forget Jenna Dirval, she im'd me to tell me that Carol would not be there and she was filling in for Carol....it was that darn stuff called rl again.  I had to confess to Carol.  but you know me always an idea spinning around.  Carol sent me some full size body pics of her and I put them on prims and Carol was there standing around the venue and on stage.  The best part was that both Max and Denny were completely shocked and surprised by it.  Everyone had a great time and I hope its a birthday party they will not forget soon. And Carol, I will remember something to make it up to you.

Carol's spirit at the party 05142016

What a fun birthday party 05142016

What a fun birthday party 05142016

The Quadradix at the 3 way birthday party