WHAT A BUSY WEEKEND

With not a lot going on in rl I actually have the time to do some serious venue hopping.  Yesterday, I was able to get in and see BudW at LA Club.  I have to admit, I am completely under the spell his voice weaves.  I adore listening to him.  Ladies you  know the kind of voice that you wish you could hear each night as you fall asleep.....he has it.  LA Club is amazing in itself,,,,every time I go Nhaomi has done something different there.

BudW at LA Club

I started out today rather early...there was slim pickins on the event board.  One of my favorites was there though.  Off to Kickin I go.  I must have been the early riser, It was myself JPeabody and the hostess Mari.  The mark of a really good entertainer is to keep going no matter who is there and JP sure was.....This man has an amazing voice and takes me back down memory lane.  The venue started to fill, within minutes it was full....guess people just needed that first cup of coffee.

JPeabody at Kickin 070315

 Through out the weekend I tried to make it a point to make it out to see as many performers as I could in between grills, and fireworks. So the 4th was a busy day for me.  First I went to a venue I had not been to before, Mediterranean BDSM Resort   and I got to see the amazing Lee WineGarden.  What a great way to start the holiday.  I had never heard Lee before and what a treat that was.  Highly recommended if you are looking for some ear candy.

LeeWinegarden at Mediteranean 070415

On to Club Lion.....How can one not love listening to Laidback Celt....Club Lion is a really cool venue.  Maybe it is me, partial to the lions, after all you know BS's logo.  But I thought that friends had me some really cool lions over the years....Club Lion has some that are even better....shhh don't tell the creator of mine, because I do truly love the ones he has made me.

Laidback Celt at Club Lion 070415

Moving ahead I went t=celebrated the 4th at a venue that was sooo into the Independence day theme...To the Stars, This many venues in one day, you  know me, one of those performers had to be my wonderful Max Kleene.  Our Canadian friend put on a great show for the US that day.

Max at To The Stars 070415

 I also got to Wildcat Country later on the 4th to see two other friends perform.  Both Luke Auster and someone I had not seen in quite a while, Bubba C John.

Luke Auster at Wildcat Country 070415

BubbaC John at Wildcat Country 070415

With that it was time for rl celebrating......I truly hope each of you an amazing 4th of July

FOR ALL MY FELLOW AMERICANS

Wishing everyone a Happy and safe Independence Day!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR LOTS OF PERFORMERS AND VENUES IN SL

 I am sooo far behind, and I have gotten out just a bit. Not as much with as I would have liked.  It seemed that June was filled with Dr appts that all seem to be spread put during the year, they all caught up with each other in June.  Add into that a visit with one of my oldest best of friends whose health is failing, a trip to my daughter's house to meet my brand new daughter and attend her 3 year old sisters birthday party, plus the prom.....June was just swamped.  So here is a little of of what I did.

On June 19th I was able to sneak away long away enough to see Crash Landfall at Kickin.  Anytime I go to Kickin it is always fun.  It has to be one my truly favorite venues.  No matter who you are, you just feel so welcomed and among friends there.  So I hung around there for a couple of events and saw some performers that I have not seen in a while....after Crash I saw Freddy Mergatroid.

Freddy Mergatt0idd at Kickin 0061015

Crash Landfall at Kickin 061015

From Kickin I went on to FriendZ of Live Music a newer venue for me and had the opportunity to see Diane.  A real treat....

Diane at FriendZ of Live Music 0061015

I stayed at Friendz of Live Music to listen to Mar Biddle,  I was a bit leery staying for that as I had her once at BS's a long time ago and do major conflicts, never had her back again.  I had not heard her since then.  Unfortunately, I am far from perfect and still absolutely refuse to see performers no matter how good if I feel a certain way about them as a person.  I know it is a flaw, and I apologize for it.  I do the same with venues.  There are some you will never hear of me going to though I will not talk badly about them as I hate gossip, I still have strong feelings and just keep my distance.  I wish I could say I was a better person, but I can't though I am working it, which is why I thought I would go see Mar.  The sad part was that even though years have passed I still saw nothing had changed.

