Lora’s Kindness Café: A Peaceful Respite in a Hectic World – Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

 

One of the really nice things about Second Life is getting to see the amazing creativity people put into their builds.  Residents have created worlds from the bottom of the deepest ocean, to the farthest reaches of outer space, and everywhere in between.  Some of these are big, Splashy builds that cover entire regions.  Others build a bit more modestly, covering a full sim or less.  But the really AMAZING builds that provide the heart and soul of SL are provided by those individuals who open a small shop on a street corner in some exotic-sounding region.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:     So tell me, Lora. What inspired you to want to open a Cafe?

Lora Broome (LB):     I am BIG fan of coffee shops in RL.  The best ones are an ecosystem of quirky people who love fresh-roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, art, books, cooking, and travel.  There are some very good coffee shops in SL that recreate that feeling, and I wanted to try to create one in SecondLife.  

JB:     How did you decide on the slogan, "Be Kind to All"

LB:     SL is a wonderful place. I've met many wonderful, kind people here and wanted to create a space that encourages positivity, optimism, and kindness.

JB:     Did you do this by yourself?  Or did you have help?

LB:     I did most of the work myself, but I also have some talented friends who helped with the logo and the music streaming.

JB:     What is the inspiration behind the Cafe?   Places you used to visit?  A fav hangout from your University days?  What?

LB:     I am a coffee addict and visit the "best" shops in any city I visit.    The Kindness Cafe is a reflection of the best of each of those shops.

JB:     And how is the Kindness Cafe Different from the many other Coffee shops scattered about the grid?

LB:     There are MANY wonderful coffee shops in SL, and mine is not better than those.  Everyone is welcome here, and I hope it becomes a favorite hangout for people who enjoy spending time with other Kind people.  I also am kicking around the idea of some sort of Loyalty Program, but the details of that have yet to be worked out, if at all.

JB:     Who would you say is the ideal visitor to the Kindness Cafe?

LB:     Someone interesting and interested.... someone who enjoys meeting new people... making new friends... having conversations that range between serious and silly.  Definitely people who are open and welcoming to all others.

JB:     I see a Microphone in your Cafe?  Is that just for decor, or do you plan to have live entertainment or other Special Events?

LB:     I want to host live music and DJs with dancing just outside the cafe on sidewalks and in the street.... the microphone is inside now, but will be placed outside when we host a big event.  Our first event will be out Grand Opening night, Thursday, October 22, 2026.  We will have booked Max Kleene to perform for us starting at 8:00 PM SLT.  And there will be other live musicians and entertainment. DJs and such. I am going to host one live event each month, ideally... maybe more if we get interest. 

JB:     Where might people go to learn about events at Be Kind?   Do you have any Social Media sites?

LB:     No social media yet.   SL Enquirer has a wide audience, and we are proud to be featured in that magazine.... their coverage will certainly help.  We have a group and will start promoting events through notices.  We also find word of mouth is very effective ..... So, feel free to tell all your friends about us.  We are located across the street from Sirenz English Pub.  Come see us at: 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Irkutsk/12/211/97 

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

LB:     Not right now!   Come and visit .... everything is free!  And be sure and come on out Thursday, October 22, at 8:00 PM SLT for our Grand Opening! 

So, there you have it.  In a world where kindness often takes a back seat to aggression, rudeness, or just plain boorish behavior, you will find no kinder place on the grid than Lora’s Kindness Café.  But don’t take MY word for it.  Come on down and see for yourself.  The coffee is always freshly brewed, the pastries out-of-this-world, and with an endearing host, Lora’s Kindness Café is guaranteed to become your favorite place to just relax and enjoy quiet conversation with a friend, or maybe even dancing in the street.  And when you do go there, tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”.  You’ll be glad you did

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

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Gravesbury: The RP sim that transcends history and the limitations of the human condition – Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

SL Enquirer readers have come to expect this publication to present news on some of the latest trends to hit the SL Community.  Sometimes that may be about a trend setting musician, a new service, or a new entertainment venue.  This month we are exploring the world of Role Playing or “RP”.  All SL Residents are RPers to one extent or another, as we RP the roles of DJ or Host, Supermodel, Business owner, Dancer at a Gentleman’s club, or designer of world-class homes for the discerning buyer.  This month we happened upon an amazing RP community, just in time for the Halloween Season.  But let’s let Jeremy tell you his story in his own words.

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Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB)     Hi Jeremy. Congrats on your selection as this month’s winner of a Spotlight Feature article in the SL Enquirer.   You certainly have an impressive project and build.  Tell me please, what was the inspiration for such an idea?

