AN EXPLANATION AND REQUEST

I owe you an apology with the week or so in the hospital, the recuperating, losing my power steering on my car, losing a cousin, and having all my kids come home at one, it really ate up the month of July, so I have been MIA.  But everything is calmed down and nothing is standing in the way of Stand Up 2 Cancer in September.  I will be sending out things to all participating venues and performers.  For those venues that have gone ahead and picked their day and started scheduling thank you so very much..

If you have not already, please get me that information.  If you are a venue, host, or performer that has not already told me you are interested you would like to help, please do so as soon as as possible, We all know that this year is flying by.

This year the live music community has been hit so very hard by cancer, and touched all our hearts so deeply.  It serves as a reminder just how very important research is.

I am looking forward to working with each of you.

WHAT A MONTH IT HAS BEEN SO FAR

Ya know I never take the laptop wth me to the doctor office, usually just the tablet and phone.  But I had a few hours stuck between the MRI and the appt so I thought what the heck.  Little did I know that I wasn't going home so ultimately I was glad I did.  It did give me a chance to log in and catch some live music before I ended up sleeping for a couple of days.

On the 8th of July I was able to get in and see some amazing friends and performers.  Starting with one of my oldest friends Mamaa Saiz at Surfside Hideaway.  Though I have not had a chance to see Mamaa in a long time, he remembered the wondered hit wonder that I loved (At this moment by Billy Vera and the Beaters) and performed  it for me.  Though as Mamaa always reminds us Billy Vera did much more than just this song.

Mamaa Saiz at Surfside Hideaway 07082016

Then I headed over to a favorite venue  LoveKats to see the very talented Mavenn

Mavenn at LoveKats 07082016

Then I was out of Live Music for a few days and also sleeping for a few days.  Even when I got home late on the 13th was still spending a great deal of time sleeping and with a heating pad on my back. No one ever warns you what those surgical tables do to your back.  In many ways I am still feeling it.

On the 14th I was able to venture out once again.  So I headed out to Balboa Bay,  I got to see my old friend Chris Darkstone,

 Chris Darkstone at Balboa Bay 07142016

My buddy Max was up at Balboa Bay. After numerous attempts to get in because the sim was full, I finally did.

Max Kleene at Balboa Bay 07142016

Yesterday, I was just able to make it to one show, but wow what a great show.  Noma Falta, such an amazing performer at The Fillmore.  Sadist does a remarkable job with The Fillmore, always packed and always welcoming.  I believe it is one of the best venues in sl.

Noma Falta at The Fillmore 07162016

Today I was just able to get to a Max Kleene show at another favorite venue, The Seaside Lounge.

Max Kleene at Seaside Lounge 07172016

 I also headed over to Kickin to see another amazing friend. Krisie Snowdrop.  Krisie is one tthat I get to follow on FB as well as sl.  I am overjoyed with her successes in RL Music as well. she is truly one talented performer.  I have said it often in the past....Canada provides tons of talented perfrmers to sl.

Krisie Snowdrop at Kickin 07172016

SL CONCERTS FOR STAND UP 2 CANCER

I can only apologize immensely for not being able to get out and promote this magnificent cause better.  Unfortunately my rl health decided to play some tricks on me and it is taking me a couple of weeks to completely get back on my feet, during what is normally my busiest time.  I will try to get out to each venue and each performer.  Last year we doubled we did last year as far as venues, performers, and fund raising.  We are almost at the amounts of venues and performers that we were last year.  If I have neglected getting to your venue to talk with you, please im me in world, email me stillbraveheart@gmail.com), or respond here if you are interested in participating

STARTING JULY WITH A BANG IN SL MUSIC!!! AND IN RL

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY THOSE OF YOU FROM THE USA!

TO MY FRIENDS IN CANADA A LATE HAPPY CANADA DAY

Can you believe half the year is over????  Wow the older I get the faster time flies by.

On the 1st I was able to get out and visit some venues.   I started out Live Music, my first time there and it is owned by the talented and truly entertaining KevinMThomas Carpool.  When I went there it was because I saw Kevin and Mike00 Carnell dualing.  It is fun just listening to them.

Mike Carnell and KevinMThomas at Live Music 0701201

From there I went to a favorite that I had not been to in a quite a while....Kickinhttp://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//171/184/24!!!!  I got to see Premium Composer.  Premium always does a great show that makes you leave your chair, get up and dance.  There is such a fun group of people at Kickin.

Premium Composer at Kickin 07012016

On the 2nd I was able to get out again.  I headed over to Endeavor Cove to see one of my favorites, I consider her a good friend in sl and hope to see her at a jam soon in the future.......Eliz Wantanbe.  Eliz put on a great 4th of July show leaving me blown away with some of her patriotic renditions.  Oh an with all the clothing you see for the holiday....I love the dress she wore.

