SPOTLIGHT ON THEMMAC- Multi Media Arts Center - Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

The MMAC aka Multi Media Arts Center, was established in 2007 and has continued to entertain the Second Life community with live music, nightclubs, gallery events, Cinema, Comedy, Film, poetry, and much more! The man behind this very successful and staple of SL Entertainment is none other than Dash Renoir. His presence in Second Life over the past 18 years is impressive, to say the least. He is a bona fide virtual world renaissance man. I met up with Dash to get an update on TheMMAC and see what's new.

Interview with Dash Renoir

Lanai: Hi Dash, it is a pleasure to sit with you. For nearly two

decades, you have contributed so much to the entertainment community in

Second Life.  Can you share with our readers how you discovered Second

Life and what inspired The MMAC?

Dash: Summer 2006 I heard stories on NPR's "Marketplace" and on MSNBC

about Second Life. Spent a couple weeks exploring, checking out live

events, clubs and corporate sites with a forgotten avi. Rejoined as Dash

Renoir in January 2007 to showcase my band "Suburban Dog". Spent late

nights in sandboxes learning to build, in particular modeling the RL

theater space I purchased to open the Multi Media Arts Center, New

Jersey USA, in 2008. TheMMAC in SL was build as an extension of TheMMAC

1st Life. ( www.TheMMAC.com )

Lanai: The Multi Media Arts Center can only be described as an

all-in-one place where all sorts of entertainment happen. Just like it

takes a village to raise a child, it has to take an extraordinary team

to keep The MMAC continuous for so many years. Who makes up TheMMAC team?

Dash: LOL just me. All me.  All depending on my RL workload.  To

clarify, 2008-2012 activities were driven by RL MMAC. After its closing

2012-2014 were probably the busiest for in world-originated stuff.  But

busy RL film production work limited my time to just doing late night DJ

sets "Funk Fridays" and "Slow Jams For A Saturday Night" to keep tier

and memberships paid through the decade. Following a major hack in the summer

Of 2024, where my build was wiped/sold, lindens stolen, etc, along with a

slow down in RL work I am spending time to rebuild, revive, restore ...

reboot TheMMAC!

Lanai: That’s Impressive. I can’t even imagine how busy you are doing this alone! I’m sorry to hear that happened but I am glad to see your resilience and rebuilding this iconic SL landmark. Can you share a little bit about each venue that is part of TheMMAC?

Dash:  Briefly...

Performance spaces ..

WORLD STAGE:  a Concert Theater built over the corner of 4 Sims,

Originally, the extension of TheMMAC RL stages

CABARET CARLOTTA:  more intimate Showcase Stage

THE JAZZ LINK:  Lounge

OPEN AIR THEATRE:  Amphitheater

THE COMEDY LINK:  Laugh Club

Moving Images ..

THE FILM LINK CINEMA  & FLY-IN DRIVE-IN MOVIES  :  Short Films, Videos,

Animation, Machinima, etc. On Demand

Visual Arts ..

MMAC GALLERY  &  TERRACE SCULPTURE GARDEN

UNDERGROUND Disco

TOP OF TheMMAC Penthouse Ballroom: for milestone events

Lanai: You have a lot going on!  Between Funk Fridays and Slow Jams at Nightclub events, Gallery showcases, The Comedy Link, Monthly Midweek Movie Mingle, The Film Link, Poetry, radio, and more, what is your favorite form of entertainment that you host in Second Life and why?  

Dash: Live entertainment, probably. I'm an impresario by temperament, I

enjoy putting talent/performers together with an attentive audience.

Lanai:  I can relate. There is something magical about bringing people together with creativity and media. Are you currently hiring for positions within The MMAC? If so, which positions are available, and how can one apply?

Dash:  I have not hired anyone yet... probably should ... in particular

maybe promoters or subcontractors to help maximize the utilization of

the spaces.

Lanai: Make sure you send me a press release when you are ready to hire. I’m sure some people would love to be a part of all the events TheMMAC has to offer. So, what group can residents join to keep up with all the actions at

TheMMAC?

Dash:

"MMAC Guests" is the open group, kiosk in lobby.

"MMAC Patrons" is the invitation only/largest group

"MMAC Members" is the feed premium group with perks

Lanai: Do you have a calendar of events? If so, can you drop the link?

Dash:  https://themmacsl.com/events.html

Lanai: This year you celebrated 18th years in Second Life with the 

 FETE event. Can you tell our readers about that?