JM:    Myself and the sim owner ByrneDarkly Cazalet, who was also the sim's builder and landscaper, came up with the idea for Gravesbury Park together when we decided we'd been in the RP scene in SL a long time and were tired of so many RP sims having strict rules and limitations about what certain supernatural races could or could not do and also all the drama, the power-gaming and metagaming and fighting going on between players and especially between sim staff. So, we kept our staff small, just three good friends, and made lore that was a lot less limiting for people. 

JB:     So, tell me.  Just what is Gravesbury all about?

Jeremy Morgan (JM):     Gravesbury Park is set on the coast of Southern New Jersey and was built atop powerful ley lines that saturate the land with arcane magical energy and create a natural crossroads between the mortal world and other realms. Since its founding in the late 1600s, the town has been secretly home to witches, fae, vampires, shape-shifters, and ghosts with the ghostly activity eventually becoming widely accepted while the existence of the other supernatural races remained folklore for centuries. However, everything changed in 1947, when Gravesbury's witches publicly demonstrated the reality of magic, inspiring shape-shifters, fae, and eventually vampires to reveal themselves as well to the general human public and the world over the next few decades. The supernatural races have since learned to co-exist peacefully with the humans and still do to this day, and in 2026 just this year visitors from other planets and dimensions arrived in Gravesbury to join the highly integrated community. 

 

JB:     Wow.  That is some backstory.  What else can you tell us?

JM:     Today, Gravesbury Park stands as an international symbol of coexistence, tolerance, and magical history, attracting tourists, historians, scholars, and supernatural visitors from around the world while fiercely preserving its small-town character through locally owned businesses, independent artists, musicians and craftsmen. There is a thriving live music scene in the town, with bustling nightlife at four different clubs and a boardwalk with amusement park rides and lots of other places to have fun like the bowling alley, skate park, and vintage cinema where you can watch actual streaming movies with your friends and dates.  There is also an undersea area for the merfolk and other aquatic fae.

JB:     So, tell me about the kinds of things that roleplay at your sim will offer to people who decide to join your growing community of creative players

JM:   We offer as I said, lore for the races that allow for more creative freedom for the characters our players develop, and also a lot of fun features of the sim like a network of underground tunnels that take you from one point of the sim to the other, and an underwater community for aquatic faeries, and even a Fae Court where the King of the Unseelie (bad faeries) and the Queen of the Seelie (good faeries) rule over their own kind in Gravesbury and beyond it. 

JB:     What type of guest do you think would most enjoy a visit to Gravesbury?

JM:     Guests who aren't actual players yet who have sent in applications and been approved, they'd enjoy exploring the sim because it has so many wonderful areas and businesses and clubs and beautiful examples of wilderness and nature to get lost in. It's great for photogenic opportunities, many who blog would love to take photos there I'm sure.

JB:     Do you have any special events planned?

JM:     Certainly.  Gravesbury is having its Soft Opening on Saturday, October 10th begining at 10am SLT. There will be two roleplay-based events that day, one going from 10am-12noon SLT at the boardwalk with a DJ and some vendors promoting some of the player-run businesses in the town, and a dance party at the Nightingale LGBTQ+ nightclub going from 1-3pm SLT with a colorful drag queen DJ spinning lively tunes. We hope many of your readers will join us for one or both of these activities.

JB:     But aren’t there already plenty of RP sims in SL?  What is it that makes Gravesbury  different from all the other RP Sims out there?

JM:     Well, as I mentioned, we do things quite differently here. Our lore for our races is not as limiting as a lot you see in other sims, and we have very few rules. Even if a roleplayer has a character that doesn't fit with our lore, we will often make exceptions for them and adapt them to our lore in a way that can work for them and keep their original backstory they had already developed for their character prior to joining our RP community. We also have working amusement park rides, playable bowling alleys and mini-golf, a working movie theater where you can stream movies with friends, and as previously mentioned underground tunnels that are super fun to get lost in.

JB:     Do you have any Social Media sites where can our readers go to learn more about upcoming events or other activities?

JM:   Absolutely!  Come visit us at: https://gravesburypark.wixsite.com/gravesbury-park-sl

You can also find us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/A53RFBBJW

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

JM:     I would just like to say that everyone is welcome at Gravesbury Park, New Jersey, all types of characters of all sexual orientations, ethnicities, gender identities, and personalities. We're a very LGBTQ+ friendly sim and we have zero tolerance for racism or bigotry of any kind. Bring your creativity, your imagination, and I'm sure you can find something on our website and the lore for the different races that will work with your character. We look forward to seeing what each person brings to their RP here.

