PETRA STEELE REINVENTED – DIRECTOR OF NEW EVENTS AT FRANK’S ENTERTAINMENT GROUP: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

NOTE NOTE NOTE:  When first posted, this article mistakenly said the next DJ Spin-Off is July 17th.  The Corrected date is JULY 24

I first met Petra Steele while reviewing a new sim she was opening – a place called Steele Pointe, In the course of my research for that piece, the more I learned about this amazing woman, the more impressed I became. With an iconic style among the myriad of artists/entertainers than make up this amazing place, Petra has become something of a mainstay in the world of SecondLife entertainment. Her talents as an artist, writer, builder, manager, dancer, comedian, and musician seem to know no bounds. A noteworthy contributor to the world of the virtual, Petra accepts the accolades with grace and style. Never standing still, Miss Steele is always thinking about the next “big idea” in Grid Entertainment.

The other night while I was dancing at one of my favorite dance venues in SL, I bumped into Steele, the newly hired Director of Events at Frank’s Entertainment Group. We agreed to get together in a few days to catch up on her latest projects

Josh (Thomas1 Bellis) (JB): Tell us, Miss Steele, something about your background? What first drew you to SL as a medium for artistic expression?

Petra Steele (PS): Well now the fact is I didn't come to SL to find a medium for my artistic aspirations. I came as a writer who had been tasked with reviewing a book by MIT professor and Lacanian analyst Sherry Turkle, entitled "Together Alone.” It is a marvelous book exploring how the interface of artificial intelligence and the human psyche have substantively changed the way we relate to one another. Inclusive of the subject was the examination of the impact that virtual worlds were making on human psychology. As I had never experienced a virtual world, I chose Second Life. I spent enough time here to write the review for the International Journal of Analytical Psychology and then....and then, I discovered Frank's Jazz and became a lounge lizard.

JB: You have opened retreat centers, musical venues, comedy clubs...the list goes on. Tell us about some of your more noteworthy creations here in SL?

PS: A few corrections...while I built two comedy clubs, I never actually opened them. This was, in part, due to the fact that a few years ago comedy was not considered a form of entertainment that is easily translated to the SL medium. But as for those endeavors I consider noteworthy is my first foray into venue ownership, The SL Playboy Mansion sim. I had very little experience at that point but I did have a large staff and we were able to launch many forms of entertainment in the myriad venues we had on that sim. I've opened Steele Street, a live music and residential venue in an urban setting. Later I reopened the original Petra's on a full sim which I built mostly on my own with some help from a very good friend. It was a beautiful sim and I still look at photos of it when I get sentimental.

But perhaps my greatest achievement in venue ownership was the original Petra's which was located on a half sim and where you can say I cut my teeth on how to run a live music venue, I must mention that I was fortunate enough to have had two remarkable GMs, RJ Dragon and later Hera Titan. I owe a great debt to them both. I miss the old Petra's and in my weaker moments I think of reopening it but honestly, I don't see that happening.

JB. What would you consider to be your greatest achievement and contribution to the SecondLife Grid?

PS. This answer is going to get me into trouble but let me first say that I mean no disrespect to the other very fine venues in SL. The remark I heard most from both entertainers and patrons was that my venues were, beautifully appointed and decorated, that our programming, which relied on the careful crafting of Lineups, and our penchant for 6-to-10-hour Music Festivals. Those were exciting events; I think in large part due not only to the stellar talent we booked but also to the careful and logical progression of acts in the lineup. The other issue that was mentioned to me was that my venues and events were of high standards and, forgive me, "classy". Of course, I had great examples to follow in this regard, especially The Frank's Entertainment Group where I am now employed as Director of New Events.

JB: What’s next in the life of Petra Steele? What can we look forward to in the near future?

PS: Right now, my sights are set on bringing newly conceptualized events to the FEG venues. We have added the Frank's Championship DJ Spin Off and that event is catching on each round. Currently, we have DJ Sharcrista Quan taking an early lead followed closely by DJ Rosabella and DJ Filo Tani. You can catch the next Spin Off at Frank’s Jazz, poolside on Sunday, July 24 at 7PM (HTTP://maps.secondlife/Frank;s%20Jass%20Club/45/118/24)

There are several other events I am proposing internally and we will announce them as I work these through the details with our GM, Ms Persia Silverblade and our owner, Mr.William Zeta. I am very proud to be a part of the FEG organization. The staff is peerless as is the management..

