RAVEN ZENORIA – THIS SONGBIRD TAKES MUSIC TO UNPARALLELED HEIGHTS. JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING.

 

Sooo…the other day I was hopping around the grid, bouncing from sim to sim, looking for new and exciting things to do in this wonderful world of pixels.  Suddenly, faintly at first, then growing louder, came the sound of angelic singing, wafting over the airwaves.   I was instantly captivated like Ulysses and the call of the Sirens.  Yet, unlike Ulysses, I had no one to tie me to the mast, lest I fall victim to the enchantment.  I followed the dulcimer tones as they wafted over the airwaves.  Before I knew it, I was standing in the middle of a concert.  The vocalist?  A woman named Raven Zenoria.  I stood there…transfixed…unaware of either my location or the passage of time.  Finally, I was awakened from my stupor by the riotous applause at the end of her concert.  After several more minutes, I was finally coherent enough to head back stage.  I found Raven in her dressing room, preparing to leave, and she graciously consented to an interview.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    Hello Raven,  and thank you for agreeing to chat with me this evening on such short notice.  Share with our readers, please.  Just when did you first start singing and who were your initial audiences?

Raven (Raven Zenoria) (RZ): In Real Life, I first started singing when I was almost 6 years old. I sang in school choir, and solo at various places. As an adult, I have performed anywhere I could.

In Second Life, I started singing back in 2014. I have performed all over Second Life. My audiences....The only way I can explain it is extremely diverse.

JB:    How was it you happened to get this job, singing in SecondLife?

RZ:   Aside from my family and friends, my one true love has always been music. It gives me a feeling of freedom. I noticed how music can change people, heal, and bring people together. I wanted to be a part of that.

JB:    What genre of music do you sing, and do you have a favorite?

RZ:   I like to sing all genres of music. Any song i can get my hands on that moves me in some way, I will sing it. My favorite has always been rock.

JB:    You said you sing in RL as well.  Can you tell me more about that?

RZ:   I do sing in RL. I stopped doing live performances in RL to focus more on studio work. Jay and I are putting together an album. It is coming along slower than expected, but we are working hard to get it released.

JB:    So, how did you come to learn that you could also sing in the virtual world as well?

RZ:   Back in 2014, one of my friends found out that I sing. I didn't talk about it to anyone. So I was asked to perform one day, and I found that I liked it.

JB:    What type of audience do you hope to attract to your performances?

RZ:   I don't discriminate. I love to be around all people from all walks of life. The only thing I ask of people that attend my shows, is that they respect themselves and others around them.

JB:    How long have you been doing this now?

RZ:   In Real Life, I have been performing for 36 years. In Second Life, I have been performing for 9 years. It has been and still is an awesome experience in both lives! I can't wait to see what comes next.

JB:    Do you have standing gigs you do each week, or do you mix it up, and where might someone go to learn where to catch your next gig?

RZ:   I have standing gigs that I do weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. You can always look at my Google calendar and profile picks. In my picks, you can find the SLURL to the gigs. I try to make it easy to get to my shows.

JB:    As performer in Sl, you must meet people looking to hook up, don't you? How do you handle the Fans who may want more from you than just your music?

RZ:   I am in a committed relationship in RL. My partner and I don't date outside of our relationship. Behind every avatar in SL, there is a real person with real feelings. I don't like to play around with people's feelings. It is just not fair. I am always open to having more friends though!

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers before you head home for the evening?

RZ:   I am a builder, singer, performing artist. I have my hands in many things, but the stage is my home. On stage, I try to reach out to many different age groups. I love sharing my love of music with everyone, in hopes that it makes a positive impact on their lives.

The number one thing I speak out about at my shows is something I strive to live for each day. My message to everyone is that you don't have to conform to what others want, think, or tell you to be.  You are a strong, beautiful person who impacts the world around you in many ways. It is up to you to make a positive difference in your life. You be what you want to be, just never forget where you came from. You are you, and that is what makes you special.

I want to do a special shout-out to Amalia, Dee, and Teresa. Thank you for sticking by me, and hosting the shows. You are very much family to me. I love you!

JB:    Do you have any groups or social media sites, like FLICKR, SnapChat, Twitter, etc, where people can learn more about you and your incredible music?

Google Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/Ravens-Schedule

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012747346707

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfC81tURKDxyQeDfvP9_Rw

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/142451151@N02/

Discord:   ravenzenoria

So there you have it, Folks.  In a land where you have lots of singers out there, how do you know the “really Greats” from the “also sings”?  Wellllll…for starters,  you can take my word for it.  Hey!  You’re reading this article on the internet…and if it’s on the internet, it HAS to be true, right? But if that isn’t good enough (or even if it is), go catch one of Raven’s shows and decide for yourself. 