Eliz at Endeavor Cove 07022016

From there I whisked off to see BigTex at Inspiration Music Venue and Art Gallery

BigTex at Inspiration Music Venue and Art Gallery 07022016

I had wanted to get this out to out to you over a week ago, but I had my own big bang.  Most of you know that I closed my venue from events due to health issues that almost sent me into a coma.  Shortly after that I learned my body had created its own shunt was causing meds to bypass the failing organ.  At the time it was not that large and when I recognized it would just double or triple my meds.  Well that standard MRI that always left me as status quo, did not leave me with status quo.  I never made it home from the dr office I was admitted to the hospital from the office.  I guess that shunt had gotten rather large, which explained why I had to keep doubling and tripling meds, add into that some clots that were causing blockages in a couple major veins.  Kind of funny to me as I have little to no platelets but it still happened and that was scary.  What they did do after a couple of days of deliberating was decide to put in a shunt, close off the one that my body made.  At the same time they were able to push the clots kind of far so they weren't causing the blockages. very hesitant about putting me on any kind of blood thinners, afraid it would cause internal bleeding so they will be monitoring very closely.  Finally got home last night and am off the pain killers, but with all the blood draws, the transfusions, and the iv's  my arms do resemble a junkie's.  If all works as it should I won't have to double and triple my meds who knows maybe even reopen the venue one day.  The dr that performed this as well as my oncologist both have said that they believe I could go back on the organ transplant list, though I am still far from needing it, they commented that this procedure can make the organ go from bad to worse much faster.  Though I can not complain, I have beaten every odd they gave me.  I do have to admit that over a week in the hospital is way too much

WHAT A FUN WEEK IN LIVE SL LIVE MUSIC!!!

On the 23rd I headed over to LoveKats to see Gibson.  Gibson is an amazing performer.  Talented and fun.  If you have not heard him yet, I highly suggest that you do.  If you have then I am sure you already love listening to him ass much as I do.  Between Gibson and Love Kats what a fun time it was, now keep in mind that I am biased about Love Kats,  Kat has done an amazing job on that venue and is also a close friend.

Gibson at Love Kats 0623 2016

When I left Love Kats, I headed to a venue that I had never been to before.  You know me I love finding new venues, seeing the creativity because everyone is different and each venue is a reflection of its owner.  This time I went to Stallion Jazz Club it is a beautiful venue and graced by ChicagoSax.  Now that man can play.  He is a great musician in both sl and rl.  Turns out that since I moved back to civilization we are not that far from each and know soo many of the same places.  Laughing if we compared notes maybe even the same people.

ChicagoSax at Stallions Jazz Club 062302016

I did not get out until I was asked to come listen to the absolutely amazing Steve Genesis.  He was donating his time and talent to Musicality.  For those that are not familiar with it, Musicality was a fund raiser organized for an extremely worthy cause.  As many of you in the US are aware, due to spending cuts out music programs for children is nonexistent in some areas and very limited in others.  I believe the best way to describe what this fund raiser was about is to just give you the mission state of Spread Music Now:

"Facing the Crisis at Hand 

Confidence. Creativity. Collaboration. These are just some of the things that improve when a child participates in structured, rigorous music education. Multiple studies have shown that students that learn music develop stronger academic skills, and in general, enjoy a higher quality of life than peers who do not study music.

Unfortunately, cuts in school music education programs have left many students with minimal exposure to the arts. This trend has taken an especially harsh toll on high-need students, since school-based programs are often the only opportunity they have to receive music education.

SpreadMusicNow is committed to filling this gap by funding music programs that foster continual learning and that put students on a clear path to college, career, and life success.

We believe that by providing a child with music education, they will experience a better quality of life and develop skills that will help them to not only become successful students, but role models that benefit society as a whole. 

While there I was able to see the a few different performers.  Starting out with Stephen Genesis....I am going to have to follow him around the grid....Wow I really enjoyed listening to him.

Steve Genisis at Musicality 06252016

 Some of my favorites that I stayed for.

Collin Martin at Musicality 06252016

And SoulVision

SoulVision at Musicality 06252016

The day was filled with amazing performers all giving their time and talent.  A reminder of how large the hearts of the SL Music Community are.

On the 29th I was able to get out again.and headed out to another venue I had never been to, Bonanza Country Club.  Oh my gosh how welcoming they are.  Bella1 Abbott is one of the nicest women.  I got to see Gemini Silverstone.  What a fun time that was.  
 

Gemini Silverstone at Bonanza Country Club 0629016

Then I was tp'd to another favorite favorite country performer, Shaye Dezno.  Unfortunately I arrived late and just caught the end of her show. I was unable to take a picture. From there we tp'd right over to Acoustic Cave and had the added benefit of listening to the so very talented Gary Jonstone.  Acoustic Cave is a mainstay in sl and one that always is a great place to hear so much talent, Max does a wonderful job of always having a great line up.

Gary Jonstone at Acoustic Cave 0629016

 Wow I forgot the 30th!  I wnt over to Duval Street and Pub and saw everyone's favorite Acoustic Energy.  Another absolutely amazing performer.

AE at Duval Street and Pub 06302016

 And now June is done.  What a month it has been.

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.