Dash:  It was a very successful event, well supported by performers and

patrons, which ran one day, Sunday, April 6th, celebrating the April 7th

2007 opening of TheMMAC inSL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm9knW10N0Y

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jiKH65p7/

Lanai: What events do you have coming up, and do you have anything new in

the works that you’d like to share exclusively with The SL Enquirer?

Dash: Nothing of note at this time... plans in the works for a 'paid' concert series and more comedy events.

Additional Information

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Somerset/216/216/66

Website: https://www.TheMMACsl.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMMACsl

https://www.facebook.com/dash.renoir/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMMACsl

MMACradio Network: https://www.MMACradio.net

Other:

Preferred contact: Dash Renoir

info@TheMMACsl.com

Director@TheMMACsl.com

Multi Media Arts Center in Second Life

www.TheMMACsl.com

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Jail Event APRIL round is now open!!

 

Jail Event by Posesion Productions Jail Event April round is open launching a new environment and waiting for you !! SPONSORED BY: DO INK, Trinity Clothing, Cheerno, Posesion Originals, ThreeV, Boyberry, XVI, The Sinner, Watercolor, RVN, Angry Store, HERS, Meshmafia, OOPS, Versois et Mailloux & Madame Noir This round don´t miss the amazing group gift by GODDESS April 10th-30th Event Gallery: https://bit.ly/3qIxOTV Taxi: https://bit.ly/3EIu8Iu

WebSite: https://posesionproduction.wixsite.com/posesion Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/themenjailevent/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/groups/themenjailevent/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/156889060@N02/

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Classes This Week at Helping Haven Gateway

 

Make an AO Class. Saturday 9th April 7am. Class taught in voice in Swindlehurst Classroom. Basic Building Class- Make a Rezzer. Saturday 9th April 9am. Class taught in voice in Main Sandbox.

Uber: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Helping%20Haven%20Gateway/48/57/26 Web: http://helpinghaven.weebly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helping-Haven-Gateway-462982330380897/

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XXX ORIGINAL EVENT December round is now open!!

 

The XXX Original Event by Posesion Productions

Come to the NEW XXX ORIGINAL EVENT, new environment but hotter as usual, and check the exclusive creations based on Adult content: Furniture, clothes, lingerie, shoes, jewels, poses, animations, tattoos, makeup, accessories...don´t miss this December Round and enjoy it! Don´t miss this December round the amazing group gift by Artemis Corner Sculptures! December 13th - January 3rd Taxi: https://bit.ly/3m44nep Gallery: https://bit.ly/3miKqxA

WebSite: https://posesionproduction.wixsite.com/posesion Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154059950@N07/ https://www.flickr.com/groups/xxxevent Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XXX-Event-1520316671372243/

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O'Licia Dance Studio: "Grand Opening Extended Members Sale! Ends at midnight on Sunday!

Have you ever just wanted that feeling, like the wind has lifted you off the ground, and you're flowing through the air, like a translucent dream.

Here at O'licia Dance Studio, the Mocap Dance Animations give you just that. The precise execution of each dance empowers one and all to enjoy the fruits of its labor. Precision and balance within the hud allow for fun and exciting dances.

We want all our customers to embrace our products and know that we are serious about bringing new dance animations that will cater to all in this amazing virtual world, called Second Life.

Currently, at O'licia Dance Studio we have 20% OFF all Dance Huds for our "Grand Opening Extended Members Sale" (free to Join), the sale ends this Sunday at midnight SLT!

So, make sure you come and check these amazing dances out. Support an up-and-coming business that will invoke creativity, passion, and art through dance.

------

Mainstore: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Switch/9/35/22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oliciadancestudio

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/193653807@N04/

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The Spring Full Perm Fair- May 3rd to May 19th 2019

40 TOP Creators-BIG Selection-ALL Categories-Discounts-FREE Gifts

The Spring Full Perm Fair features 40 top full permissions creators selling fashions-Furniture-textures and building components, templates,and sounds.ALL categories. Many full perm creators will be selling NEW Releases ,Fair Exclusives,with BIG Discounts.