Check her out.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.   You’ll be glad you did.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

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HORRENDOUS HORRORS AND PHENOMENAL DJs: SADDLES HAS FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

For those of you who have NOT been to an event at Saddles lately, you owe it to yourself to do so.  Ashley Steele and her crew have done some AMAZING work that you simply will NOT want to miss.  Most recently they have added the Saddles Haunted House.  Now, when you have been a resident of the grid as long as many of us have, you think you have seen it all.  But I am telling you.   Check out Saddles this month and you surely WILL have “Seen it all”  Haunted House….Haunted Train Ride…Spooky Circus…This place has it.  I managed to Catch Ashley the other day while she was freshening up some of the blood splatters at the Haunted house, and managed to ask her a few questions about this latest addition to Saddles.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):       I have seen some phenomenal horror sims during the Halloween Season.  But the build you have this year’s is certainly among the best.   Was it a fascination with horror movies as a child?   Out-of-body experiences after eating tainted edibles?  Just where does that inspiration come from?

Ashley Steele (AS):   Saddles Haunted House was a complete staff project, from the initial ideas, to the final finished project. This whole area was built by Saddles staff and friends.  We were called Ashley’s Oasis.  After a short break, we opened back up as Saddles Canyon Country, Saddles Live Music / Saddles C (later renamed Saddles) DJ Aurrie started with me in 2015 and has remained to this day. 😊

JB:       Why did you decide to build this? And what sets Saddles House of Horror apart from the dozens of other Halloween builds out there?

AS:   Saddles does holiday-themed events.  We like to keep it fun for all guests, and I, along with my incredible staff, try to make that happen each and every day, always focusing on the guest experience. I am not sure about all the other great builds out there, but I do know that Saddles Haunted House will make you jump out of your skin. It’s fun and enjoyable for all. Bring your friends.  Bring your family.  Bring your friends’ families.  Ya’ll come now, ya hear?

After a harrowing visit to the Spooktacular attractions, you are going to want to get grounded again and Saddles is the perfect place for that as well.   Home to some of the Best DJs on the Grid, I was fortunate enough to be there and catch a set by Aurrie Lynne, the Saddles’ featured DJ of the Month for October.  I caught up with Aurrie as she had just wrapped up her final set of the evening, and she graciously consented to answer some of my questions.

JB:       How long have you been doing this?

Aurrie Lynne (aurrielynne.maesar) (AL):  I have been a full-on DJ since early 2014 but also did a lot of DJ sets occasionally for friends' clubs the previous 2 years or so along with 4 years of Hosting.  I have been involved in the SL club scene of many types of venues and genres for a long time.

JB:       What made you get started in this job?

AL:        I became seriously invested as a DJ, when I had a full REGION for 3 or so years, with 5 clubs on it, and had to often not only manage, but also host, and later DJ on short notice for a variety of genre’s, building up a lot of music... I also started taking regular / perm DJ sets in some friend’s clubs I had hosted at, with Rock/Pop and Country. I was in the process of going 100% as an SL DJ, when I joined Ashley’s Oasis and was slowly ramping down my region.

JB:       How many clubs are you currently hosting at?

AL:        I got out of SL for about a year as a DJ (only occasional sets for friends), and was an active DJ in other virtual world platforms like SANSAR, but now I am back, I Currently do sets @Saddles and @A Little Honky Tonk Bar spinning mostly Country and some Rock, getting back to my roots as a DJ. I also hosted a live Singer Friend.

JB:       What genre of music do you play, and do you have a favorite?

AL:        I had done a lot of EDM/Dance/Trance/House mixing at AEG clubs for over 5 years.  I will likely start doing some of that music again somewhere, TBD.  So, I like a lot of Music, I have played almost all of it at some point, and I think my current plans favorites wise are locked into Rock/POP/Dance/Country/EDM, and a mix of Trance and House music for Live Mixing. I use a Pioneer DDJ1000 to live mix and plan to do live mix shows in SL again soon.

JB:       Do you have your own group?

AL:        I had a very active group tied to my clubs, but they are pretty much shut down now, and just a list to find old friends. I have not found the secret to making a DJ group work for me or keeping folks there. Some DJ’s do it well, but that did not work well for me, so I did not put a lot of focus on it, you have clubs that are nervous about DJ’s who are growing their groups vs the Venue, it’s a sticky balancing issue at times.  I have one, of course, for those who want to see my schedule.