So, there you have it folks.  Direct from the sim admin's mouth.  If you have ever dabbled in RP, or would like to see what all the hype is about, you will find no better place than Gravesbury to get started.  And who knows…you may decide to stay.  Tired of the usual bar-hopping scene, going from venue to venue?   Come check out Gravesbury Park.  And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad you did.

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

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Phoenix Domination Sanctuary - SL's Newest and most exciting Adult Entertainment Venue. Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

WOW, Folks.  Here at the SL Enquirer, we pride ourselves on helping to inform our readers about some of the up-and-coming entertainment venues in SL.  This month we have discovered an exciting update to our old friend, The Phoenix Club. The new build, Phoenix Domination Sanctuary, takes the best of The Phoenix Club and expands into a fascinating, and fun, venue that will appeal to a very special clientele.  I was able to track down Max and Gabby Daemon as they were rushing to complete their build in anticipation of a Sept 30 Grand Re-Opening.   But let’s hear the story directly from the owners.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hey Guys… So good to see you again.  I see you have been QUITE busy since last we spoke. Can you tell me about Phoenix Domination Sanctuary?

Max Daemon (lordmaxpleasure) MD: Welcome to Phoenix, Josh. Phoenix is an adult entertainment venue. Venturing into Phoenix is like stepping into a transporter spiriting you to a modern-day Egyptian night club. It’s design is a mix of Egyptian, Cyber- Tek and Art Deco elements making it a unique blend of old and new worlds. It is very elegant and opulent atmosphere offering visitors a blend of Hedonistic & BDSM play. The overall atmosphere is warm, intimate and sexy.  

First it’s important to note we have moved to a much larger sim, this has given us the ability to expand our amenity offering in to different things. We are also changing our name slightly to Phoenix D/S an Adult Entertainment Club. Most notable change is the addition of an after- hours club "Phoenix Underground Domination Sanctuary"  

Gabby Zsun - Daemon (gabrielle.zsun) GZ:  This is to be a private club for Masters, Mistresses, Dominants and slaves, etc.   Only members will be able to access this venue. It's to be active primarily after 10pm SLT time zone until mid-afternoon of the following day. Of course, it is available for use 24/7.

JB:     I understand you have added several new “attractions” to Phoenix Domination Sanctuary that were not there before.  What types of things are you adding?

MD:     Changes or additions have been made to Phoenix. It’s now more of a complex of sorts offering more amenities to our patrons.  It’s important to note that we are moving BDSM /domination activities to Phoenix Underground Domination Sanctuary. Like Phoenix D/S. It is also very upscale venue. It’s a sanctuary of sorts in which slaves and submissives and anyone interested in the BDSM lifestyle can come and safely experience submission and domination activities. There will be included on the premises a very extensive dungeon

We do advise visitors to be aware it has a wide range of hard core and extreme RLV devices. We suggest those interested in BDSM Role Play inquire with us about our secret tunnel :) 

GZ:     It’s also important to note our Dance floor area and Wrestling zone have been expanded and improved. We have also added a volley ball court in which we plan to have nude matches (smiles) and as well expanded greatly the beach area which now includes its own party zone. 

 JB:     I recall last time you were kinda “soft-pedaling" the BDSM side to your club.  Now, with the new build, you seem to be actively leaning into the BDSM aspects.  Why that Change? MD:     Actually, you are not correct, BDSM activities as stated previously have been moved to the Phoenix Domination Venue. This has been done so that our main club would have a much wider appeal to the SL's general adult population.

JB:     I heard that you were looking away from BDSM for the club and the new venture is hard core.  Just how ”Hard Core” are you talking about?

GZ:     The words hard core is open to interpretation. How hard core or extreme can activities be is up to the patrons themselves.  I think one needs to come see the venue for themselves. 

JB:     Will you be providing escorts or subs to help with the “Toys”

MD:     The plan is to have club owned slaves or submissives on hand to entertain and serve patrons. We do not allow escorting anywhere on the sim

JB:     So…what kind of guest are you hoping to attract with the new build?

MD:     The overall changes have been put into place so we would have a much wider appeal to any adult looking to have fun in an adult environment.  For those into BDSM RP Play we have at the opposite side of the island a 2nd Venue we call Domination Sanctuary which is members only private club complete with an extensive dungeon. This is a great venue to explore all aspects of the BDSM- Hedonistic lifestyles in a safe fun environment as well as an ideal venue for D/s Role play Its all up you your own imagination!!