Mar Biddle at Friendz of Liv Music 061115

 I did make it to see Luke Auster twice both times at Roadhouse Dreams.  Luke puts on a great show, and does one of my absolute favorite songs by George Strait for me and does it so well.  Like country music....Check him out you won't regret it.

Luke Aister Roadhouse Dreams 062515

Luke Auster at Roadhouse Dreams 062315

I wanted to visit SL12 and notice Phil Setner was performing.  I adore listening to Phil and haven't heard him in a while, so off I went.  I was able to stay long enough to get his picture, but the lag was horrible. and I had to cut my visit short.

As things slowed down and I was back home again, I got some time to go venue hopping yesterday.
 Instead of looking for performers I hid not heard before, I decided to go visit old friends,  Tristyn Homewood was on the event calendar.    For those of you that have not heard him, Tristyn is an amazing performer.  He is very versatile.  Many will think just country, but I have heard him do so much.  I went off to see Tristyn at Billy Bob's.  Tristyn has a very special place with me, he was the one person that stepped right up and offered to help with making last years Stand Up 2 Cancer kiosks.  Chuckles just wait until he hears what I have in mind this year.

Tristyn Homewood at Billybobs 063015

From there I went on to see Hogan Bailey at Dockside Club Village.  It was great fun.  Hogan another wonderful country singer.I also consider Hogan a great friend.

If you know me...you know my blog and venue hopping would not be complete without a visit to one of Max's shows.  This time I saw him at After Hours on Idle Rogue.  He put on a great show and at the same time I saw so many old friends, it felt like a reunion...it was wonderful to see so many old friends.

Max Kleene After Dark on Idle Rogue,063015

That is the one thing about the SL Live Music Community.....The people, performers, venues and fans make this the most amazing community.  There is so much diversity with performers from around the world, people from all sorts of walks of life both in rl and in sl....but at a live music event there is always a conman bond......the love of live music.  It brings us all together whether it be regular events, special events or a fundraiser.  You can't help but love this community.

Today I went to The Lemonrock Cafe to hear a performer I had not heard before and he was running late......I got to hear Strum Diesel improvise holding down the fort.  I was completely blown away by Strum and have every intention of watching for him more often.  Redhawk did make it in and I was glad I got a chance to hear him, this is one trip that was so worth it.

Strum Diesel at Lemonrock 070115

After Redhawk, I was a bit amazed....it was 6 pm, what should be prime time in sl for venues yet events were like a bare minimum,  and three of the places I went to were empty......(hint hint venues-----you should probably go into events and cancel the notice when it is cancelled.)  Then I saw a venue I had not been to with a performer I had not heard before and off I went.  Well she was not there but Clay  Harsley was and it was a great show.  I have to say that Serenity Gardens is one of the prettiest venues I have been to  I was in awe.  Will be visiting the sim again when I am off exploring with Rocky.  It is the perfect spot to take that someone special.

From there I went on to Industry to hear Andi Huet, what a beautiful voice.  She has the voice that one could listen to all night long.  I am in complete awe....if you have not heard her, you should watch those events and run to see her.

Andi Huet at Industry 070115

Now that I have more free time, I will be able to get out more...though I am hoping to travel some this summer as I have a feeling they will be starting the chemo sometime around October and I have no idea how that will naffest me.  Look for this years Stand Up 2 Cancer this fall....there will be changes made as this is such a diverse community that our fundraiser should just be as diverse, so we will be doing something that as far as I know has not been done in sl before.

Also many of you know how very much I miss the venue, so though I can't have a regular venue right now I will be doing another special event this fall.  Well maybe a few of them....the holidays will also bring them.  Keep your eye out for them.

If you would like to stay on top of the Stand Up 2 Cancer Event, contact me here, in Facebook, or in world.