JB:       How many different venues do you play?

AL: Venue-wise, you have seen the MAIN ONEs that were significant for me, but I have played in over 18 clubs over the years, some come back for a bit and die, and some started up and shut down a year or so later. I tend to have a lot of friends who want to start up a club and ask If I will help them get going, I used to do it more than I do now, but MY SL time is more limited right now, due to RL work/project commitments. But I will often do openings and help for a few weeks, for a good friend.

JB:       Do you normally work with the same Host, or do you change it up from set to set?

AL:        I work with many hosts, but I will say, that a good Host makes the SET, and you can be a great DJ, and your set is going nowhere without good Hosting, especially if you are solo with no host.  I can DJ and Host at the same time (not ideal but doable), so I am less impacted by that, with my hosting experience. At the end of the day, it’s still the HOST/DJ team that makes a set memorable and fun. I know DJ’s who never hosted, and really can't do well unless a good one is provided.

JB:       The best DJs are usually good-looking, friendly, and outgoing…at least the good ones are. And as a semi-celeb, you must have people looking to hook up, don't you? How do handle the Fans who may want more from you than just your music?

AL:        I am open to friendships, for the sake of those who want to follow and have no groups left, but also, want to be actively informed when I am doing a set. So, on one level it’s not quite friendship, but I also get to know some, and we become friends, and that is key to networking as well.  You do get those who want more and might use the fact a DJs open to adding, but I handle that as I would as a normal SL person.

JB:       How would you advise someone who wants to get into your line of work  What would it take?

AL:        Above are many tips to not be repetitive, The bottom line: it takes time, practice, and getting out there and being seen and heard, and it can be a long grind, with many not-so-great sets, to improve and to start to get any recognition.

JB:       Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Readers?

AL:        Clubs, DJ’s, Singers, Live Performers, Hosts, and staff, all put forth a huge amount of effort to provide a great experience. There are yes, real costs and fees that have to be found/recovered from tips and donations as well, but the most critical of all is just supporting them with your time and attendance.  This is huge, to all of us in this business. We want and desire for you all to have a great time and experience. So much so that you want to come back for more.

JB:     Do you have any Social Media sites? Twitter, Snapchat, etc?

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Saddles/187/121/3002  (Saddles Halloween Venu)

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Saddles/187/121/3002 (Saddles Country Club)

https://www.facebook.com/people/DJ-Aurrie-Lynne/100022283060737/

So, there you have it folks.  For the Best in Haunting Entertainment that will leave you “screamless” or to dance to the mellow rock tunes of the DJ of the Month,  Aurrie Lynne (aurrielynne.maesar), head on over to Saddles Canyon Country Halloween at the link above.  You’ll be glad you did.  And tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB.

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THOROUGHLY MODERN MARILYN: THE WOMAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

One of the really Cool parts of writing for SL’s longest running and most respected publication, is that I often get to rub elbows with some of the true Greats of the Visual Media.  It’s a tough job, but SOMEBODY has to do it. This week, I had the very real pleasure of interviewing the star of the Screen, the original pin-up gal, and the beloved dream girl of people the world over  (OK…OK…Mostly of MEN the world over)  - The incomparable Miss Marilyn Monroo.

I caught up with Miss Monroo at her seaside home on the west coast of the Blake Sea, where she graciously agreed to answer my inane questions about her rather checkered career as the quintessential  Movie Star

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):  So Tell me, Miss Monroo.  Just how did you get started in acting?

Marilyn Monroo (MM):  When I was 16, I was hitchhiking to Hollywood and was picked up by a famous movie producer in a shiny sports car. When he heard that I wanted to be a singer and actress, he said he could help me.  And the rest is history!

JB:     Did you ever get nervous before a big movie scene? How did you handle it?

MM:   I sometimes do get nervous, but my agent gives me a pill or a taste of whiskey to calm my nerves.

JB:    What kind of hobbies did you enjoy outside of acting?

MM:   Knitting and gardening are my favorite hobbies when I am not being a movie star or on a date with a famous, rich man.  I also like noodling around with Quantum Physics, and I am also researching Einstein’s family tree and seeing how that supports his “Theory of Relatives”

JB:   What's the most exciting part about being a famous actress?

MM:   I got to sing Happy Birthday Mr. President to John F. Kennedy for his 45th birthday at Madison Square Gardens. I received a Grammy Award for my singing.

JB:   Were there any challenges you faced as a young actress? How did you overcome them?