 SHOP COMPARE $AVE at the biggest full perm event in SL now in it's 8th year. JOIN the Full Perm Group at entrance copy paste this link into local chat <secondlife:///app/group/9b6214fe-0dec-b9b2-ab13-c95b8f398c4b/about> for free full perm gifts and get latest NEW Release notices from the best Full Perm creators and also JOIN UP on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/groups/764547213617221

 SLurl to Fair      http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calvelo/57/247/22

Contact inworld name Up4 Dawes 

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New Release from KiX - The Old Wooden Raft [promo offer]

Ready for lazy summer days or cozy chilled evenings; The Old Wooden Raft is your perfect escape down the river and loaded with naughty fun in the adult version and relaxing cuddles and sits in the PG version.  Includes a menu controlled lantern and fire to rez on choice from the menu.

All original and exclusive KiX animations, mesh and props

The KiX Old Wooden Raft  is available in both adult and PG versions

PROMO OFFER - Free PG raft with every Adult version purchased

Main Store http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miso/177/174/27

Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/KiX-Old-Wooden-Raft-Adult-PROMO-OFFER/12112376 [Adult]

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/KiX-Old-Wooden-Raft-PG/12112377 [PG]

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OD DESIGNS -An in depth interview with Ortho Vargas - Dean Lawson reporting

Rocking in the virtual world

 

Are you looking for rock and roll or any contemporary musical instruments or paraphernalia? With a wide range of instruments and stage accessories there’s a good chance that OD Designs has what you’re looking for. I had a chance to discuss the inspiration behind the craftsmanship of OD Designs with owner Ortho Vargas.

 

Dean : Could you tell me about the origins of OD Designs?

 

Ortho Vargas : Almost 11 years ago I came to SL on the recommendation of a hacker friend of mine to "check out the VR".  I poked around off and on for a few months, then discovered that it was possible to build and script objects.  I built a guitar just to see if I could.  I still have that first model, its pretty rough :)   I get it out once in a while for a chuckle.  RL I am a programmer, craftsman, and musician.  Building musical instruments in SL was a natural melding of everything I enjoyed.  Its been a great ride so far.

 

 

Dean :  I visited the store and saw that some of the instruments are very realistic. Does your store sell RL brands and models such as Gibson Les Paul or Fender Stratocaster guitars?

 

Ortho Vargas : OD has endorsements from RL companies to reproduce a copy of their guitars to name .... BC Rich guitars, Dean Guitars, Turner Guitars, Washburn Guitars, Schecter Guitars & Basses, Traben Basses,  Breedlove Guitars

 

 

Dean : Do the instruments come with animations? If so could you elaborate on the different type of animations?

 

Ortho Vargas : All instruments come with a hud so you can play then straight from the box so to speak.  OD also has 3 'add-on' guitar huds with a lot more animations than the standard (approx 70+ mocap animations) hud to allow for a more professional look when playing.  Also OD has a vocal hud which again has 50+ Mocap animations to mix and match for that professional singing look.

 

 

Dean : What is the extent of the inventory at OD Designs?

 

Ortho Vargas : OD produces a range of instruments, mainly guitars ranging from your hard rock electrics to the more classical acoustics with a few 'specials thrown in to keep things exciting'.  Other products include horns, keyboards, and many more.  OD also has the only harmonica driven by hud animations in SL.

 

OD has no less than 11 different D4 fully mesh Drum Sets one of which is the special 'cow bell' for those moments when you just need a bit extra cow.

 

At the back of the store is a full stage set up so people can view the optional extras for stage equipment, Lights, Pyro's, Lasers (not just for Dr Evil) along with a Particle Lab that allows people to create their own added effects.  Plus some speakers of which there are exploding ones

 

 

Dean :  Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about OD Designs?

 

Ortho Vargas : OD has 3 stage area's so we can hold full festival set ups if needed along with allowing people to come play whether they are just starting out or a fully established group.  There is a LIVE stage area where we invite live artists to sing or play instruments.

 

For every new release we have a party (in 2 time zones) which allows people to view and get the new release at a discount along with the possibility of actually winning one.

 

There is a monthly 'OD ROCKER' or 'OD ROCKER BABE' who if they are lucky enough to be chosen they get some gifts, a page on the OD calendar and invited to select events around SL.

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/OD%20Designs/64/86/22

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KiX Grunge Sofa. Land Impact TWO!

Everybody needs a little dirty in their life and after many requests for more grunge in our range; we present the KiX Grunge Couch,  Available in both adult and PG versions

The couch includes 6 texture changes and the menu is stuffed with original KiX animations, props and for a land impact value of only TWO! All KiX mesh furniture is exclusive, low land impact and original and contains only KiX original and exclusive animations.  So if you are looking for something a little different, come and check us out.