AN EXPLANATION

No I have not forgotten you.  Life has just kept me so very busy.  For those that have been so kind to im and see how I was doing, I finally threw in the towel.  I had appealed the med thing all the way up to the judicial level.  When a friend told me about getting his one med from Australia, maybe I should look into it.  Aha a whole new direction for me to learn about.  Many of us have heard how untrustworthy getting out of the country meds could be so I was extremely leery.    After having done of ton a research I learned quite a few things.  First that the pharmaceutical company in the US had actually purchased the med from an Italian pharmaceutical firm with the agreement that they would only sell it in the US and Canada.  Canada is lucky enough to national health care, so even the brand name is full price what my costs are in the US after insurance.  Canada also sells the generic which is identical.  We all have heard about Internet pharmaceuticals though, so I did more digging.  Turns out due to the over whelming amount of people in the US that are purchasing their meds.....trying to remember if It is the World Health Organization or another name....had put together a list of reliable pharmacies.  I received my first order a week or two ago.  I went from $900 a month to $300 for a month and a half.  I felt like I had gotten a raise.  About 100 pounds lifted off me.  I have to admit though at first I went through some horrible side effects,,,,I stopped taking them all together and back to the US brand.  And I researched sure I had gotten the wrong thing.  Turned out that a few not many people experienced the side effects I did, but as their body adapted the side effects eased up.  Since I have to take two pills of day of this particular med, I decided to ease it in....I am taking one US pill and one generic so my body gets used to it....I should be easing it up and allowing more of the generic in the next week or so.

At the same time through all of this, one of my very oldest best friends is in Michigan and fighting her health issues, there was a day or two we did not think she would make it, so off I went to MI to see her.  While all this was going on, It was the month that every one of my doctor appts fell (normally they are spread out a bit more.  My daughter gave birth to my second grandchild, the same daughter two weeks before received her Master in Education which I had gone out to Iowa for the graduation, and my other grandchild has her third birthday this weekend so back to Iowa I go.

Over all it has been a great month just really very busy, Though it got better when I moved to oncologist at Northwestern and he feels that he can put on a mild chemo and into remission so that I cam be put back on the transplant list.....Smiling another 100 pounds lifted off as it is the first time since diagnosed with lymphoma that a doctor actually gave me a direction to go into and pulled me out of the rock and hard place.

Throw putting a prom together there in there and I have been swamped.  The good new is that when I return from Iowa next week, I have one more doctor appt in July and then things should slow down until at least October.  Now you know what that means.....it is time to get to work on this years Stand Up 2 Cancer fundraiser.  Though I believe I need a breath in there first.

I promise prom pictures in the next blog....yes there are a couple of them coming out with this one as I have to bring you up on the venue hopping as well.

2015 PROM & MASQUERADE BALL

On June 13, we held the annual prom.  This year the theme was masquerade.   A great Line up and turnout.  The prom itself was held in the ballroom and the after party was at the venue....Here are some of the many pictures taken: Against a dark sky twinkling with lights and the Northern Lights in the background, a great time was held by all.

The 2015 Prom

Eliz Watanabe

Josie Anderton

Party goers

Partygoers

The votes are in

Queen Kammie and King Paradox

Everyone is entering and voting

Ann Seeton

Chalice

Ladyluck and Jenny

 Pomegranate Sorbet & Daisy2179

 Selene

Kammie, Paradox and Satin

Kammie, Paradox and Satin

Reallymad Morpork

Satin and Erin

Mavenn

Kammie & Paradox

The crowning

Still and Jay

Max Kleene

Collin Martin

2015 PROM AND MASQUERADE BALL

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE MASQUERADE PROM 2015. 


DATE:  JUNE 13, 2015
TIME:  2PM-6PM
CROWNING OF PROM QUEEN & KING  6:30
LOCATION:  STILLWATERS CUDDLE PARK AND BALLROOM
AFTER PROM PARTY:  7:30-10:30
LOCATION:  BS'S "BRING A FRIEND & STAY AWHILE"
DRESS:  FORMAL AND MASQUERADE MASK

There will be dining available downstairs and waiters with drinks in the ballroom.