MM:   My first paying job in High School was as a Babysitter,  but that didn’t seem to go so well.  Moms never seemed to like me for some reason – especially Moms with young Boys..  I don’t know why.  The Dads were just the opposite.  They would fall all over themselves, being nice to me, and always offered to drive me home at night.

The main challenge I had was the size of my boobs. That challenge was overcome by me being casted for movie parts as a full chested bimbo.  Oh…and in case you were wondering, these puppies are ALL  Marilyn.  No silicon in THIS Girl.

 JB:   Did you have a favorite role you played in a movie? If so, which one and why was it your favorite?

MM:   I liked being a showgirl named Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blonds,” because I was able to bathe in lots of white and pink diamonds on the set. I also got to sing which is one of my strongest talents. 

JB:     What advice do you have for people who dream of becoming actors or actresses?

MM:   My advice is to do what I did... quit school and hitchhike to Hollywood. Dating lots of famous rich men helps too.

JB:   Did you enjoy being famous, or did it have some downsides too?

MM:   I love being famous, who wouldn’t? The biggest downside is that everyone wants a piece of me. I am tiny so don’t have many pieces to give out. 

JB:     What was your favorite thing to do when you weren't working on movies?

MM:   I have started taking night classes, that way I can be a secretary if being a movie star doesn’t work out for me.  I also have an application to work at House of Waffles, but those jobs are so few and far between...and they are REALLY competitive.

JB:     Did you have to practice a lot to become such a great actress?

MM:   I sometimes need help with big words. I also take voice lessons so that I can sing my solos in the movies.

JB:     Did you have a favorite outfit that you wore in your movies?

MM:   I have two favorite outfits – the pink silk gown and diamonds from “Gentlemen Prefer Blonds” and my birthday suit in the pool scene of “Something’s Got to Give.”

 JB:     What's the coolest thing about being famous?

MM:   I published a book called “Marilyn’s Famous Quotes” in which I give my tips and advice to all of the aspiring actresses who want to be famous like me.

JB:     What were some of the funniest or most memorable moments on set while filming?

MM:   There were many funny and memorable things that happened to me in my movies. The best moment was in “The Seven Year Itch.” I was standing on a subway grate in a flowing white dress when the wind blew my skirt up. I wasn’t wearing any panties…

JB:     How did you handle being in the spotlight all the time?

MM:   I always keep a tube of SPF 45 Coppertone nearby.  Additionally,  I read books like Ulysses, War and Peace, or The Sound and the Fury. If they aren’t available, there is always the phonebook.

JB:     Did you ever get nervous before going on camera or performing in front of so many people?

MM:   I don’t usually get very nervous because of the type of parts I play. I am usually cast as a dumb blond bimbo type where I just smile, laugh, and act sexy. It would be hard to mess up that type of acting, right?

 Well, Miss Monroo, I want to thank you for taking time from your schedule to answer my questions.  You have inspired generations of moviegoers as the quintessential Movie Star and helped define the genre.

 Writer’s Note:  Special Thanks go out to Sara Box, the creator of the Marilyn avatar seen in the photos above, and without whose help I would not have been able to do this article.

 

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: TRISH NIGHTINGALE- SL’S NEXT COUNTRY MUSIC DIVA - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

I have always been a fan of County Music. Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, (and his son, Junior), Tammy Wynette – All would regularly belt out their tunes from the Radio in my Ford Ranchero.   Since before David Allan Coe noted that the perfect country song would include “momma, trains, trucks, prison & getting drunk”, Country Music had captured the hearts and minds of people world-wide.

Recently I was privileged to enjoy the dulcimer tones of oomissoootrishoo.nightingale, one of SecondLife’s newest live country singers.  I caught up with Miss Nightengale while she was relaxing following a recent concert. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions, the answers to which I now share with you, the SL Enquirer reader. 

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So, tell me, Trish. How did you initially develop an interest in Singing? 

oomissoootrishoo.nightingale (MT) I have been singing since I was just a toddler.  My dad's side of the family all sing (most of them yodel) and I used to love hearing my dad sing so much that I started trying to sing with him to the radio.  I got into choir in the 5th grade at school and have continued singing all of my life along to the radio or in karaoke bars or on-line karaoke.

JB:    Do you perform as a Singer in RL? Maybe in a Church choir, or in the kitchen?  Or in the shower?

MT:   I sing at karaoke bars sometimes and am always singing along to the radio or just belting out a song in the shower or while cleaning without any music.  My poor husband and kids must be tired of hearing me sing by now!! haha

JB:    How did you first come to learn about Second Life?