Blog: http://kixcreations.blogspot.co.uk/

Main Store: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miso/207/154/502

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People doing great things in Second Life - An interview with Mr. Anthony Gartner, owner and creator of The Dreamer Creations – Camury Reporting...

I’ve wanted to write about people doing great things in Second  Life for quite a while because I think it’s very interesting how differently we each see it and the amazing things we can do in this virtual world.

I remember the first time I saw the charming Mr. Anthony Gartner and his intriguing eyes. I was relaxing on my favorite island, The Dreamer´s Island, when I noticed him.

It’s an Adult Island.  The entire beach is full of goodies with excellent animations for both couples in love or singles if you just want to chill on your own.  You can take a hot air balloon, explore, meet people, dance, swim, surf, have fun or just relax. If you’re in the mood for interaction with others, then you can check out the beach club.  You can mellow out to the music as the sea breeze gently ruffles your hair.  There are no strict rules and all avatars are welcome.  The only restriction is that due to the adult nature of the sim no child avatars are permitted.

They say curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back… I clicked on various objects dotted around me to learn a little more about the creator when Mr. Gartner himself appeared. Since I’m always on the lookout for a good story I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him about Dreamer Island and his creations.

Here’s a little insight into who Mr. Gartner is.  He’s very polite and took the time to grant me this interview. He’s the owner of The Dreamer Island.  You can find and test all the objects in the The Dreamer Creations collection on the island. He has a store on the SL Marketplace. He creates Furniture, prefabs, beach and garden products, tropical tiki and other landscaping items, which include a multitude of different sit poses and cuddles.  The island was built with the explicit purpose of testing Mr. Gartner's creations.  What better way than getting them tested by those who'd be using them.  The result, no buyers remorse.  His creations can be found on a number of sims throughout Second Life.

Interview with Mr Gartner

Camury:  How long have you been in SL and what do you bring to it?

Mr. Gartner : almost 7 years now. Always enjoyed the video games and the experience of a life in a virtual world was exciting.

Camury: How long have you had your store?

Mr. Gartner : since 2010

Camury: What inspired you to start making furniture and decorations?

Mr. Gartner : At first it was the interest of learning to build with prims in SL. I always liked decorating so when I realized I could create things that weren’t too bad I continued and started to sell.

Camury: Did you create  everything yourself or did you you have help?
Mr. Gartner: I work alone.  Although I don't make mesh products.  These days I concentrate mostly on texturing and a bit of scripting and adding the appropriate animations.

Camury: What’ s your favourite thing about Second Life?

Mr. Gartner : It ‘s a bit like asking what is your favourite thing in life.  Everything that can bring some enjoyment: the contact with friends, exploring beautiful places, shopping for clothes or furniture, decorating.  And especially I love animations that bring life and expression to our avatars.

Camury: What don´t you like about Second Life?

Mr. Gartner : One thing that comes to my mind is I think the developers of Second Life could improve the avatars customization of appearance. Now people need to buy mesh bodies and heads created by others to look more "realistic".

Also to be able to create anything pretty in this world we need the use of external tools. Nothing really great looking can be created only inworld.

Also it is a very mercantile world. I hate the business of gachas.

And the sims are too expensive...

 Camury: How do you feel about the economic situation in Second Life?

Mr. Gartner : Probably it's slowing down. There are too many events, people shop more in events and less in stores. Productivity is boosted at the expense of quality.

Camury: What do you love about Second Life more? What makes you keep logging?

Mr. Gartner : It became an addiction over time. It’s a part of my life here now and there's always things to do here.

Camury: Tell me how The Dreamers Island came into being?
Mr. Gartner: The idea of a Tropical Island has always appealed to me and I started creating products specifically for this kind of lifestyle.  I developed rentals on four  homesteads around The Dreamer sim, but unfortunately even though it was well supported I had too many public areas which meant it was unprofitable.  Having a purely residential sim wasn't for me and I stopped this endeavour and kept the main sim for my store and for public enjoyment.

Camury:  What are the rules since it's an adult sim?
Mr. Gartner: There are not many rules.  It's a nude beach, but clothing is optional.  I prefer visitors not to visit in winter outfits though and definitely no children are allowed on the sim.

