Some of the Best Concert Venues of 2024- Tabitha Mercury Reporting...

 

Donning a backless black top, form-fitting jeans and complimentary heels I left my humble home on a quest to spend my Friday checking out concert venues and seeing which ones stood out the best. I got out my list of researched sets to check out and started.

After arriving on the Dream of Sylt sim, at the .semicolon. venue, I was greeted with the voice of Anilaik, performing rock and sounding really good. It was a mid-sized venue that was rather crowded by the stage, with plenty of seating around. I could see people enjoying shows here.

Next, I popped over to End of Time, located on the Eotia sim. I was greeted with a ground level, open air venue surrounded by forestry. There was a smaller crowd at this venue, there was enough standing, dancing, and seating room. Mel Cheeky was on stage performing to a crowd that they seemed to have a fan base in. 

Ahh, the good ole Blarney Stone! This pub is located on the Dublin sim and claims the “Oldest Pub in SL” title. Central bar, stage at the back of the pub, not much has changed. Oddly, not as friendly of a crowd as I remembered. I think this was the only club the host didn’t greet me in. I found that very strange for one of SL’s oldest venues. Must be a weird fluke. This venue is great for live singers and truly built for it. In the traditional style of an Irish pub, The Blarney Stone has ruled in SL for years as a go to for entertainment.

Next I went to another fairly well known concert venue, Cafe Musique. I have been here before to watch artists perform and knew a bit about what to expect. Located on the Sandness sim, Cafe Musique’s beach venue is where I normally end up for concerts. This is also an open air venue, which was established in 2015. That does usually make for a low fps. It’s a friendly atmosphere that has a good dance area with dance pads and limited seating. I enjoyed the stylings of Dandy Pianoman when I visited.

Bright colors, romantic scenery, photo ops and breathtaking moments can be had at this next sim, the Romantica sim. Home to a concert venue (amphitheater) that features live singers, such as Leo Brind, who I found to be engaging and amusing. Surprisingly, this open air design had a higher fps than most open air venues I had been to. A huge dance floor beckons you, dotted with bright colored lights, to make your romantic side take over. This place is made for weddings and proposals, so let your heart lead you!

The last club I went to was Hotel Chelsea, located on the Lanestris sim for the Reno Jones performance. I enjoyed his musical stylings and took in the scenery around me. I felt the decor was disjointed and could use an update. There was plenty of standing, dancing, and seating for the small crowd that had arrived for this show. There was low fps, but that seems to be the case with most of the venues I have seen.

Oh, you thought I was done? Oh no, dolls…I saved the best for last!

As I was seeing which place I wanted to head to next, after the stunning Romantica, I got a group message from my favorite SL performer letting me know she was doing an unscheduled set at a venue I had never been to. What timing!

I was off to Exotic Escape Club on the Dragon Field sim to watch Mavenn, the songstress of my soul, perform. This was an open air set up with a great dance floor with dance pads - single and couples set up. There was a serious stage set up where speakers lined it along with lights. I was welcomed right away, everyone seemed very friendly and approachable, including the staff. I panned around the sim and enjoyed what I saw, so I IMed one of the owners, Nap, who was present and asked them how long they have been open. I was shocked to find out they have only been around since August of 2023.  There is a lot to see and do on this sim and surprisingly it had good fps, considering all there is to see, with plenty of room to dance or sit. I approached the other owner, Aufreizend Lexico and had to ask her what inspired her to create a live music venue and what her hopes are for the future of Exotic Escape Club. 

Aufreizend: I was in SL 13 years ago and help manage another club. A year ago came back with a vision to own and manage a better club that is Romantic, Classy, Exciting , Naughty ,Fun and cater to most people’s dreams in SL.The club had to be classy with limited rules..RL has so many rules already..Sl is all about fun and making your dreams come alive ., I found that PG Clubs cannot provide this type of environment and yet be fun. .I have a great Team here at Exotic Escape and without them , my visions would have never came true. Making it one of the most visited Music Venues in SL with the Best Live Singers doing incredible shows for the audience (and) start live streaming for our singers.We are currently a Live Singer Venue and are always looking for good entertainment throughout SL.  We are researching how DJs will fit into our entertainment stream. We also have spaces for vendors within our sim and are actively looking for vendors to fill our space.. Bringing people together so we all can enjoy SL without the drama of RL.