There will be a photographer on site for pictures.

Entries open NOW for Queen and King -just enter the ballroom, about half way up are the voting boards you may enter in the correct board, Pink for Prom Queen, Blue for Prom King.  You must be present at prom if you win.  Voting will open June 10.  Neither entries nor votes cost anything.  Winners will receive lindens, crowns, and gift certificates to amazing designers.

Photographers from Picturesque Studios will be on hand to take traditional prom pictures.  They will be available for purchase.



 Picturesque Studios
 Stopping by BS's and touching the sign will give you an invite and in that is an attachment if you need to purchase corsages boutonnieres or masks

 PROM

THE LINE UP IS AS FOLLOWS:

2PM  JOSIE ANDERTON
3PM REALLYMAD MORPORK
4PM  MAVEEN
5PM ELIZ WANTANBE
6PM ERIN AND SATIN (AND CROWNING OF QUEEN AND KING)  Entries must present to win


AFTER PROM PARTY  LINE UP

AFTERPARTY

7:30 PM KEEBA TAMMAS
8:30 PM MAX KLEENE
9:30 PM COLLIN MARTIN

SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC AND VENUES FROM THE WORLD'S LARGEST PROCRASTINATOR PART 1

Sighs and now we know why I am no longer any good to run a venue, I can't be dependable as much as I used to be.  But Have no fear......some things the health issues I just refuse to let stop me from.    For instance....the line up is done for this years Spring Prom and after Prom Party.  shhhhhhh its a secret.  The theme and date.  LOL Last year when I posted it 15 minutes later someone else posted the same theme prom and that it was being put together.  So not even the performers know the theme yet.  I am just waiting for a couple of more things to come together......the invitations being made and lining a photographer up.  Once they are all in place the invitations will be going out.....so watch for it.

The other thing I refuse to let health issues hold me back from is Stand Up 2 Cancer.  This year we are attempting something different.  SL is such a diverse community, made up from people all around the globe.  There are Stand Up 2 Cancer Organizations in quite a few other countries,  We are hoping that instead of just directing the fundraising activities to just the US that we hold a place in many of the global organizations, so that residents have a choice.  To donate lindens which would go to the US organization or to donate directly to the country nearest them with the use of a credit card.  We want to make our fundraising efforts as diverse as our community.

I am also considering an event to raise funds for Nepal.  The devastation they have gone through, the loss of lives, the costs of getting them the help they will need.  There are only two other times I have worked on fundraisers due to catastrophes.  The first was when Moody organized the fundraiser for Haiti, the second was when we put put together a fundraiser for Rodanthe.  So I will be contacting International Red Cross and seeing exactly how where monies go that we may raise.  Most of you know I am a bit hardheaded about transparency and accountability.  It comes from the 20+ years of working on non-profit boards before I ever came to sl.  Some local, some statewide and a couple national.  I have been extremely lucky over the years to have the exposure and experience I have.

The next couple of weeks will be extremely busy for me as my oldest is walking across the stage-very pregnant to receive her Master of Education degree.  and a couple of weeks later giving birth to my second granddaughter.

Now back to the things I have not written about but want to make sure you get caught up on.  Come to think of it....this is already long, I should probably start another.

SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC AND VENUES FROM THE WORLD'S LARGEST PROCRASTINATOR PART II

Keep in mind as I go through these, I am the self proclaimed world's largest procrastinator.

On April 16 I ventured out.....to one of my all time favorite venues....Kickin.  When I got there it was toward of the end of Liam Defoe's show.  I stayed for Vinnie aka Acoustic Rhapsody and then my buddy Johnny Paramour (besides he always does my favorite Clint Black song for me).  I can never say enough good things about Kickin.  If you don't make a habit out of going you should, it is always fun, the owners LilMissPriss Lane and ScrtsSafe Waco have to be some of the nicest on the grid.  Everyone always feels so welcome in their warm embrace to their guests.  Such a great atmosphere, and great lineup of talent......I can't picture a more fun time.