MT:    I was in a Singsnap room on paltalk and my friend Arra kept mentioning having concerts she had to do later that night.  I said that I wished that I lived near her so that I could hear her in concert.  She told me that it was not IRL that it was in second life and I could make a free account and come hear her sing so that is what I did.

JB:    How did you decide to be a Vocalist in SL?

MT:   The first month I was on SL I just logged into my account to hear Arra and Angelikus sing then I would log back off.  I looked like a naughty school teacher in my original avi and I carried around a torch at all of their concerts.  I think I was embarrassing them so Angelikus told me I needed to get my avatar fixed up.  I bought some lindens and she helped me fix up my avatar then she and Arra took me shopping and taught me how to save my appearances.  I spent the next week playing with my new clothes and getting outfits together so I could look cute at their concerts.  Then my other friend from Singsnap, mittzy, logged into SL after many years of being gone just to take me to the O'lounge to start singing over here.  It was all uphill from there :)

JB:    Have your musical tastes changed over the years, or were you always a C&W fan?

 MT:   I have always been a C&W fan but I grew up around pop, rock and heavy metal due to my cousins and my brother all loving everything but country.  They all used to make fun of me and my country music! haha  But I am thankful for them because I know all kinds of music today because of them :)

JB:    Who has had the most influence on your singing style?

MT:   I have always been a Reba fan my whole life but I would have to say I love me some Carrie Underwood as well!  Everyone seems to like me doing a lot of Pam Tillis songs though for some reason! haha

JB:    You have made amazing progress here for one so young to the ways of SL?  A list full of Favorite locations and a detailed, fully developed avatar – things not usually seen in one so new to the game.  Would you care to share your secret, if I promise to keep it just between us, and maybe some of our 90,000 readers? Cross my heart!

MT:   hahaha I would love to share :) So Angelikus Deo (a dear friend of mine) gets 100% credit for my Avatar.  She took me to all the stores to pick out what I wanted to look like then she remoted into my pc to put it all together for me and didn't she do an amazing job!!! Arra gets the credit for taking me shopping and helping me learn how to save my outfits so I could look cute at her concerts.  Mitzy gets the credit for taking me to the O'lounge to get me started in my karaoke on SL.  Urban Harvy gets the credit for my sound setup, pushing me to stop singing flat,  taking me all over the grid to karaoke to get my voice heard, helping me build every single thing I have including but not limited to my tip boards (I have so many) my house, my self-streaming stage and karaoke board at my house, painting my house re-modeling my whole house and for taking me to Saddles to get my first job.  Ashley, the owner of Saddles, gets the credit for getting me on the actual stage to be a performer by  hosting my debut performance at Saddles on 6/8/23.  She made me a GM of her venue and taught me all the ropes of running a venue, hosting, and helping me get lots of practice singing in front of a live audience. 

JB:    Did you know there is a SL Music Hall of Fame? It is for those who “have demonstrated a commitment to the art that is UNSURPASSED.”  Might that interest you at all and have you looked into that?

MT:    I have not heard of that and I would be delighted to learn more about it and am definitely interested in being a part of it!

JB:    Where would you like to be in SL in 5 years?

MT:   I would like to be known to have touched many people’s lives in a positive way either through my singing or through hanging out and sharing in many many laughs or known for my very giving heart.  I would love to be a positive influence for the SL community for sure!

JB:    Is there anything else you would care to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

MT:    I have a genuine love for people.  I love to see people happy and having a great time.  When someone else is hurting I am right there crying along with them like a big ole baby.  I can't handle seeing someone homeless and out in the cold.  I feel God puts these people in my path because he knows I will not turn my head to them.  I will do everything I can to try to help with either a phone call for them or some money or a hot meal.  I always put everyone else’s needs before my own.  My kids look amazing when they leave my house but I may look like a hot mess!  When I love I love hard and I do not hate anyone nor do I hold grudges.  If I am mad, you will know it, then I will be over it and apologizing to you and wanting to hug your neck! haha

I am a foster mom and married to a minister IRL.  I had no idea he was a minister when I got with him that came out about a year later as he had not been in his ministry for several years.  He got back into it and has been full force into ministry about 3 years now.  He is working on me and my sinful ways but I am definitely a work in progress!!! haha  I would love to be a good obeying Christian woman but I definitely do fall short of grace!  Hopefully I will get there someday!  I love the Lord with all my heart but definitely am not perfect nor do I live a perfect Christian life!  Pray for me, y'all, and I will continue to pray for you all too! <3

WEB: www.misstrishnightingalecountry.com

Group: secondlife:///app/group/1f0114d3-d31e-7f88-e1c3-769ee51e2ea6/about

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MissTrishNightingale

SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/misstrish-phoenix

Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=b56de223ff4fe43b640c94a27832272eb5eda1eca2ce15059db0175b305d2894@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

So, there you have it, folks.   For the absolute best in Live Music, found anywhere on the Grid, you simply HAVE to catch one of Miss Trish Nightengale’s Concerts. 

Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

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CHARLEY’S BEACH CLUB: PARADISE IN THE SAND – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

It’s Summertime! …School is out and a person’s mind turns toward the “V” word.  I am talking about “Vacation”.   Visions of an Island paradise, turquoise blue water with a pleasant surf…and of course…the delicious notes of music that wafts effortlessly over the sand dunes.  You made it.  You are here!   You are not at just ANY beach.  You came to Charley’s Beach Club.  And unlike most OTHER beach clubs, where all you go home with is a wicked sunburn and sand in your shorts, at the end of the night when you have been at Charlie’s you will feel different.  You’ll feel like you were in the presence of family members…the good family members, and not that nasty sibling who stole your bestie when you were in High School, and who would mess with your Nintendo when no one was watching.

I was poking around the SL Destination guide the other day and stumbled upon this jewel of a club.  It was near closing time, but even at that late hour, I know I had stumbled into a special place with some really spectacular folks. They had already had a “last call” and I asked the proprietor, Amilee, if she would sit for a moment and chat with me about Charley’s, and she graciously agreed.  This is her story.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    Soooo… tell me Amilee.  Just who was the Namesake behind Charley’s  Beach Club? 

 Amilee (Amiliee1) (A1): Charley (jeepguy56) was a DJ, FOXY Radio station owner, and a great friend to many of us, as well as a club owner.  During his ten years on SL, he owned several clubs and made many friends.   Charley considered himself a “Southern Gentleman” and never met a stranger.  He was always making friends.  He was loved and is missed by many. Those of us who knew Charley wanted to keep this place running as a tribute to our good friend, mentor, and confidant.

JB:    What is your preferred musical genre, and what kind of music are guests most likely to hear?

A1     Our DJs play classic rock, pop, country western and have even been known to have Disco sets.  Once a week we have blues at Charley's Mystic Blues.  Mystic Blues is a beautiful Blues club above the beach club.

JB:    You recently changed locations.  What was that all about?

A1     After Charley passed away, I wanted to keep this amazing group of people together and give us all a place to dance, laugh, support each other, and of course keep Charley's vision alive - his love of music.  Charley's Beach Club was created on a small piece of beach but we always had our eye on the beautiful corner beach next door.   When it became available it was an easy decision to move and expand Charley's

 

 JB:    What a lovely build.  Did you do this yourself?  Or were others involved, and what were their roles?

A1     When I opened Charley's the plan was to recreate as much as possible from Harbor Breeze, Charley's last club.  So, things like the stage and a few other items were used. Gjalt Lander, my partner, did all the amazing landscaping and made the club so beautiful.  It still holds some of the original Harbor Breeze Charm.  That was our intention anyway...and I think we achieved that to a certain extent.

JB:    There are many beautiful beaches out there. What is the Charley’s Beach Club difference? 

A1     What Charley's offers is great DJs and music, fun and friendly people in a very welcoming atmosphere.   I think you will see it immediately upon landing…from the friendliness of the DJs and Hosts to the beautiful layout, as well as the selection of dances available.  Couples, Singles, or Group line-dancing….it is all available at Charley’s Beach Club

JB:    Who would you envision as the ideal guest?

A1     We are a moderate club so I would think that most adults enjoy an array of music genres.  Folks who like to dance, laugh and have fun, and make friends.  As a moderate club, we are here for the one who truly appreciates fine music and classic rock.  If someone is looking for just another sex sim, they might be happier if they just kept on looking.  But for people who want to hear some wicked good music and a place to hang with their friends…Charley’s Beach Club is the place for you.   

JB:    And just how might a guest learn what’s happening at Charley's Beach Club?

A1     Joining Charley's Group is the best way.   That way you will receive the notices we send out regularly.  Also…we post the schedule of events on a board on the sim.  And finally, just ask.  DJs always announce when their sets are starting and what genre they will be playing.   They will also announce if there is a theme or contest during the set.

JB:    What has been your biggest Challenge in Managing Charlie’s Beach Club? 