In conclusion, SL has a plethora of venues to choose from and all have their good and bad qualities. I feel that Exotic Escape Club is an up and coming venue with lots to offer and I am definitely going to keep my eye on it. They have a friendly staff, not limited to the owners - Nap, Aufreizend, and Lieve Annette, it also includes the manager Billy Miner, and their entertainment Manager - Boom Boom Karrie. This sim was created with much love to fit into Aufreizend’s dream by herself, Nap, and KaL, along with all the hard work from their staff to keep it running.

SL URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dragon%20Field/91/225/26

Adult Sim, check out the events board at the landing point for more info!

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Avi Poll: The Pros and Cons of Virtual Friendships- Hazel Silvermoon Reporting…

 

Making friends in real life can be quite a challenge, and many of us are left with feelings of anxiety over socializing face-to-face. When we enter the virtual world, we often think that things will be easier, since we are hidden behind a screen. Sometimes, this is the case, but often, the anxiety still sets in, and we are left to put ourselves out there. Even though Second Life is virtual, it is massive. However, I personally have met some of the most amazing people in my 13 years here, and they have become some of my closest friends in both the real world and the virtual one. Online friendships definitely have their pros and cons, and this week I got to speak with several incredible people who were able to give me their take on friendships in a virtual world. 

 

 

Fire: “You get to meet people, and know people from around the world. One of the cons of this is that you make really great friends, but then you can’t hang out with them in real life. It is easier to walk away from people in the virtual world. You can be who or whatever you want to be, but still be yourself at the same time.”

Hexlais: "I think virtual friendships are cool. They allow you to meet people from around the world and from different walks of life. You can also make lifelong friends, which I think is awesome. I would say the cons are, at any point in time something could happen to said friend, and you'd never know about it. Also, sometimes people are two-faced and hide behind their avatar and use it as an excuse to hurt others." 

Porta: "Virtual Friendship.

Pros:

Exposure to other walks of life

Distance doesn't matter

Easier to find and engage with those of similar interests

Accessibility is significantly easier for those less able bodied

Cons:

Timezones

Differing opinions of the importance of time available

Disappearances

The lack of a tactile engagement

Potential for furthering people moving to become hermits.

Overall thoughts:

I think in the world we move to where more and more things are online, the idea of virtual friendship is one that will come further and further into fruition. Perhaps not understood fully by the older generations but the ability to connect and develop deep meaningful friendships through a virtual environment has been exceptionally helpful to developing and understanding more about myself. The plethora of life experience at hand that otherwise would not be possible or as easily attainable without a medium such as a virtual world, is astounding. So many life stories and discussions are possible at   just a few clicks and I think it builds a wonderful community and connections." 

 Darvynious: " The pros of virtual friendship is that most of the time it is relatively simple and easy to make friends in this world with the access point being as simple as a button press. Virtual friendships can easily carry over into real life or other platforms if the connection is strong enough. There is also the aspect of time where in online friendships not much time commitment is required to maintain an online friendship.

The cons of virtual friendships is that at times those friendships can easily vanish just as quickly as they started, but it depends on the person and their levels of dependency.  People in the virtual world may linger here a little too long and sometimes it can do more harm than good especially when some people can spend most of their lives here and have a very little grasp on time, reality, and important events going by as they get too absorbed in the world...but in some cases they may also expect the same commitment from you. In some cases, people will believe they are not good enough for you if you are not online as much as they are. While it is a con to have to communicate at times it is mainly due to the strain of most people not wanting to establish casual conversation unless the conversation is brought to them first, but this can be changed over time as you learn habits and learn new perspectives from making these online virtual friendships."

Louis: " Pros, I'd say is being online is less intrusive to your life, you can log off SL whenever you want, no need to drive over to a friend's house then have to drive back, etc. You can also play games like SL or other games through a console or computer.

Cons I'd say, is you sometimes need to hang out together, get to see the person face to face to establish a stronger connection with someone, go to a bar together and drink, go watch a movie, introduce your friend to some of your other friends face to face. there is only so much you can do over the internet. and I think eventually it's cool to meet the person face to face."

No matter who we are, friendships are crucial to human life. It is important for our mental health, as well as for developing social skills. I think the main thing we can all take away from this poll, is that it doesn't matter if the friendship is face-to-face, or virtual, we still grow to know and care for these people either way. It doesn't matter if we are separated by a screen. Humans need and crave interaction, and in virtual worlds like Second Life, that is what makes us feel a connection to the world we have created here. So for those of you reading, remember: even if it may seem intimidating, there are people out there who are waiting to meet someone like you, and you might just make a friend for life!