JB:     Did you two do all this yourself?  Or did you have help, and from whom?

GZ:     Pretty much all was designed by Max. However, he had some help, particularly on the technical side of things from Lassey, a very dear friend of his.

JB:     In the original Phoenix club, I recall there were BDSM Toys scattered about the club.  I don’t see them here.  Are they all moving to the Domination Sanctuary?

GZ:     Yes.  Pretty much all the BDSM devices have been moved to Phoenix Domination venue. We are not though specifically a Hedonistic - BDSM environment. We are an entertainment complex, spread out over a 1/2 Simm offering adults a place to come and enjoy a wide range of amenities including not one but two dance areas, a large beach and pool, a wrestling ring and a catfigfht area, a volley ball court in which we plan to have nude matches and more.

JB:     Did you keep the Wrestling Ring?  I really liked that when it was part of the Original

MD:     Yes, and we have expanded and improved the wrestling zone.  However, activities here have been suspended temporarily as we look for a new Wrestling event manager

JB:     Do you have Special events planned?  And if so, how might a reader learn what is going on here at Phoenix Domination Sanctuary?

GZ:     There will be many events to come. We are planning a Grand Reopening, a tentative date is Wednesday Sept 30th.

JB:     Anything else you would like our readers to know?

MD:     Again, we are trying to appeal to a wider adult audience. We are not specifically a BDSM venue. It does play a part in the overall complex but by no means is it a dominant factor. We are a social and sexually oriented environment with a wide variety of offerings to have fun with.  Really one needs come visit us to see for themselves.

We have just moved to a larger sim enabling us to expand and upgrade our sim into a more interactive environment. Note the club is PBR textured & is best viewed at midnight or shared environment settings.  Please visit the club join our group and check out our events calendar to stay abreast of what up at the Phoenix Discord: https://discord.gg/g3nX8Y73 (Phoenix D/s Entertainment) 

GZ:     There is nothing quite like Phoenix anywhere on the Sl grid. In fact, Phoenix is whatever you want it to be. Come explore and see for yourself.    

So there you have it folks, straight from the creator’s mouths.  For a truly unique experience, ya gotta check this place out.  Head on over and have a look at: 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ravenswood/185/90/22

And when you do, tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”.  You’ll be glad you did.

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

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SL Enquirer- Feedspots 25 Best SecondLife Blogs for 2026: Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

SL Enquirer has received many accolades in their 20+ years of existence.  But this recent recognition tops them all, in that this is a recognition from OUTSIDE SecondLife. To get her take on this accomplishment, I was able to catch up with SL Enquire Owner and Founder, Lanai Jarrico.  She was busily updating the list of businesses we support when I found her hard at work in the Office.  I asked her about this most recent award.  This is her story.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hi Lanai.  Let me congratulate you on the SL Enquirer having been selected as one of Feedspots 25 Best Second Life Blogs to Follow in 2026.  Feedspot is an RSS Reader that lets you subscribe to blogs, news sites, and any website you want to keep up with. According to the FeedSpot Website, the best Second Life blogs are curated and ranked based on multiple factors, including content relevancy, subject expertise, posting frequency, and freshness of content. Blogs with highest credibility within the Second Life space are ranked higher. This list is updated regularly to ensure it reflects the most active, influential, and valuable Second Life blogs on the internet today.

JB:     What does this mean to you as the Owner of SL Enquirer?

Lanai Jarrico (LJ):     Thank you, Josh! I cannot accept this honor alone. Our team and everyone who has contributed to our growth made this possible!  I was surprised to be contacted by Anuj, one of the founders of  FeedSpot. I had no idea The SL Enquirer was included on their website. This means we are not just another blog on the internet, but we are part of a recognised list of Virtual world media sources that provide services to the virtual world and Second Life community. To be in the top 25 Second Life content creators is pretty cool. It means something to me that we are noticed outside of the virtual world. We are making a difference! 

JB:     I know the SL Enquirer has received various recognitions over the years, but have you ever been recognized as a Top Blog? 

LJ:     We have received many awards and plaques through the years for the work we do in Second Life. The closest recognition was probably from SpaceX of SL, but it happened in SL and Elon wasn’t there to hand out the award. I gave a speech, but I wasn't aware it was being live-streamed on YouTube! This one feels different because it is outside of Second Life. I don’t recall ever being recognized as a Top Blogger for a real-world website.  I’m grateful for the recognition from the panel that decided SLE should be on that list.

JB:     Did you submit Your Blog for their consideration, or did they find you? 

