BLUE RIDGE COUNTRY – AUTHENTIC COUNTRY WITH AN APPALACHIAN TWIST - JOSH(THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

In the many years that I have been writing for SL Enquirer, I have visited Scores of Regions, hundreds of Sims, and probably thousands of parcels in my search for excellence.  Most of those places miss that standard by a mile.  Some places come a little closer.  A very select few of those builds actually accomplish what they set out to do, and become a showcase for excellence in the Virtual World.  Blue Ridge Country is one of those that truly "makes the cut".  I was hopping around the grid the other day and ran into Hannock Evergarden and his lovely bride, ʟoʟǟ Ďεмυřε-ɛʋɛʀɢǟʀɖɛռ (jyden812).  Hannock graciously agreed to take a break from his labors and answer my burning questions about this "Center of Excellence" called Blue Ridge Country.  What follows is the result of that interview.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:     So, Tell me, Just what makes Blue Ridge Country different from teh other Western Clubs out there?

Hannock Evergarden (HE):     Well first, Blue Ridge Country went out of it's way to not be a western country club. The theme of the club is based on the rural hills of the Appalachian Mountains. Western clubs are a dime a dozen and we wanted to be different. 

JB:     Where did you get the inspiration for your Blue Ridge Country?  and can you share a bit about the history of the place?

HE:     Hannock’s home is in the state of Virginia and is very familiar with the scenery and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That's why you see a lot of moonshine stills around the club, lol.  

BRC opened on September 1, 2023 on a small 1/4 parcel before moving onto a full region in March of '24, adding so much more activities and scenic atmosphere to the club region.

JB:     Did you two develop this on your own, or were you working with others?

HE:     Lola and I conceived and built Blue Ridge Country initially and then brought in our general manager Ange Blackwell to help us on the full sim.  At first, we didn't know how we were going to fill an entire region but in time we actually ran out of room, lol.  After nearly one year of daily operation, we decided to take a 2-month hiatus to reorganize and redesign the club region, so on July 13 operations were shut down and we began working on a plan to revitalize and refresh the club. 

JB:     What did you find was the Biggest challenge in preparing for your Grand reOpening?

HE:     Attracting attention.  23 VIP’s left our group during the shutdown, probably thinking we were permanently closed in spite of our advertising that it was for only 2 months.  We hope to regain those VIPs and add many more after we reopen.  We pulled out the stops in advertising and getting the word out but it's not easy to attract guests when they don't know we're there.   

While the club was shut down many additions and improvements were made to the surrounding club region. The trails were replaced with a simple dirt path making it easier for horseback riding.  The cave now includes a scenic, enchanted cavern with cuddle spots and poses perfect for photography.  Access to the boat dock has been made easier and more boat rezzers have been added to enjoy in our sim wide open water area. A tall water slide has been added to the open water area with a hang glider rezzer at the top that allows guests to view the Blue Ridge region from the air. The beach has been expanded to include a volley ball court and a basketball hoop. Completing the beach additions is a wind surfer rezzer. 

JB:     So then....Tell us about your Grand (re)Opening.

HE:     After a 2-month hiatus, we intend to have a reopening party on Saturday August 31 at 4 PM for staff and VIP’s out on the beach. On Friday, September 6, Blue Ridge Country will reopen full time, 7 days a week 12 PM to 8 PM, with a fresh look and a revitalized staff.  Our fantastic staff is what makes Blue Ridge Country the awesome club that it is.  We would have understood if the staff had decided to move on to other clubs and venues but almost all of BRC's DJ's and Hosts hung in there during the break and will return on September 6. Our staff is eager to get the club rolling again.  

JB:     What are some of the things people can do at Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     The list is long but some things are: Horseback riding with expanded and improved trails, cave exploration, a multi-level tree house for cuddling or to just take in sounds of wildlife and scenery, stores for shopping, an expanded beach area with a volley ball court, bowling alley, trampoline and a diving board as well as our DJ Desires music sets every Saturday.  The boat dock has easier access and includes rezzers for Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, bumper boats and jet skis and an open water area to have fun in.  We have added a water slide and also a hang glider rezzer at the top, it's easy to use and the views are spectacular!

JB:     Do you have full time rental property available here?  And maybe a link for potential renters?  

HE:       The most exciting addition are rental cottages.  Now guests can vacation at BRC and enjoy all the fun things as well as being right next to the club where they can enjoy our awesome DJ's and perhaps make some new BRC friends.  

On the Blue Ridge region, we have 5 short term vacation rentals ranging from L$50/day to L$300/day.  There are rental kiosks at each rental cottage. 

Although not a part of the club region there are two more regions connected to it both also owned by Lola and myself.  Sweet Magnolia Bay for full time land rental and Blue Water Bay vacation rentals with full access to the open water area. 

JB:     Who would you see as the ideal guest at Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     The ideal guest would be just down to Earth people that want to have a good time free of drama and stress. We love seeing people enjoy the surrounding areas and the best country music our awesome DJ's provide.

JB:     Is there anything else you would care to share with our readers?