I think my plate is full at the moment and my focus on being able to make a substantive contribution to an organization that has long held my admiration and respect

JB: What is so unique about this opportunity presented to you?

PS: Well, it’s not every day one is offered a position that allows the opportunity for much freedom in proposing events of my own creation and to see them happen. I love being part of a larger group of people with the same goal but this job also allows me a measure of independence which I believe is enviable and also much appreciated in the confidence that is being placed on me.

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

PS: As per usual Josh, your well-formulated and relevant questions have covered the ground I'd consider most important. Thank you for your time and talent it's always a pleasure.

JB: The pleasure is mine, I assure you, Petra. Mine, and that of our readers. Best of luck in your newest of adventures. It is a pleasure to see you working again.

So, there you have it folks - the inside scoop from the woman who knows. Franks Entertainment Group has long been recognized as one of the best entertainment venues on the grid, and the one by which many others are measured. Now, with Petra Steele as their new Director of New Events, that standard of excellence promises to become even more so. Go check ‘em out. Stay for a dance. Stay for an hour, or stay for an evening. You’ll be glad you did. Tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”

Be There! Aloha!

JB

For more information about Franks Entertainment Group and Petra Steele, go to: SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Franks%20Place%207/128/107/30

FLICKR:         https://www.flickr.com/groups/3166621@N23/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145473596358291/

 https://www.facebook.com/pg/franksentertainmentgroup/posts/

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PINK DIAMOND: SECRETS OF THE ORIENT FOR THE DISCERNING SL RESIDENT- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Any seasoned veteran of the SL Grid knows that some of the most fun and interesting sims are those that are patterned after RL Cities.  Whether sightseeing from the Eifel Tower in Paris, racing a chariot in the Roman Hippodrome, or dining at an outdoor restaurant in Barcelona, these cities bring their unique RL flavor to Life on the Virtual Grid.

Not to be outdone, the newest entry in that collection of great cities is Pink Diamond. Reminiscent of the RL city of Busan, Korea, Pink Diamond combines the Asiatic charm of a thriving metropolis, with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about other cultures and lifestyles.

I recently caught up with Master TinJuu and his project manager, AmiMoy, and they graciously consented to share information about this newest destination with our SL Enquirer readers

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):   What an amazing build here.  Tell me, what is the basic Theme of the Pink Diamond?

Master TinJuu (TJ):  Pink Diamond is a blend of east meets west adult entertainment themes.  We try to be as realistic as possible for all aspects of the sim and at the same time offer areas where you can picnic or find musical entertainment in addition to the roleplay and BDSM areas. You can also live or shop here but our main goal is to provide a visual and hands-on location where you can find many activities. from bowling to our beach boardwalk, to concerts, and our red-light district.

AmiMoy Resident (Ami) AM: On top of those mentioned above, Pink Diamond demonstrates the ambiance of a luxury resort city in an Asian setting.  This is similar to the Cancun-styled Asian city, which is very similar to Busan Korea (and is also part of the name).  Other than the sex aspect of the sim, the sim promotes SL concerts, live performances, Korean Pop, Japanese Pop, Black Pink Band, EDM, techno, and Trance Music within the sim's club and stadium venue.  The sim welcomes new DJs and bands to perform here.

JB:    Is this place all about sex?  Or will others find entertainment here as well?

TJ:  Our three primary objectives are to provide musical entertainment, adult play, and a place to explore and share with your friends.

AM: In addition, there will be city celebrity roleplay because of some of the cosplay bands such as Black Pink is a residents within the sim.  People can come in and meet with your favorite celebrity and RP.  Rentals in the sim are offered for people who want to live in this beautiful themed city that you cannot find anywhere else in SL. 

JB:    In what way is the Pink Diamond different from the hundreds of other Adult-rated sims out there?

TJ:  We have a BDSM club for members that are serious about the lifestyle and we will be providing protection and education to the BDSM community for those interested in it.  That being said you will also find hidden places for adult play, and all of our "toys" are the best SL creators have to offer.

JB:    This is a sizable place.  Who is involved in your management team here?