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SPOTLIGHT ON BARIKI RESTAURANT- The Essence of Elegance awaits - Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Breaking bread and sharing it with each other during meals is an essential part of getting together. It is affirming, builds trust, confidence, and most of all comfort sharing a meal with the ones you love.  In Second life, we cannot smell the aroma of an amazing looking dish but we can gather and role play scenarios where we can spend time with others over a meal. Bariki Restaurant is a venue that captures the essence of elegance and caters to guests for a full service luxury dining experience.

 I had the pleasure of meeting Jakobi, owner of Bariki to learn more about his vision for this beautifully designed restaurant and what it has to offer Second Life residents.

Interview with  Jahkobi C Kaleo (jahkobi)

Lanai: Hi Jakobi,  it's a pleasure to meet with you. You’ve been here over 11 years, how did you discover Second Life? 

Jakobi: I have actually been on 2 second life since 2006 under another avatar. I was introduced to Second Life by a friend on IMVU. As everyone else, once I started , it was very different from jumping from nodes to actually navigating your avatar throughout the world of Second Life. Overall, it has been a rewarding experience! 

Lanai: OMG I remember IMVU, Virtual world platforms have come a long way!  Can you share with our readers what inspired you to create Bariki Restaurant? What is your vision?

Jakobi: I wanted to create a place of solace to dine in a romantic atmosphere where you are provided with top of the line service and an experience that would be unforgettable.  My dream is to develop a full role play experience which includes dining, romantic walks, couple and single events and at times a venue for poetry and live singing. I wanted a place where role play was the key component versus going and providing self service.  The peaceful environment is why it is by reservation only. We want the experience to be uninterrupted. 

Lanai: You definitely capture the essence of a peaceful luxury dining environment from inside and the surrounding area. There is so much detail.  You mentioned Bariki is a reservation only restaurant, what type of package experiences do you offer guests and how can they reserve a table?

Jakobi: Reservations are initiated by contacting myself in world, Jahkobi , Kai Kaleo or Khloe Mcgregor, or via our facebook/instagram page. 

Our packages include an inside dining experience or an outdoor experience that appears to be the most popular at this time. The ambience is amazing and most enjoy that type of setting. 

Dinner Packages:

Dinner for Two in Main Restaurant : Three Course Meal $700 per person or $1400 couple

Additional Persons over parties of 2: $500 per person

Dinner for Two in Private Gazebo:  Three Course Meal $800.00 per person $1600 couple- Special for anniversary, birthday for two. 

Lanai:Those are fair prices for top notch service. Do you have any plans to offer events to guests,like wedding receptions, company dinners, live entertainment, other types of shows, even A mystery dinner theater would be cool! 

Jakobi: Yes, all of the above. We plan to over personalized events for weddings, parties, company dinners, mystery murder events . We will offer live poetry and singing too. Our plans will incorporate things for all people.  We want this to be the experience of a lifetime. A day or evening full of enjoyment. 

Lanai: I’m excited to see what you have planned! You really captured the feeling of luxury dining. Did you design the restaurant yourself or do you have a team? 

Jakobi: I gave the idea of what I was looking for to a very good friend who I call my twin, ᴊᴅ ʀᴏx ʙʟᴀᴄᴋʙᴀʀᴛ (jd.spicy). She is very detail oriented and can make any dream come true. Also, my team ღKαı Nαʟαпı Sнσшσυт Kαʟεσღ (minidagawdess), ღ Beyond Blyiss ღ (amiyahlane), and ღJαzzч Nαƨнαч Hαят ĈíĄgĄღ (sashabanks33).  We do have new additions to the team who have been very resourceful in marketing efforts, Tɾҽ S. Kαʂԋ Fҽɳƚι (biggtrapmilly) and ღDr. Dejai  ÃsαɳԵҽ' ღMD (nila.zafeiri).  I would also like to say thank you to my uncle Kamal Crush for his guidance and support.

Lanai: A solid team is key to keeping a good vibe and flow of things and you have accomplished that! Are you hiring staff? If so, what positions are available?

Jakobi: Yes I am currently hiring for dedicated servers and hosts. We are looking for individuals who can be available to assist with customers that are scheduled for reservations and on special occasions, walk in guests.

Lanai: Not to mention top notch Chefs! What group can guests join to stay up to date with events and special offers at Bariki Restaurant?

Jakobi: They can like our facebook group-(1) Facebook

Lanai:Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. You did an amazing job with Bariki and I look forward to seeing its success grow! We can toast to that.  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Jakobi: Second Life is full of things to do and amazing opportunities. Get out and explore, come and make reservations at the Bariki. We promise the role play experience will be top notch. 