HE:     Blue Ridge Country has zero tolerance for drama. We simply want everyone to have fun and to be a part of our crazy family.  Blue Ridge Country wants to be a place everyone feels welcome and have a good time.  So come hang out with us and come get your fun fix! 

JB:     Where can a person go who might be interested in learning more about Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     Come straight to the club, everything you need to know is there.  You can leave a note card to one of the owners if we are not open or just ask any staff member and they will be happy to help you. 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/70/116/28

FACEBOOK  https://www.facebook.com/groups/234507606210971/

FLICKR:      https://www.flickr.com/photos/199052932@N06/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/201333702@N08/"s/201333702@N08/

So there ya have it folks.  Have I ever lied to you before?  Trust me, you are definitely going to want to check this place out.  You will be SOOOOooo glad you did!  Go alone, or better yet, take a friend. And when you get there, tell 'em Josh sent ya.

Be There!  Aloha!

JB

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Spotlight Feature on Blue Ridge Country- This Place is a Country Song waiting to Happen- Lanai jarrico Reporting...

 

“Hillbilly” music originated in the Southern regions of the United States in the 1920’s and focused on story telling in ballads and dance tunes. In the 40’s this genre gained popularity the term Country Music was adopted; also known as Honky-Tonk, Bluegrass, folk and gospel and crossing over into. The musical instruments commonly played are fiddles, banjos and various types of guitar coupled with line dancing.

 

 In Second Life, Blue Ridge Country is a venue dedicated to Country music and rock.  It is a place where friends and good times are what it’s all about.  Visitors can Rock the Dock on Saturdays with a whole day of rock.  For those that like playing games, there is a Game room, Water horse rezzers and trails to ride on. There are also boat rezzers and an open water area to enjoy as well as Stores to shop.  The SL Enquirer met up with owner Hannock Evergarden to learn more about Blue Ridge Country and what it has to offer Country Fans gridwide.

Interview with Hannock Evergarden

SLE: Hi Hannock, before we get down to the nitty gritty, can you tell us how you discovered Second life and what inspired you to create Blue Ridge Country?

Hannock: I encountered SL almost 11 years ago. It was just a curiosity, and I had no intention of staying long term, but I discovered friends and fun destinations that intrigued me. I found a few fun clubs and from the start I had a fascination with some day starting my own. I had left Sl for a while and found many of the clubs and friends had disappeared. It was during Covid that I found my way back in and looked for a club I could call home. At the time I was not all that familiar with country music but found a love for it along with many new friends. After about a year I became interested in becoming a DJ and absorbed all I could from my favorites.  It was through the help of many close friends that happened to be DJ’s that I learned the ropes and as of 5/22 I performed my first set as a DJ and the rest is history.  I learned a lot about how a club works and eventually became part owner of a well-established country club. After about a year I started toying with the idea of starting my own club.  Lola and myself started from scratch and built a country club based on the Appalachian Mountains on a ¼ region. On September 1 2023, Blue Ridge Country opened with only 3 sets per day for 5 days. We only had 7 DJ’s and 7 Hosts.  Within 2 months we grew to 27 DJ’s and 27 Hosts and with 4 sets per day 7 days per week.  

  On 3/1/24 Blue Ridge Country moved to a whole region with an adjoining sim wide open water area. Blue Ridge continues to grow with hopes of expanding sets from 6AM – 10PM. 

Lanai: Your backstory is impressive. It shows with hard work and the right people in your circle to really manifest your vision into virtual reality!  Every successful venue has a solid team, can you share who makes up your team and what their roles are?

Hannock:  Hannock and Lola Evergarden – owners

                 Ange Blackwell – General Manager

                 Myth Blackwell   - General Manager

                 Rayn Vortex – Day Manager

                 Jessie Demure – Schedule Manager

Lanai: It looks like you have management covered! Country music is gaining popularity amongst the millennials and Gen Z as new talents hit the recording studios and popular singers Like Beyonce coming out with a whole Country Album. What does Country Music mean to you and how do you feel about other artists crossing over to the genre? 

Hannock:  I came from a rock background and knew very little about country music before I became a DJ. I learned quickly from other DJ’s and binged all the popular country songs on my music app and listened to them every day and downloaded everything that appealed to me. I never play a song that I do not like.  Country music has now become my favorite music genre and I get excited finding new songs every day.

Lanai: I like how motivated you are to try new things and really get involved in Country music so quickly. What type of events do you host at BRC?

Hannock: We have future RFL events in the planning stage. We have a racetrack skybox that we will soon be having competitions. Live singers are being approached and we hope to host a live event in the near future. 

SLE: That sounds like fun! Are you currently hiring? If so, what positions are you offering?

Hannock: We are always looking for good energetic DJ’s and Hosts. Many of our sets are covered but we always need cover DJ’s and Hosts as well as hoping to expand our sets in the mornings. 

SLE: Aside from live shows and DJ events, what other activities do you offer at Blue Ridge Country?