LJ:     I didn’t enter any contest or apply for anything. They found me! While sorting through my emails, I came across one from Anuj. At first I wasn’t sure if it was spam or the real deal. I’m glad I gave it a second look. I checked out their website, and to my surprise, it was legit, so I had to share the news with my team.

JB:     I see the Recognition is for being in the top 25, but if we drill down, we see that SL Enquirer actually came in as Number 9 of all the Blogs they reviewed. So you are actually in the Top 10 overall.  How cool is THAT?

 LJ:     That is pretty cool! I hope I don’t have to give a speech; I’m so not ready! lol

 JB:     I understand the SL Enquirer is the longest-running virtual world news source for fans by fans of Second Life(c), featuring events, fashion, music, culture and more.  Just how long has SL Enquirer been serving the Second Life Community? 

 LJ:     SLE has been in Second Life since 2005 when I migrated here from The SIMS Online. I actually created the original news source in TSO back in 2004. It started as a little blog I shared with my circle of friends. I’d write about the random things I was experiencing there. My friends told their friends, their friends told others, and so on. I didn’t set out to be a Media Mogul, but It went viral! With that, I felt a sense of responsibility to continue to spread news and open up SLE to other creative writers who wanted to share their experiences in this unique virtual world. Here we are 20 years later, being recognized outside of Second Life. Amazing.

JB:     In the past year, the SL Enquirer has experienced a major uptick in the number of monthly views.  At last count, you are averaging north of over a Quarter Million views every month.  To what do you attribute this uptick in popularity?

 LJ:     That’s pretty incredible! I’m still trying to wrap my head around the traffic. Last month we closed out with 447,361 views! While reviewing our Analytics, I saw that the majority of readers come from the United States, Asia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. 

 JB:     What advice could you give other Blog owners looking to increase their visibility in the SL Community and beyond?

 LJ:     The only advice I can give is to be original and have fun. If you love what you do, it will show, and readers will follow. Engage with everyone at eye level and treat others the way you’d like to be treated. I’ve come across many bloggers who have lost sight of these simple principles, and it never works for them in the long run. After 20 years of service to the virtual community, I must say it has been an amazing experience. I’ve met so many talented people and learned so much from them.  I appreciate everyone who has followed us through the years and has been so kind and supportive. It is an honor to be part of such a one-of-a-kind environment. 

So, there you have it Folks, the News and Information source you have known and trusted for so long is now being read outside the Virtual World of SecondLife. So, go check ‘em out.  For more information about FeedSpot, be sure to hit up their 55 second video at:   https://www.feedspot.com/rss-reader .  Then see what the Buzz is all about at www.slenquirer.com

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The Phoenix: Bringing Exotic Adult Entertainment to a Whole New Level – Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

The SL Enquirer prides itself on bringing you, our reader, reviews of the many and varied environments available throughout the entire SL Grid.  This week we happened upon one of the more recent additions:  The Phoenix: Exotic D/s BDSM Adult Entertainment Club.   We caught up with the Owners of this amazing venue, Max And Gabby Zsun Daemon as they were preparing for the weekend activities, and they graciously gave me a personalized tour of their wonderous and opulent creation.  They agreed to answer some of my questions in order that we might inform you all of this amazing Adult Entertainment venue.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Can you tell me something of the history of The Phoenix Club and what motivated you to open a BDSM club?

Max Daemon (MD): Dating back to Oct 2025 I had an idea to open a night club. The idea was to offer something different.  After visiting many clubs, I came up with the idea to open an Egyptian themed club which became what we are today: a BDSM & Hedonistic social and entertainment venue. I'd like to state that although we are a BDSM venue, it is only one aspect of what the club is about.

We are a social entertainment venue offering a variety of adult-themed events. We have a Dance floor, a beach and pool, and a wrestling ring. Events will vary using any one of the areas within the club grounds.  Phoenix has a very exotic, opulent environment. It's like stepping into a transporter, spiriting you to a modern-day Egyptian themed night club. It’s been designed with both Cyber-Tek and Art Deco elements making it a unique blend of old and new worlds. 

 JB:     So then, tell me about the sorts of events you host here..

Gabby Zsun Daemon (GZ):     Aside from our weekly parties, (DJs Tuesdays through Sundays in the evening 7-9 SLT),  we host special events every 4 - 6 weeks. We've had Cleopatra look-alike and Eyes Wide Shut contest events as well as Rock Concerts.  We want everybody to have fun.

JB:     As you know, there are lots of Gentleman Clubs in SecondLife.  What is distinctive about The Phoenix Club that sets you apart from all the others?