Kickin 

Johnny Paramour at Kickin

Liam Defore

Vinnie aka Acoustic Rhapsody at Kickin

I did it make to one more event on the 16th.....there was no way I could pass up Russell Eponym and to top it all off, he was at someone that I consider one of very closest friends' venue , CeSoir.  Not even going to touch on the people yet.  This venue is one of the prettiest I have seen.  Live music, readings, art, and the most beautiful settings to hold it all in.  Now I will tell you that the owners of CeSoir. Aeon and Mirelle, I can not possibly say enough good about them.  They are truly some of the best couple you will ever meet in sl.  Mire tickles me to death, if I am quiet for too long, I will get the note card or email saying she hasn't seen me and wants an update on how I am doing.  She is one of the most caring people I know.  Russell and I go back to when I first opened to BS's.  Over the years a strong friendship and bond formed......he also is an amazing performer and is well deserved of the his name The Music Whisperer.

CeSoir

Russell Eponym at CeSoir

That was a lot for one day.....

The 17th of April I was only able to make it to one venue.....but ohhhh so worth it,  It was a new venue for me.  The best part of sl is finding these gems.  Branagh's Jazz, where I got to see another wonderful old friend, the oh so very talented Phil Setner.  Phil is the kind of performer that makes you say....wow what a voice!!!!!  It is something I always think when I hear him and I was able to bring him to BS's for the B2B Awards ceremony....Just when I was thinking the wow, what a voice, two other people im'd me me saying the same thing.

Branagh's Jazz

Phil Setner at Branagh's Jazz

Chuckles time to move on to Part 3 of this blog.

SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC AND VENUES FROM THE WORLD'S LARGEST PROCRASTINATOR PART III

The next few days I just took some time and enjoyed SL.  There are some really fun places in sl.  At past Christmases I have sent out landmarks to many different themed sims that I thought were done so well and so much fun.  This the kid side of me....the same kid side that is so proud of the amusement park and the roller coasters that are there...of which I should be adding in another one or two in the next couple of weeks.  I just like to check them out first and make sure they are quality.

I also finished the line up for this years prom and after party. Just about finished the build for it.

Now that you have heard all the excuses I have had, back to venue hopping on the 29th of April.  I started out at the Rhodehouse.  Sometimes it is just amazing to me how many live music venues are in Second Life that I have never been to.  The Rhodehouse is one of them.  I have seen them in events many times, yet this was the first time I had visited them.  What a comfortable venue.  I listened to
Brendan Shoreland while there.  What a wonderful time.

The Rhodehouse

Brendan Shoreland at The Rhodehouse 4_29_2015

From there I went on to see a special friend....Josie Anderton at the The Titanic.  Another amazing live music venue and so much more owned by my dear dear friend Mara Menges.  For those that are not aware The Titanic is built to replicate the one from the movie of the same name.  The Titanic Build has been visited by some very famous people one which has made numerous blockbuster movies and been written about in some very famous publications.  Mara also maintains a memorial with every name of every person lost on the Titanic.  I remember the day she she sat me down and related the whole story to me.  It is amazing.  She took the time and introduced me to a few different people, and it was then (though I already knew after meeting one of Oprah's producers in sl) that you truly never know who you are talking to in Second Life.  In Real Life they come from all walks of life.  I know the story about the Titanic, I know that myself personally have met VP's of major Fortune 500 companies and retired professionals that still do consulting work.  I have met Academic Professors, and many from some part of the medical field.  I am lucky that many have trusted me with their rl, but even the team knows I do not any under circumstances share that information.  Even when it is kind of disgusting.  So I am honored that Mara shared her information with me and took the time to introduce me to a few people that she knew.