TJ:  We have a small staff now, primary amongst them are AmiMoy (our chief designer and builder) and lenthing666, both of whom have spent months making our vision a 3D reality. There have also been many others that have helped us along the way that have made this possible.

We are hopeful that we will be hiring several managers and support staff very soon.  I am looking to have staff on the land at all times to welcome and assist our visitors.

JB:    Tell me about some of the various districts in your city?

TJ:  I can really only speak about Freedom Bound, which is our BDSM group headquarters.  I see this as a place where serious-minded adults can gather and meet each other for fun and for learning. The FB building has a lot of areas within that it alone takes a while to explore

As for all the other districts we have the BlackPink HQ of course and surrounding commercial and residential buildings.  But there is so much more than Ami has incorporated into the sim that I do not even know many of the areas.  And you will also find an underground cave system that Ting built and is quite unique here.

AM:   There are a few main districts in the sim, which include the Boardwalk District, Beach District (home for luxury beach houses), Downtown District (where most of the commercial areas store fronts malls), Redlight District, Stadium District (which includes night club, live performance stadium, the  Freedombound District (the sub/dom club) and night market for food and booths). 

JB:    And how about the future?  What are some of the improvements you have in mind for the weeks and months ahead?

TJ:  At this point, our goal is to continue to "tweak" the glitches and build up our music entertainment offerings.  Now that we have the sim ready for use we want to concentrate on sharing it with others.

AM:   There are expansions planned for freedom bound, and more entertainment such as arcades and a  bowling alley (playable) in the downtown district area.  In addition, there will be more hidden areas to explore. 

JB:    I understand you will be hosting special events here?  How can people find out about those things?

TJ:  Well, we are looking to hire an events coordinator to manage this but we are increasing our advertising and will be using SL Events and the Classifieds, as well as group notices.

AM:   We will be relying heavily on word of mouth, and encourage people to join groups that advertise our events, and through social media as well.  Additionally, we will be hiring outside DJs to play at our events and help us share our venue with outside SLers. 

JB:    I saw a sign that read “club named BlackPink” Cosplay band. What is that all about?

TJ:  We have the #1 Kpop BlackPink fan band in SL and they are headquartered here. We are also looking to host other bands and DJs, and even Live Singers here this summer.

AM:   Black Pink Band is actually a Real-life band that runs on the top charts in America's top 40s.  There is a cosplay Black Pink Band living in Pink Diamond promoting Kpop (Korean pop culture) and the music you hear here.  

JB:    I understand you can host Live performances here.  Are these just for your concerts?  Or is the space available for use by others?

TJ:  We have our own designated areas but anyone is able to schedule and hold an event here for free, whether that be a concert or a wedding/

AM:   Yes, the venue can be used by others.  Please feel free to Contact “Ami” if anyone who wishes to host an event here.  I will be handling all the events for now. 

JB:    What sort of accommodations do you have for people who may want to live here?

TJ:  We have a variety of houses, apartments, and other living quarters available and these should be ready for viewing on our soon-to-be-released website in the very near future.

AM:   From Luxury Mansion to beach houses, apartments, and high-rise luxury apartments.  We provide quite a variety of choices for each and all kinds of living styles in SL.   We also have different prim options available for residents. 

JB:    Is there anything else you would like to tell the SL Enquirer readers about Pink Diamond?

TJ:   We are not here to be the best; we are not here to profit ... we are here to provide an experience we feel everyone should explore and enjoy.

So, there you have it, folks.  Getting tired of visiting the same clubs night after night after night after night?  Ready to try something new and exciting?   Then you simply HAVE to visit Pink Diamond…for a truly unique experience

SLURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pink%20Diamond%20Isle/88/184/23

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FRANK’S ELITE CUTS – SLS CUTTING EDGE ROMANTIC ENTERTAINMENT: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Soooooo..I was bouncing around my favorite dance venues and when I got to Frank’s Elite, I stopped.  On the wall was a sign, advertising something called CUTS.  Well…my investigative reporter instincts kick into overdrive, and I simply HAD to learn what this was.  I managed to get some time on the calendars of  a couple of gents who are arguably among the busiest guys on the Grid, William Zeta (WZ) and Patrick Pearson (PP) and they agreed to chat with me about this highly innovative program.   Concert Under The Stars – “CUTS”

Josh (Thomass1 Bellic) JB:  So tell me Patrick.  As the Head organizer of CUTS, have you managed projects of this caliber before?  Share with us some of your background here in SL?