MD:  I am glad you asked.  There are actually several things we do that set us apart from the rest of the BDSM Community.  First, we are a multi ethnic group of individuals.  Second, we are not just a BDSM club, but we incorporate elements of the Hedonistic Lifestyle as well. Third, unlike most clubs that cater only to male dominants, we have special areas set aside for female dominants as well. Fourth, we offer not only a stand-alone clubhouse, but we also incorporate a beach, a garden area and dance floor, and more in one integrated, well-laid-out venue.  Fifth, we present our guests with an extremely elegant and opulent design throughout the sim.  And sixth, we pride ourselves on presenting a warm, easy-going, and friendly atmosphere.

JB:     I see kind of an “Ancient Egyptian” vibe going here.  What were you looking for here?

MD:     We wanted to have an ancient look but also modern.  Hence, Phoenix D/s is like stepping into a transporter, spiriting you to a modern day Egyptian themed night club. It’s been designed with both Cyber-Tek and Art Deco elements, making it a unique blend of old and new worlds.

JB:     And do you have a staff to help run the place?  Who might they be?

MD:     Yes, Lassey, a close and very dear friend, assisted us on the build and is also a DJ for us on Friday nights.   Additionally, Arabella Bloodraven Runewolf helps us operate our wrestling matches and as well assists in many other ways

JB:     What an amazing build.  Did you do it yourself, or who were some of the big contributors here?

MD:     Mainly Max was the designer/builder. Other than some technical assistance from a close friend, the design was from Max's mind, along with some input from Gabi who helped Max decide on design elements and textures etc.

 JB:     What types of guests do you think would most enjoy visiting The Phoenix Club

GZ:     For people who want a friendly place to explore their SL fantasies, we provide that place; and of course we have dancers available for one-on-one exploration.

JB:     Did I see a Wrestling Ring out back?  What is that about and where do you get your wrestlers?

GZ:     We hold Girls Wrestling every Sunday 3-4:30 SLT.  The girls enjoy it and we  are also moving into addition of males too. Arabella helps us with fighter recruitment. We feel this gives us a wider audience. All are welcome to stay and enjoy the club after events as well.

JB:     This sounds like an amazingly “open” environment. Do you have any restrictions you place on activities here?

GZ:     First off, it is important that all our guests be Adults only, human forms please. Other than that, we are pretty much an open venue.

JB:     So then, do you maintain any Social Media presence, or a way for people to find out what is going on at Phoenix?

MD:     Certainly.  Interested folks can contact us on our Discord Channel:  Phoenix Ds Entertainment

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to say

GZ:     We didn't open this club to make Lindens. We had a vision to provide a beautiful and thoughtful area for people to relax and socialize with like-minded people.

 So, there you have it, folks.  For the latest and greatest in Adult Nightclub Entertainment, you won’t want to miss this place…Just a hop, skip, and a TP from where you are right now.  Check them out at:  

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cyldane/12/195/21 

For any questions you might have about the Phoenix Club, please contact "Gabby Zsun - Daemon (gabrielle.zsun)"  

You’ll be glad you did.  And when you do, tell ‘em “Josh Sent ya.”

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

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MUSIC FROM THE HEART: BenDover Sporg, winner of the SL Enquirer Open Mic Competition June, 2026

 This Month we have a real treat for you.  BenDover Sporg, our winner of the June 2026 Sl Enquirer Singer-Songwriter Open Mic Competition is a different sort of musician.  While many live musicians focus on perfecting the notes and the technical aspects of their music, BenDover is more interested in “the soul” of a song - How to connect on an emotional level with his music.  But I’ll let him tell you in his own words.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Congratulations on your win, BenDover. It was well deserved. Thank you for agreeing to chat with me. To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and at what sorts of venues?

BenDover Sporg (BS):     Thank you so much. I've been lucky and been given plenty of opportunities to perform shows in SL, but I’ve not really been performing too much as I do enjoy just doing it for fun and not being on a strict schedule. I've mostly just been in intimate live music venues, open mics, and places where people really come to listen rather than just have background music. I’ve always been drawn to rooms where the connection matters, where one voice can still hold people’s attention.

JB:     Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?

BS:     My biggest influences have always come from country, singer-songwriters and pop artists who know how to tell a story and make you feel something. I’m drawn to singers who bring honesty and emotion into a song, whether it is a raw country ballad or a stripped-down acoustic version of a pop song. For me, it has never been about showing off technically as much as making the listener believe every word.

JB:     What was the inspiration for the songs you sang at the contest, and why did you choose those particular songs?