Camury:  Does The Dreamers Island have a group visitors can join?
Mr. Gartner: The group has been in existence from the time when I had the rentals.  Some people still like to join it but basically it is useless these days.

Camury: Can you tell me what you were doing in SL before starting The Dreamer Creations?

Mr. Gartner : The same except creating, I was a noob, I was discovering SL. And I was playing Zyngo to earn my L$.

Camury: What usually inspires you to create objects?

Mr. Gartner : When I get an idea of something I would like to have for myself and to decorate my own sim or home.

 Camury: Have you had experiences with bad things like copybot and griefing?

 Mr. Gartner : Not really. Nothing I can think of right now.

Mr. Gartner is an example of how SL has encouraged many people to explore their creative side while enjoying a rewarding experience in Second Life.

Thank you Mr. Gartner for taking time out of your schedule for this interview.

SLURL:  http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Dreamer/48/167/22

URL: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/36507

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Oldest Businesses/Venues in Second Life- Why Are They So Successful? – Camury Reporting

Second Life has an active economy and a large exchange movement with the use of their domestic currency, the Linden dollar (L$). Lindens can be used to buy, sell, rent or make land trade or purchase and sale of goods and services among users.

Second life residents perform thousands of virtual transactions per day. Those include the purchase of buildings, vehicles, equipment of all kinds, animations, clothing, skin, hair, jewelry, plants, pets, and works of art. Residents can also profit from the rent of land or real estate. Many survive by offering a wide range of services. Those services include "camping", wage labor, business management, entertainment and creation of custom content (which can be divided into six categories: building, texturing, scripting, animation, art direction, as well as the position of producer / financier from the project)

Some residents can have great success in their investments in the virtual world, selling virtual goods or providing services. Business owners with a good marketing strategy can even keep their business running for a long time.

Here are some examples of successful businesses in Second Life:

Fashion

Everyone wants to keep their avatars up to date with the current fashion trends. To meet the high demand for fashion items, SL has more a large variety stores that provide a huge range of products.

The Designer Circle is a bi-weekly fashion event since 2010. It is a platform for SL designers that offers, for a limited time, several items from each designer. The secret of their success this in addition to their marketing strategy is the affordable price of the products- between 50L- 100L, combined with the quality of products and the latest trends in fashion and clothing.

URL:

http://secondlife.com/destination/designer-circle

Venues

 Old Lar's House was established in 2009, evolving into Old Lar's Warehouse, and now, Old Lar's Naughty Twinz. It has become a popular club in Second Life. The secret of its success is the unique energetic atmosphere, provided by the beautiful and sexy dancers. They offer visitors exquisite eye-candy for customers and remove items of clothing-often with lusciously written text for tips. The club also features live DJs 24/7 who play the best mix of rock and other genres for all tastes.

URL:http://secondlife.com/destination/lar-s-house

Skin & Shape

Established in 2005, Adam n Eve offers a wide selection of male and female skins as well as hair, and Fashion. Attentive to the needs of the market, which is essential for business success, the store creates mesh avatars (head and body), with good quality and competitive prices. The product, price and attractiveness, are the magic ingredients for the store’s continued success in Second Life for many years.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Genesis/112/59/41

Animations

Starting in Second Life in 2011, Humanoid is a project of talented German artists and media professionals who use technology to give movement to the Second Life avatars.

The secret of the success of this project is precisely the creativity, innovation and the use of advanced technology to offer a high quality product, satisfying the demand of the consumer market in Second Life.

SLURL:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HUMANOID/144/65/31

Freebie Spot

I was in second life since 2007, searching for freebies and Freebie Galaxy was there. This Store is a mega complex of freebies that has fifteen floors! The secret of its success, especially among newcomers to the SL, is quality and quantity with more than 3,000 freebies and dollarbies items of good quality that are offered to SL new residents looking for free things to have fun and upgrade their look.

URL:http://secondlife.com/destination/freebie-galaxy

Currently, in addition to a good product or service, businesses need to have a good marketing plan, promote themselves in the media, social networks and blogs is the key to success. This has fundamental importance for those who want to be prosperous in SL and last in such a competitive atmosphere.

Media

The SL Enquirer

Don’t forget!!! An informative press release to spread the news of your business is always a good start. Contact the SL Enquirer and we will help give you the exposure you need to get your business known.  Did we mention we are the longest running independently owned News Source in Second Life, established in 2005, with over 10 years of media experience?

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LUXORY%20NORTH/209/107/22 

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