Josie Anderton is a sweetheart of a woman.  When I first met her we did not become fast friends because I was gullible enough to buy into a friend's drama.  As time went by we became amazing friends, not even remembering why we had not spoken much to each other before.  The day she stood on a stage at a fundraising event I had put together, and dedicated "Thank You For Being a Friend" to me, brought tears to my eyes.  The song meant so much to me that I had a builder  have it played in gift that I sent out to those that were on the team with me, because they meant and still mean so very much to me.

The Titanic

Josie Anderton RMS Titanic, Ship Of Dreams.4/29/15

After seeing two very old friends I popped over to another venue I had not been to Sundown Beach to listen ElvisAronPresley Lisa.  It has been quite some time since I had seen him.  The last time it was a formal venue and he took the time during his performance to dance with each woman that was not already dancing.  This time, he has added a band it is not formal.

Sundown Beach

ElvisAronPresley Lisa atSundown Beach, 4/29/15

Off to Mystic CoveWhere I was given the opportunity to listen to the amazing David Csiszer  It is always wonderful when I make it out to see friends perform..

Mystic Cove

David Csiszer at Mystic Cove 4/29/15

That was it for me for the day.

SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC AND VENUES FROM THE WORLD'S LARGEST PROCRASTINATOR PART IV

Finally I am getting to the end of this blog.  I am really long winded this time......reminiscing a lot as I write.

Yesterday the 4th of May I was able to get back out.  As I checked events I saw another friend performing and off I went to Ecnad Nation to listen to the talented Kevin Thomas.  Another very recommended performer.  It was an all originals show and Kevin is wonderful at originals add to that the charming personality and it is always a very wonderful performance.

Ecnad Nation

Kevin M Thomas at Ecnad Nation 050415

When Kevin was done, I took a break for a bit, then later headed over to The Gspot to see Ganjo Mokeev, unfortunately he was having technical difficulties and had to cancel the show at the last minute.  The G Spot Block Party is ALWAYS a fun place to just hang out.  They had a great stream and my buddy Jolie Serendipity came over and we waited for the QuadRadix.  You can't help but love the QuadRadix....4 streams dualing together --Max Kleene, Denny Mac, Sabian Inglewood, and Ben Cleanslate

In the meantime we got to discussing the next upcoming Awards show her builder group has at BS's and its theme.  As the QuadRadix took the stage I asked their management team if they could perform that song.  So I gave them the time and date and the song name.  Unfortunately, well fortunately for all of us, but unfortunately for that particular event, they have to work around their performers' individual schedules and this will not work for for them.  So I am looking of someone that can perform the cover song "We Built This City on Rock and Roll"  If you know of anyone, please let me know.

The G Spot

QuadRadix at: the GSpot 050415

As I finish up this blog, I wanted to say thank you.  I hate going on about my health issues, but in the little I have said, so many of you take the time and check up on me.  Often times just leaving me messages that I am in your hearts.  You truly have no idea how very much this touches me.  I love each and everyone of you...You have given me so much.  If I could find a way to stretch my arms long enough and give you all the biggest bear hug known to man, I would.

This morning as I was finishing up this blog I ventured out to another to another new to me venue, Voodoo Blues.  Again another venue I have often seen in events but never been to.  I loved it.  I also got to hear LoneWolf55 Genesis.  I have not had feeling of what a great place to relax and have my morning coffee since Guthries closed.  Today I found it while listening to LoneWolf and relaxing at Voodoo.  I will be starting many more days there.

I have noticed something,  the events in the earlier hours of of the day are very slim with only one or two venues doing anything.  If I had someone that I could count on as a reliable General Manager, I would reopen BS's.  There is so much that is missed by not having music going.

Voodoo Blues

LoneWolf55 Genesis at Voodoo Bayou 050517

Look for something from me in the next couple of days to help the people of Nepal.  And watch for that invitation to the spring prom...It will be amazing.