BS:     I chose songs that felt honest to who I am as a performer. I wanted to bring something raw and powerful, but still personal, the kind of music where you can hear the emotion before you even think about the notes. Those songs gave me a chance to connect with the audience and tell a story rather than just perform.

JB:     How would you describe the brand that you now represent? To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How do you define your music style?

BS:     I would describe my music style as raw, emotional acoustic country-pop. I like performances that feel real, a little vulnerable, and powerful without needing too much polish around them. My “brand,” if I had to call it that, is honesty: songs sung from the heart, with the goal of making people feel something.

JB:     Are there any truly landmark performances you can recall? Best Memories performing both in RL and in SL?

BS:     Winning the SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest is definitely a good Second Life memory now. I also remember stepping into the karaoke scene for the first time over at Elixir, for me that was a tough step to make, putting myself out there. There is something very special about singing in SL, because even though we are behind screens, the emotions and reactions from people are very real. Some of my best memories are the quiet moments after a song, when someone messages me and says it reminded them of something in their own life.

JB:     Do you play with other musicians as well, or are you strictly a soloist?

BS:     I mostly perform as a soloist, because I love the simplicity of one voice and one acoustic sound carrying the whole performance. I've only collaborated once in SL and that was great. And with  that said, I totally respect musicians who collaborate, and I’m always open to the right musical connection. For now, solo acoustic performance feels like the most natural way for me to express myself.

JB:     Many performers have some kind of “good luck ritual” they do before a performance. Do you have any such habits or rituals?

BS:     I don’t really have a lucky pair of socks or anything like that, but I do try to take a quiet moment before I sing. I like to clear my head and remind myself why I’m doing it: to connect, not to be perfect. Once I focus on the emotion of the song, the nerves usually turn into energy.

JB:     You’ve been on the grid for over 17 years now. What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a singer/songwriter?

BS:     My advice would be to be yourself before you try to impress anyone. People can feel honesty, and they remember a performance that touches them more than one that is technically perfect but empty. Keep showing up, keep trying new stuff, keep singing, and don’t be afraid to let your heart show a little.

JB:     I know you are not a big social media guy, but where can people learn more about you and perhaps come to hear you perform?

BS:     I’m not very big on social media, that’s true. The best way to catch me is inworld in Second Life, either through live music venues, karaoke/open mic events, or by checking my profile for upcoming performances, I also do have an old group from when I was DJ, so for anyone that's real interested - talk to me and I'll shoot you an invite. I enjoy meeting people through the music itself, and SL has always been a place where that feels natural to me.

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

BS:     I just want to say thank you to everyone who listened, supported, or simply took the time to be present. Music and singing is real emotional for me, and it means a lot when people connect with that. Second Life has given many of us a place to share parts of ourselves we might not always show elsewhere, and I’m grateful to be part of that music and open mic community.

So folks, there you have it, folks.  Our judges have chosen well. But you should really judge for yourself.  Look for him at local Open Mic nights in SL, or contact him directly to see where he is performing next. 

And when you do, tell ‘em “Josh sent me.” You won’t regret it.

Be there! Aloha!

JB 

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JUSTINE AMETHYST, MUSICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE: APRIL 2026 OPEN MIC WINNER – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

As many of you know, in support of the Arts here in SecondLife, the SL Enquirer sponsors a monthly singer-songwriter open mic competition. Musicians from all over the Grid have come and graced our stage with their individually unique sound, sharing their hearts and passion for music with the viewing audience.  Selecting the best of these artists is no easy task, but the winner walks away with L$5,000 in prize money and a Spotlight Feature article here in the SL Enquirer.  The winner for April 2026 is Justine (justinejohndory.amethyst).  I caught up with Justine right after she finished a gig at Fantasy Fair, and she was able to share her story with us.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Congratulations on your win, Justine.  It is well-deserved. So, tell us please. How long have you been performing your music, and in what types of venues?

Justine (justinejohndory.amethyst) (JA):     My first ever gig on the grid was at the Dirty Grind back in December of 2022.  I think they closed shortly after that, which was a shame.  It was a beautiful space and so supportive of the arts in SL.

Mostly I play at places that feature live musicians and mostly acoustic performances, like The Chelsea Hotel, Guthrie's, Cafe Kismet and Villa Lobos, and of course my home venue, The Slippy Ship.

And for any groups or venues that are opposed to the current rise of fascism and authoritarianism around the world.  Like Cafe Resistance, Democracy Defenders, and United Rhythms.

And for a lot of communities that value individuality and freedom of self-expression like Bespoke Caravan, Lefthand Path, and the Velvet Grope. 