Patrick Pearson (PP):  I've always loved music, and find myself always wanting to explore musical traditions.  Prior to my time here at CUTS, I was a DJ and learned a lot about connecting with audiences.  The opportunity to be involved with CUTS presented itself in 2015 to fill in as producer for our Euro CUTS.  After that Jay Jones, who was running CUTS at the time, asked if I could fill in once a month. Sadly not longer after that he passed way and the mantle fell to me to continue the tradition.  DJ Filo Tani also helped keep CUTS alive when William took over.

JB:  So then, what is it that makes CUTS different from other dance events out there?

PP:  The question itself makes this somewhat incongruent from the concepts of what CUTS means, at least to me as this is not a dance event but an opportunity to provide an experience to enjoy concerts over several genres, touching the styles of romance, jazz, pop or rock as a whole. Under the covers, with the help of the collective of the band referred to as "The Usual Suspects" makes it sustainable and memorable week after week.  Not only is the music different, the stage is different, the costumes are different, and the experience is different.  It's the closest event in SL to being at a concert in RL.

JB:  Where do you find your talent?  And the Tribute bands?  Where do THEY come from?

PP:  The talent of the band referred as The Usual Suspects, who are regulars that help provide a look to the current weeks tribute band members, help to make it so enjoyable as a team as add authenticity to the performers, and they truly  have fun during the shows. As to the source material, I have made it possible to obtain the well recorded concerts ensuring the high-quality sound is maintained. These can be found online or via my own private collection of CDs. 

JB:   Who was the brainchild for CUTS and what were you hoping to accomplish?

William Zeta (WZ): The founder of Frank's, Nanceee Sinatra, was the innovator that create CUTS (and many of Frank's offerings).  She wanted to create a safe space free of drama, to come and enjoy listening, dancing, and being in good company.   She created something special, and we are honored to continue her traditions and add our own little twists.

JB:   Where did you get the inspiration for CUTS?

PP:  As Frank’s Elite (aka FEG Frank’s Entertainment Group) is under the guise of a romantic venue over its main years, we try to lean toward a more romantic leaned set of concerts.  However, we also try to diversify the style of music as well. Given the seasonal climates or some special weekends like Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo among others, we look to give some Latino influences or some classic rock or some fun pop to reach a broader audience while being true to our regular base to give the variety needed.   It is particularly fun when we find a concert or an artist that we can introduce to our members that they never heard, but learn to love!

JB:    And how have the crowds been since you started the CUTS series.  Are the Guests responding in the numbers you had hoped?

WZ: Elite is a member-only venue, so it's not so much about the number but about the quality we provide our members.  With that said, we have between 40-90 avatars attend.  We have managed to keep the base over the years and some shows by their nature are very popular and will a greater audience.  That being said, overall it’s been quite good and sustainable even now, in spite of copy-cats trying to duplicate what we do. 

JB:    How might someone learn of any special events coming up at any of your venues.

WZ:  If you belong to any of the Frank's groups (e.g., Franks Place Elite Club, Franks Jazz ***VIP***) you will get notices.   Or you can stop by Frank's Jazz or Frank's Elite and look at the board in front of the clubs.  It contains a lot of info about upcoming concerts, DJs, live singers.  There is quite a lot going on.

JB:    I understand you also have a Loyalty Program? Tell me about that, please.

WZ:  It's called Frank's STARS.   You earn STARS for the time you spend and enjoy our venues.  For example if you spend two hours dancing the night away with us, you will earn 20 Frank’s STARS.  You can redeem your STARS for the goods and services we provide at Frank’s Entertainment Group, such as Private Events and Parties, Chateau d’Elite Dinning, Weddings.   You can also buy a day pass for Elite or a night pass for CUTS.  There are STAR vendors around the club which have that and other merchandise you can get in exchange for your points.  

JB:   And what of the future? Any new developments on the horizon.