A1     Successful advertising is always the most difficult activity.  Friends can tell friends and bring them in but being found by new people is the challenge.  With all the venues available in SL, it can be hard to decide if all they know is the club’s name.  We are expanding our focus on advertising in hopes of getting the word out to more people.

JB:    Do you have any plans for future development?

A1     Charley's Mystic Blues Club is something I have been working on along with the club managers, AJ Rover, Jessie Rover, and Gjalt Lander.  I have visited several Blues clubs in the area, and we wanted to build something uniquely ours. Mystic Blues is a cozy, inviting club where Blue's DJs can come and showcase their favorite blues. Come for a visit and I guarantee you will want to return time and time again.

JB:   So then, Amilee.  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

A1: I want to thank Gjalt Lander, (my partner) for all the many hours he spent landscaping and setting things up. Charley's is a beautiful place to come and sit with friends, play Greedy, and listen to great music, with or without our DJ's present.   I want people to know they are always welcome at Charley's.  Also, Josh, I want people to know I am looking at adding singers and concerts to Charley's line up     We are hiring DJs and Hosts.  If you are interested in knowing more, just talk to me. 

 

So…there you have it Folks, for the finest in Beach entertainment, scoot on down to Charley’s Beach Club and Mystic Blues.  It will be well worth your time and you will be so glad you did.  Say “Hello” to Amilee.

And when they ask how you found the place, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be there.  Aloha!

JB

SURL Charley’s Beach Club: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Super%20Island/220/82/22

SURL Mystic Blues: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Super%20Island/204/79/1751

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SPOTLIGHT ON SULLY VONSWAG: THE MYTH OF THE SL/RL DIVIDE – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

SecondLife offers an entire virtual world of new activities for residents   Sailing, Shopping, building, Musical events, and all manner of Adult Entrainment venues. One of the more commonly embraced hobbies here is that of Profile Perving.  A vast majority of those profiles will include a line to the effect of how the writer says something like.  “Let’s Keep SL and RL separate, shall we?  But that is not a universally held position.  In fact, for Sully VonSwag (sultansullyvonswag, there is no SL versus RL dividing line. For Sully, SL IS an extension of his First Life.

In a world where the news is often dominated by stories of crime, or accidents, or examples of man’s inhumanity to man, we rarely hear about the good things that happen, often right before us.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): Greetings Sully.  Thanks for agreeing to chat with me.  I understand you have a pretty incredible story to tell about how your friends raised money for your recovery from surgery?  Please share this with our SL Readers.

Sully VonSwag (sultansullyvonswag) (SV):  I've only been in SL steady since early 2016, and I have been performing live in SL since 2019. It is my personal experience in SL which has led me to never say RL anymore

JB:   You NEVER say RL, huh?  Interesting idea.  What is it that brought you to that conclusion?

SV:   Prior to Sl I was part of a couple different live stream sites.  On one of the live stream sites a fellow musician was much like me - self-employed and had no health insurance. He had a health issue and several of us got together and held a 24 hr online benefit for him. I hosted it.  Using Skype I would bring the musicians onto the live-stream site. And because of this we also started the “Be Kind Project”

So, fast forward

I had not been feeling well at all the entire week of Christmas.  I ended up going to the emergency room They put me on good meds for the pain I was in - back and abdomen pain.  They did some tests. The ER doc came back and said that “I had a Triple A”.

 

https://www.facebook.com/SultanSullyVonSwag/videos/979598366070186

JB:   And what exactly is that?

SV:   That was MY thought exactly. That sounds like a mouthful, I thought.  What’s it mean? I threw my hands up and asked him to put it in plain English. He said you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.  “In your abdomen, there was a big bubble in the aorta like a bloated garden hose in one section.” He then explained if it were 2 to 3 cm they would put me on meds and send me home. Mine was 5 to 6 cm which means I was ready to burst.  Then he said if it burst you die in about 10 min from internal bleeding.  Yeah.  THAT part I understood.

EDITORS NOTE: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) were responsible for around 9,000-10,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. According to the World Health Organization, AAA is responsible annually for worldwide deaths of 165,000.

JB:   Wow, Not good, Not good at all. I bet that was a scary thought.  Good thing they caught it in time

SV:   Yeah. After he told me and explained it, I asked him “What’s next?” And he explained that I would have to have an operation. And I kind of hoped the people from the live stream site would get together and help me out as we did for our other friend, but they didn’t. 