I play a lot of charity events and festivals.  I'll be at SLB for the 4th year running, and I just completed my fourth show at Fantasy Faire. 

JB:     What is your favorite Musical Genre, and who were your musical idols that have been the greatest influencers of your musical style?

JA:     I perform primarily acoustic folk music, just me and my guitar.  Sometimes I'm accompanied by Sanson Feilding on the banjo.  He's incredible.  I'll play any song that catches my fancy, but my favorite song writers to draw from are Juliana Finch, Gillian Welch, Tim O'Brien, The Doubleclicks and the Decemberists.  But no genres are safe from me and my guitar.  I'll attack pop, metal, disco, prog rock, all the indie, you name it.

JB:     Do you perform in RL as well?

JA:     I do.  I'm an upright bass player and vocalist, playing mostly bluegrass.  I never performed solo before coming to SL. In my early shows, when I was first learning how to play the guitar, I would accompany myself on upright bass, which wasn't entirely effective. But now that I've become pretty comfortable with the 6-string, I don't often pull the doghouse out.

JB:     What has been the most memorable performance of your career so far?

JA:     The show I put together to celebrate International Women's Day this year.  It was at Bespoke Caravan.  Women's rights are naturally very important to me, and I really poured my heart into curating and presenting that set.

https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory/2026-03-09-bespoke?si=a49b2f2ab9554018aa2cf323adff9276&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

JB:     What has been your biggest challenge breaking into the Music Industry?

JA:     I don't know that I have tried to "break into" the SL Music Industry?  When I started performing in world, my goal was to play 3 or 4 shows a week consistently, and I've done that.  RL is too busy for anything more than that.  The people I play for are the ones picking up what I'm putting down.  What more could I want?

JB:     How would you describe the brand that you now represent?

JA:     In two words: Passion and principles.  The songs I sing say something to me, and when I play I _feel_ what I'm singing, and try to convey that to the audience.  I sing songs of mutual respect and acceptance, of believing in yourself and living your own truth, rather than trying to live up to the expectations of others. Songs about standing up for what's right.   I'll often get emotional during my shows.  Life is hard, and music is cathartic and empowering and the best way I've found to help deal with hard stuff. 

 If I were to have a "theme song," it would be "Crooked Tree" by Molly Tuttle.  It's about accepting one's flaws and faults and turning them into strengths.  People seem to really resonate with that and it gets requested a lot.

 https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory/crooked-tree-feat-sanson

More than anything else, though, I have become well known as an old-school guitar-slinging protest singer in the fashion of Woody Guthrie and Carsie Blanton.  I'm outspoken and unapologetic about speaking out against injustice and fascism and I don't take kindly to people who think that music should be apolitical.  It never has been and it should not be.

That said, I will do entire sets of songs about Dinosaurs or Pirates.  I never lose sight of the fact that music is FUN.

JB:     Where would our SL readers go who want to hear you live and in concert?

JA:     I'm at the Velvet Grope (Adult sim) every Tuesday at 6pm, and I have fortnightly shows at the Slippy Ship, Kittenz, and Bespoke Caravan. and Monthly shows at the Virtual Hotel Chelsea. More casual shows all over the place.  I've got the usual subscribo and group (Justine Time!) for notices, and we also post to a bunch of live music groups in world, and I try to have a listing in SL Events for every show.

JB:     Do you have any Social Media Sites out there where readers can learn more about you?

JA:     Just my soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory  

If people want to know more about me, then my SL profile is really the best source, that or come to a show!

JB:     There are lots of budding musicians in SecondLife.  What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians out there today?

JA:     None that would do anyone any good.  I think my continued lack of profile is evidence enough of that!  I gotta say, it does often feel that it's more "who you know," as so many things are in this world.  So my advice is go to shows, get to know people.  Play for tips.  Always give 10% back to the venue.  Play charitable events.  Don't do it if it doesn't bring you joy.

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

JA:     Big thanks to everyone who attends live music events in SL.  Tips are nice, but your presence is the real present.  Please, don't be shy about reaching out and saying hi.  What is SL for if not to make connection with others?

So there you have it, Folks.  Straight from the artist’s mouth to the pixelated page.  If you’re looking for a quiet evening in a small coffee shop, or a larger, more formal venue, check her out. For a musician with real talent…and a bit of sass…Justine delivers on all fronts.  This one is the Real Deal, folks.  So, head on out and catch her live performance. You’ll be glad ya did.

And when you do, tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”.

Be there! Aloha!

JB

 

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