Additional Information:

TELEPORT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alicante/148/238/22

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095441733042

Visit us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarikisl/

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Mystory Roleplay! 3 awesome places to visit for an immersive experience- Hazel Silvermoon Reporting.

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 As we all know, Second Life is an amazing world where we can experience virtually anything we desire. In the last few years, it has become a lot more realistic. We can have babies, dance in beautifully designed clubs, and even simulate our real life needs with RP Systems. One of the best RP systems I have found is Mystory.

Mystory has made my Second life not only more immersive, but it also gives me a sense of realism. With the detailed HUD system, Mystory allows you to track daily needs such as: Hunger, Thirst, Hygiene and more. To track each need, you must roleplay to fulfill them. You must eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, and even use the restroom! This has led to some amazing opportunities for creators in Second Life to build some awesome and immersive places to roleplay, as well as make their own products to sell. I am going to take you along on a journey to 3 of my favorites!

G Corner Mart
G Corner Mart is an incredibly detailed grocery store and bakery. It offers a variety of Goods and services such as: fresh baked pies and cakes, meats, fruits and veggies, and even a variety of drinks! You can purchase these items as if you were in a real store, which makes the experience amazing. You can even push a shopping cart and have a bag for your groceries. Located upstairs is a restaurant to eat in as well.

G Corner Mart- 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lookout%20Point/220/217/21

 

Redwood Gym-Redwood Estates
Getting healthy is an essential part of every lifestyle. It does not matter if it is real or virtual, a healthy body means a healthy mind. Redwood gym offers just that. Participate in a variety of activities such as: yoga, running on the treadmill, punching bags, and more! Redwood gym gives us a great way to relax, refocus, and fill those stat bars!

Redwood Gym-  
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MyStory%20South/29/112/24

The Flamingo Café

There is nothing quite as cozy as walking into a little café and having lunch with a close friend. The Flamingo Café is a colorful addition to your roleplay experience! You can purchase a large variety of cakes, snacks, drinks, and lunch items. The selection is outstanding, and anyone can find a meal to suit their needs! Flamingo café also offers a small seating area where you can hang out with your friends. It is by far my favorite place to visit!

The Flamingo Cafe-

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vista%20Del%20Mar/36/47/21

No matter what you choose to experience in Second Life, the opportunities for a realistic experience are endless, and Mystory has really improved that for me. I hope you can experience this wonderful RP system for yourself, and really dive into what it is like to roleplay in a virtual world!

MYSTORY MAIN STORE -

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MyStory/49/212/30

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Misadventures of Fetish Club Hoppin’ in SL- Lanai Jarrico

Ever hear of vore RP?  No? Me either up until recently after 18 years in SL.  Let me explain…. I went out for a night on the town with Josh, my top writer as my wingman. He told me I need some excitement in my SLife. I agree but daaaaamn. I’m down for being spanked and getting my hair pulled and all that kinky stuff but this little tiny lizard approached me in a club and asked if I ever did vore rp. I stood there perplexed and felt like a deer in headlights in the middle of the dancefloor and nearly stepped on the Geico lookin mascot.

[19:59] “Little Lizard”: Hey, do you rp vore? :)

[20:00] Lanai Jarrico: What is that?

[20:01] “Little Lizard”: Vore is a roleplay where you'd swallow a micro like me whole. There is no chewing/scat or anything of the sort. It can be sexual and can involve other fetishes such as sub/domme or feet. It's fun to try if you think you'd consider trying sometime?

[20:03] Lanai Jarrico: um never heard of it and not sure thats something id like to try. [20:03] “Little Lizard”: No worries, perhaps another time.

It sounds like a choking hazard. I doubt I’ll change my mind…

Josh AKA “Wingman”:  OMG.  The Boss is feeling “feisty”  I remember the last time this happened, she ended up being banned from THREE regions.  Now Lizard Boy has her thinking is it her MOUTH he wants access to. Can’t let that happen again! Why isn’t there a mongoose around to take care of this pest? I’ll just stick close and keep an eye on things.”

 I have to admit, I am rusty at my approach and how I react to being accosted by men… err lizards in clubs. In this case a booger sized lizard at my feet. With my wingman in tow, I felt safe enough to move along to average sized avatars and randomly approach  men and throw cheesy unsolicited lines at them to see what sticks. On top of that, I was sober…. So this went as well as one could expect from someone who hasn't been on the dating scene in a long time.