PP:  We are always looking for ways to improve CUTS from the music to the technology for putting on shows.  We're also looking at ways to expand how DJs and Artists can reach an audience.  Lastly, we have been working on visual interactive experiences that immerse members in art and music, a completely different way to experience SL.  

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

WZ:   Sure.  Here are some upcoming shows:

 

July 1, Canada Day @ Frank's Elite

~ C.U.T.S. 12PM & 8PM: Nickelback Live in Rock in Rio 2013

 

July 1-4 Elite Beach Weekend @ Frank's Elite

~ 4th of July Celebration

 

July 3, Sunday 7-9pm @ Frank's Jazz

~ Etta James

 

July 17, Sunday @ Frank's Jazz

~ Fleetwood Mac Tribute

 

July 21, Thursday. Amazon Dancers @ Frank's Elite

~ Michael Jackson dance show, 5PM

 

July 31 Sunday @ Frank's Jazz

~Marilyn Monroe Tribute

 

Also stop by Bogart's for some Karaoke, and Sphynx Jazz for close intimate performances.

 

Sooo...there you have it, Folks.  Straight from the Man who Knows.  See if you can “Make the CUTS” and join the team for a night of romance and dancing under the stars to the grid’s favorite tribute bands, every Friday at Frank’s Elite.  Believe me.  You’ll be glad you did.  And so will your dance partner.

Be There!  Aloha

-          Josh

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CHROMATI3 - NOT YOUR DADDY’S HIP HOP: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

 

One of the BEST things about being a reporter for the SL Enquirer is that I get to see lots of new builds, in many cases before they are open to the public, or in advance of their Grand Opening.  Such was the case this week, when I was asked to go check out what is arguably destined to become the HOTTEST club on the grid, with the “hip hopiest” tunes to be heard anywhere in SL’s 16-year history. Chromati3 is the brainchild of DJ Shank Chrome and the lovely and personable Ms Alize.  They graciously offered me a tour of this most dynamic club, and explained how they would present this latest and greatest offering to the SL Club scene during their upcoming Grand Opening Weekend, beginning Saturday, June 4, 2022.

When you first walk in, you will be offered a control system to help you take advantage of the items offered inside.  You need to accept this to move any farther inside.  Believe me.  You will be glad you did. You first enter on the second floor of this 3-floor marvel to the art and science of club-building.  From the bouncers at the doors, to the DJ Booth, to the Dance floor, to the private VIP booths surrounding the state-of-the-art dance floor -  you will be amazed at just how trendy a place they have built here.

We all sat down in comfortably apportioned overstuffed chairs just off the dance floor, as they shared their story with me.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:  Soooo...tell us about “The CHROMATI3 Difference”   How is CHROMATI3  unlike any other Club anywhere on the SL Grid today?

Shank Chrome (SC):  Well, Chromati3 is one of the most realistic clubs on the grid today.  You can tell, just by the appearance. It has a total of EIGHT VIP sections alone! You name  it, we got it.  Chromati3 gives that special experience. Our club starts on the first floor with an entrance just like in real life.  You have to accept the experience and it allows you to actually walk through a real door and into the first two floors. To your left is the elevator you will take to the Smoke lounge on the rooftop,

JB:  With three stories available for guest entertainment, just what is your Maximum occupancy here?

Ms Alize (MA):  We can actually hold about 50-60 people Max. We had a Mother’s Day event and it was standing room only in the house.

SC: It is only on a Parcel on a community sim which has shopping stores around it in the sky. 

JB: Tell us about the special areas you have here?  VIP Seating?  Smoking Rooftop?

SC: Well, we wanted to give something more of what SL has been missing.  Again, it’s the small details people miss that make our club stand out from all the rest of the clubs out there.

JB: How did you initially develop an interest in DJing?

SC: I started when I was young. I initially started writing my own beats,  doing my own writing, feeling, and living certain things and it really just saved my life. 

JB: I know you play a wide variety of musical genres.  Do you have a favorite?  And how have your musical tastes changed over the years?

SC: It varies with me.  I like to mix it up.  I play music based on what I feel – hip hop,  rap,  reggae,  neo-soul – You name it, I’ll play it. I really don’t have a favorite genre. I love music period.

JB:  Describe for me the ideal guest you would like to see at Chromati3?