Hannock: Blue Ridge country has several stores with owners that would be happy to create something personal for you. We have an open water area with boat rezzers, bumper boats, kayaks, canoes and jet skis. Islands to explore, a huge tree house with several levels, cuddle spots and plenty of scenic photo opportunities. We have a trail that surrounds the region and horse rezzers to take a casual stroll around to see the mountainous sites. There is a beach area where occasional music sets are located. The huge club can accommodate over 100 vips with a massive game room upstairs. 

SLE: it sounds like a little something for everyone.  What group can guests join to stay up to date with your events?

Hannock: Blue Ridge Country, we also have subscribers if you are out of group space. 

SLE:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about BRC?

Hannock: We are a family friendly club where our number one goal is having fun and making friends. Blue Ridge Country will never have a sploder or linden chasers, we prefer genuine folks that enjoy good country music, good friends and a good time. Blue Ridge Country wants to be your club and a place anyone can call home. 

Additional Links:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/113/112/29

Discord: https://discord.com/channels/1132415568000065608/1132415569124130938

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1ST ANNIVERSARY COMING UP FOR BLUE RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

 

BLUE RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB HAS TONS OF ENTERTAINMENT WAITING FOR YOU! WE ARE BIGGER AND BETTER AND WE ARE COMING UP ON BEING OPEN 1 YEAR, SO COME CELEBRATE WITH US! WE HAVE LIVE DJ'S 12PM - 8PM AND SATURDAYS 6AM- 8PM

https://discord.com/channels/1132415568000065608/1132415569124130938

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/113/112/29

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Blue Ridge Country moved as of March 1st, 2024!

Blue Ridge Country music club, established in September 2023 moved onto a full, moderate region and larger club building. The club focuses on new and classic country music played by some of the most entertaining DJs in second life, Sunday through Friday, and a full day of Rock, new and classic, on Saturday on a massive lake dock.

  The concept for Blue Ridge Country began years ago by owner Hannock Evergarden well before even becoming a DJ. Hannock set out to learn everything he could about club operations. After DJ’ing at various clubs and becoming part owner of another well-established country music club and learning the day-to-day operations as well as managing staff, he observed what works and what does not and incorporated that knowledge into managing Blue Ridge Country. 

  When the ideal of creating a club began to take form it was decided to begin small and build bigger if it became successful. The original club building was nothing more than a horse stable on ¼ region and the name for the club had not yet been decided and went through several concepts and ideas.  Blue Ridge Country and its theme is based on the Appalachian mountains which is close by and familiar to Hannock’s hometown, so it was decided to go with what he knows.  Once the concept began to take form it became obvious that if the club was going to have any chance of success, it was going to have to be larger and increased the area to ½ region. Plans were made for stores and trails with wildlife and scenic views as a dock for outside music sets. The club building was replaced with a mountain lodge large enough to accommodate several dozen with an area for games upstairs. 

  A deciding factor for choosing the Blue Ridge concept is because it was different from the typical, western, cowboy type country music club. The entire club was built by Hannock and his wife Lola, soon after they were joined by Ange, hired as the club's general manager.

  On September 1st, 2023, Blue Ridge Country opened to the public with only 7 DJ’s and 7 hosts. Within 6 weeks the club employed 25 DJ’s and 24 hosts.  Only 3 music sets per day were scheduled initially but eventually increased to 4 per day and 8 sets all day on Saturday’s. The club group members swelled to 200 by the end of the year. Plans were already in the works to move and enlarge the club and the owners went to work on a new club building. After trying several other designs, it was decided to expand and modify the current building. After the first of the year a full region was purchased, and work began on building the new club. The club is also going to be situated in a moderate rated region so as to be more family friendly.  With the combined efforts of the club owners, Hannock & Lola as well as general managers, Ange & Myth, the new club, and region was completed in 6 weeks and on March 1st,2024, it became operational. 

 Boasting beautiful views and mountain scenery adjoining a sim wide open water area. It includes a horse rezzer and extensive trails to ride them, a boat dock with bumper boats, kayaks, paddle boats, canoes and even jet skis. Beautiful waterfalls and a cave to explore.  Anyone can climb into the eagle's nest tree house that comes complete with cuddle areas, a relaxing bungalow, fantastic views of the region, complete with climbing ropes and a zip line. There is a romantic ranger tower nestled in the corner that looks fantastic in the midnight setting. 

  Themed events and contests will be occasionally scheduled. A full sim wide racetrack, with rezzable cars, motorcycles and hovercars is available above on a skybox.

Blue Ridge Country not only wants to be your music club but also a place where you can feel at home, build friendships, and not worry about judgements or drama. Future plans include scheduling live singers and concerts. Increasing music sets all day every day from 6AM to 10PM. Involvement in special causes and events.

We invite everyone to visit us and explore. The staff of Blue Ridge Country are the friendliest you will find in second life and will be more than happy to welcome you and include you in the Blue Ridge family.

TELEPORT NOW

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/60/139/26

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Blue Ridge Country: Fun Times & Great People!

 

Blue Ridge Country is Hiring Fun, Energetic, Dependable DJs & Hosts! 100% of the Tips! 1000% Fun Times!

TELEPORT: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ForEvergarden/181/22/25

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