Josh: OK…this might not be so bad.  One or two quick dances, and then I will try and steer her back home where she can sleep it off. Not sure if she’ll go.  She has been raving all night about some “incredible edibles”  whatever THAT is.  Must be some new kind of candy.

I couldn't help myself when I spotted a handsome avie by the name of Dany pop lockin and droppin it on the dancefloor. I just had to IM him as I stood close to Josh for moral support and an easy escape plan.

It went a little something like this…lets just call him …Dany.

[20:27] Lanai Jarrico: Hey Dany, are you into sucking mayonnaise covered toes?

[20:28] Dany : haahahahaha don't know never tried that

[20:29] Lanai Jarrico: Bring tomatoes and a slice of cheese and we can make a cheap sandwich

[20:30] Dany: and who is bringing bread

[20:30] Lanai Jarrico: I said cheap lmao

OK it’s obvious, I don’t have any game and I can’t be taken seriously sober ... .Josh grabbed my hand and got me out of there before a food fetish fight broke out.

Next stop was DSC ake Dog Sex Club. I’m not sure why I even landed there but it happened. I mean… I am a pet lover like the next person but  this place was definitely not for me…. I was gone before anybody said a word.  I think you need a rabies shot to cross the yellow ban lines.

However, It did get a glimpse of what appeared to be a wolf standing upright in a speedo next to a scantily clad bunny rabbit. I didn’t stick around long enough to see what happens when a wolf meets a rabbit. Something tells me… it would have gotten really ugly and I would have been traumatized for the rest of my Slife.

Josh:  Yeah.  Thank goodness we didn’t stay long, and the SL Enquirer budget did not allow us to o cheap to spring for the 150L Group joining fee.  I guess she could have handled the Dalmations if push came to shove…..but it got really sketchy when I saw her being eyed by a couple of Clydsdales. Time to skedaddle,. That’s for sure!

Next stop The Cuckholding Wife…

Ahhhh yes! What strong minded woman wouldnt want to collar her man and make him watch as she did the nasty with a random dude and then make him clean up the mess. I had to break the ice…but just before I could muster up another embarrassing pick up line… I got an IM from  “Roam”. Here's how that went down.

[20:51] Roam:  good evening

[20:52] Lanai Jarrico: Hello to you

[20:52] Roam: how are you doing?

[20:53] Lanai Jarrico: I'm great. How do you feel about rolling in canola oil and spam while pouring hot sauce all over me?

[20:53] Roam: here for a story or pleasure?

[20:53] Lanai Jarrico: both

Sighs… I don’t think fetish club hopping is my thing. I just don’t know how to act.

Josh AKA “Wingman”: Whew.  Finally dragged her out of there. Now she wants to go to a place called Maui

OK, One last hurrah before I commit myself to just being a reporter and trying to keep myself out of trouble….

Josh AKA “Wingman”:  Finally!  The LAST stop of the night. A place called Maui Swinger Resort.  Arghghghg.  She actually asked me if there were teeter totters and slides in addition to the “swings”? Geeeeze.  That woman is going to get in serious trouble out here…and not by any kindergarten cops on the playground.

I put my Novice tag on and stripped down to a Bikini. The music was good and I was workin the boardwalk dancefloor with my best hip hop dance moves. I was feeling good and trying to read the room. Not much was happening except for a bunch of avatars in IMz standing around, some getting it on on the scattered beach chairs and beds and others just chillin at the bar. It didn't take long before the IMz started rolling in. One was surprised that I was “still” a Novice looking as good as I did and he offered to “help me out”. Apparently you have to gain referrals by givin up the goods and demonstrating your emote skills to a Maui Swinger in order to move on up the slut chain.  I aint about that fuckery so I called it a night and took my sorry ass to bed.

Wingman Josh:  OK.  Finally got her settled down.  I am torn in my duties as Wingman.  Do I stay with her and give my intimidating stare at any jerk who tries to get close?  Or do I move away and watch her from a block away, scoping out any who approach her and doing a quick background investigation using the Linden Lab police records so I can toss any obvious bad actors?  Just as things are settling down, she tells me she just got a IM from some dude she used to date named “XXX” and he wants her to “come back to his skybox to see his etchings.  OMG!  ETCHINGS?  This guy sounds like a reject from the cast of Saturday Night Live. Crap…She’s going with him.  I guess I will have to wait and get a full debirie tomorrow. 

Last night got nowhere fast, the “candy” I had before my outing with Josh was wearing out and I found myself yawning uncontrollably while “XXX” whispered sweet nothings in my ear. Nothing happened… I promise. I basically wished him a good night and went home, laid in bed and added an entry to my diary.

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