MA: We want to see growth which is actually happening faster than we thought. We also would like to see the positive impact it can offer to SecondLife. We know that SecondLife is growing and has a need for more clubs with activities and new hangouts for people. I don’t want to give away any secrets for what’s in store for the future but just know that we have some unique things lined up for the near future that we are very excited about and can’t wait to act on. So, join those groups and platforms or stop by to see what’s in store weekly. 

SC: We want to book live singers, with guest appearances from folks like Chris Brown, Pop Smoke, and Jay Z.  Those are just some of the names, but my list can go on and on.

JB: You have both been in SL for a number of years.  What is it that keeps you going?  What keeps you coming back night after night?  

MA: I have been here for over 7 years, for me, I think it’s the fact that this is a hobby for me. I work during the daytime hours and look forward to coming online every day as a result of meeting new people and looking forward to new ventures and what Sl has to offer. Most recently with the building of the club it has been the brainstorming with our team with what new things we can bring to Sl as an organization. Working as a team has been the most rewarding for me as a whole. We want to offer the grid so much more.

SC: I am motivated by pride. As well as the drive to keep moving forward. That is what keeps me going.

JB:  How might someone learn what, if any, special events are going on at CHROMATI3?

MA: Well, we have our social platforms they can use, our Facebook group Chromati3.  Then there is our Instagram page under the group name clubChromati3_sl.  Additionally, we have an inworld group that you have to ask to be invited to and also we have a weekly event board located near the entrance inside the club downstairs next to the DJ board. 

SC: I mostly do notices and whatever outreaches I may have at that point and time.

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

SC: Come check us out....lol. We are constantly brainstorming about what to bring next to the Sl grid. It’s a secret about what comes next with us but stay tuned to see more of what we will bring next.

Sooooo, there you have it, folks.  For the absolute BEST and Newest entry into the SL Club scene, you will have to check out Chromati3.  I  know you will be glad you did, and so will your friends once you share with them this new “discovery”

I’ll catch you on the smoker’s deck, enjoying a smoke and a brandy.

Be there.  Aloha!

Chromati3 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/River%20Oaks/61/126/24

 

 

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Spotlight on Scotch & Soda- An Experiential NFT project in Second Life - SLE REPORTING

 

NFTs are non-fungible tokens and are non-interchangeable units of data stored on a blockchain that can be sold and traded. In early 2021, interest in NFTs skyrocketed after a number of high-profile sales auctions netted digital artists hundreds of thousands of dollars. The highest amount paid for an NFT was The Merge bought by 28,983 collectors for a total of almost $100 million!  It was only a matter of time before residents of Second Life would showcase NFT art. 

Scotch and Soda Gallery is an Experiential NFT project that showcases established and emerging NFT artists in a mixed reality setting. Scotch and Soda is the culmination of two people's drive and passion for something more than hanging art as a display. Art is to be experienced. Second life is arguably one of the first metaverses of its kind and it was fitting for Scotch and Soda to open its first virtual reality 3D experiential gallery in that world. The gallery currently has three experiential installations open featuring Dark Pinkup, StarCards, and Ultra Rare. 

Interview with Scotch (scotch.darkheart)

SLE: HI Scotch, you are the first Second Life resident who approached us with an in-world NFT art gallery! Can you tell our readers about Scotch & Soda NFT Gallery and what types of artwork you currently have showcased?

Scotch: We feature a multitude of art stylings most notable are the artists that I have been working with for a few years now such as Starcards, Ultrarare, Exit Limbo and the newly added Dark Pinup. We also intend to host upcoming artists, to the digital space, that on’t have a lot of exposure but deserve it.

SLE: Is your gallery open to any digital artist to showcase their work? If so how can they get involved?

Scotch: Anyone that has an interest in having their art shown is welcome to reach out and start that conversation with us. We are an NFT experiential gallery, so we like to highlight digital art on the blockchain.

SLE: Is the NFT artwork currently on display available for sale?

Scotch: Yes it is for sale however we do not yet have an in-game marketplace that would allow us to sell art in Linden but that is in the works.

SLE: Since NFTs are non-fungible tokens, how can you ensure NFT protection so that they cannot be duplicated or copied by anyone in Second Life using a simple snippet tool or screenshots?