Finally, it was my SL lil sister and 2 other venue owners.  They got 12 sl artists together, most of whom did not know me from Adam, and they and did a 12 hr benefit for me in SL.  Some of them also offered up special shows that were bid on.  Between the lindens they raised and Pay Pal donations, I was able to survive the 3 months I could not work while I was recuperating

 JB:   Can you share the names and positions of the main organizers of the fundraising effort?

SV:   The only 3 names I know for sure are my lil sister, Velvetrose Blossom (also a singer in SL), Brindimere Laroway, and Laya Sugarplum from Café Musique.  I'm sure each of them had their contacts as well.

JB:   So then, just how much money did your friends raise for you?

SV:   All totaled it was nearly 3 grand

JB:   They raised 3,000 Lindens?

SV:   Nope.  It was Dollars.  They raised nearly $3,000 USD

JB:    They raised almost $3,000 for you?  That’s incredibly generous!

SV:   It was about 250,000 Lindens or about $1,000 USD, and an additional $2,000 came in Pay Pal donations. There were dual kiosks set up - one for Linden donations and one that would take them to an external Pay Pal site. I think that was about it.  I never really did the math on it.  I was just blown away by the outpouring of love from mostly strangers.

 

JB:    WOW!

SV:   And that’s what everyone says after that story.  So, yeah.  SL doesn’t get any more "real" than that

JB:   I can't even imagine. 

SV:   That word "real " is really only a concept.  What may be real to one is not to another.  All senses can be fooled or tricked.  I once met a woman in sl who used to love to go out dancing in her actual life.  She got in a car accident and lost the use of her legs.  SL allowed her to continue to go out and dance.  For her that was REAL. 

SL is simply an extension of my 1st life.  People are always doing amazing things here that blur the lines between SecondLife and their actual lives.  For example, there was a woman whose mother had Parkinson’s Disease.  In order to support her daughter, she started a Parkinson’s Disease Sim.  The daughter showed her mother the sim.  The mother stated that she saw her avi walk without a cane so often that she convinced herself she did not need the cane in her actual life and she did learn how to walk without it

There is even a video about how people with disabilities can really live better, more fulfilling lives through SecondLife.  Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQw02-me0W4

JB:   What kind of work do you do? when not performing in SL?

SV:   In 1st life I do remodeling and home repair

JB:   Sooo….If you don't work, you don't get paid,  and you were out of work for three months?

SV:  I don’t know what I would have done if it were not for their generosity.   I really needed those funds to survive during my recovery from surgery.  I have no remaining complications.  I get a CT scan every year…to make sure everything is ok.  But with age comes many health things

 JB:   So then...with all this kindness that was shown to you, have you done anything to "Pay it Forward?" Maybe by organizing a benefit concert for others?

SV:   Well, I’ve always helped out others whenever and where ever I can, and yes when asked to play for Relay for Life, I do.  My mom died as a result of breast cancer so I'm all for it.  The band that I used to play in did a breast cancer benefit every year.  Also, when I see new people, I help them.

I play Mondays at 8PM SLT at Cafe Musique. I also play Zoffee's Midnight Blues 8 pm SLT.  I guess this guitar on the back of my avi gave it away that I am a musician?  I play electric.  Mostly bluesy or blues-based stuff.  I do a combination of backtracks and me Soloing along and singing

I'm just grateful this platform exists and it lets me continue doing something I love.  I'll never be one of the egotistical types that feel I MUST get paid for what I do in SL.  I know I am not everyone’s cup of tea.

I played in a band for many years, so I know what it takes, and the fact I can sit here in my undies If I so chose, and play to live people is a piece of cake

JB:   Now THAT is a visual I can do without!

SV:   Hahaha. But in all seriousness, I want outsiders to see the good that SL can hold and that SL is not just about sex or old people trying to cheat on spouses.  There is a lot of good here, and I want people to know that, and would hate to think people are taking advantage of others as a result of my story.

DISCORD:  Sully #3108

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013450362240&fre FB

So there you have it, folks.  Next time you get to feeling that no one seems to care, remember Sully here…and the many caring and supportive people- friends and strangers - who helped him through a difficult time in his life.  And THAT is the reason he says there in no difference between SL and RL

For more information about Sully, here is an interview with him by Olly Esel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NccR7gNLgaU&t=142s

https://soundcloud.com/sullyvonswag/sets/originals

You can catch Sully at Café Musique Mondays at 8:00 PM SLT, or at Zoffee's Midnight Blues 8 pm SLT. Give him a shout inworld and find out where he is performing next.  You’ll be glad you did.

Tell him Josh sent you.

JB

https://www.facebook.com/SultanSullyVonSwag/videos/1046947455937096

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