Scotch: The nature of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is that they are, in fact, not a screenshot or a snippet. NFTs are a digital asset. NFTs can be multimedia with moving parts and music. They can also have utility in gaming and other platforms. Imagine playing a card game on your PC, but owning all the cards. Because of this, you would be able to take them to whatever platform you wanted and trade them for better cards, just like you would a physical deck, you might buy in your local comic book store.

The artists are paid for their work, not only the first time it sells but also as an ongoing percentage of every resale of that NFT. If set up correctly the artist will always get a royalty paid to them. This is a way to support artists that may never be given an opportunity to have their work shown let alone profit from it. Sure, anyone can take a screenshot or copy and save most anything they see on a computer screen but it’s always going to be just that. A copy, a fake. It's incredibly easy to verify if an NFT is a copy, far easier than detecting counterfeit physical goods. The fake NFT copies have no value. When you copy you are not showing support for the artist. Scotch and Soda value art. So should everyone.

 

SLE: Your gallery currently showcases several pieces that are very reminiscent of Garbage Pail kid cards and colorful hippie art.  Who are the artists?

Scotch: Interesting that you said that. One of the artists came over from the Garbage Pail kids NFT project so definitely some of the influence in those great pieces from Ultra Rare. The psychedelic-style NFTs are from the team over at Starcards.

 

SLE: I noticed there was a stage on your property. What type of events do you host?

Scotch: Soda and I are big fans of live music. We will be hosting everything from Acoustic to Zydeco (had to). But wait that’s not all we also utilize the stage for other events such as Queens of Burlesque, seasonally themed performances, and the best of them all, Puppy adoptions!  

 

SLE: Are you currently hiring? If so, what positions are available?

Scotch: We are always looking for designers, photographers, builders, stylists, and fashion designers. We generally work on a per-project basis but as we grow that could change.

 

SLE: Can you tell our readers why you decided to open Scotch & Soda? Was it to help promote fellow artists or just a love for art and to introduce NFTs to the second life community?

Scotch: Scotch and Soda Gallery is a collaborative effort between me and Soda. We opened the galley out of common interests. A passion for great art and killer music. (metal devil horns in the air) Soda and I had worked together on projects that always had a middle man or some outside interference that kept us from the potential that we could see in one another. We support and encourage each other to excel without envy. We wanted to bring that good energy to a metaverse that checked all the boxes for us. The mother of all metaverses. Second life.  We wanted to be the first to introduce the work of NFT artists that we have been following, and working with, in a way no one had done before.

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

 

Scotch: Scotch and Soda Gallery is an experiential NFT project that showcases established and emerging NFT artists in a mixed reality setting. The art is shown, not on drab walls, but within a 3D environment. We invite you to come and experience it for yourself.  As always, if you like what we do, tell people about us.

Additional Information

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Volpert/122/175/22 

Group: Scotch and Soda NFT Art Gallery/  

secondlife:///app/group/84040208-e4fb-87cb-c1b3-f69f3f5ec3e3/about

URL: https://linktr.ee/scotchandsodagallery 

Preferred Contact: Scotch.darkheart

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AKANGA ISLAND LIBERI ISLES - FOR THE FINEST IN ROLEPLAYING SIMS: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIS) REPORTING

I was checking Pixel delivery orders the other day to see who had recently ordered truckloads of pixels.  This can be evidence of heavy construction going on, and I hit Paydirt...or rather.. “PayPixels”  As it turned out, there was some MAJOR construction going on at Akanga Island, the grid’s newest Role Play build.  There I met Renita (Jacquotte Anne de Graaf) and Clawtooth (M/Roach Aker), taking a short break from the day’s labors.  Fascinated by what I saw, I KNEW that this would be something for RPers everywhere.

Josh (Thomas1 Belic) JB:    So tell me, Renita.  Just what is Akanga Island Liberi Isles all about?

(Renita) Akanga Island:Liberi Isles is the RP brain child of my friend Clawtooth Aker and myself that is set in the 18th Century and based off of both fiction and nonfiction histories of Madagascar during that era. Akanga Island:Liberi Isles is fictionally located off the coast and lost in time which is where the multi-verse RP comes in. The Lore has a fantasy flair to it which incorporates both fact and fiction all in one so that the player can either develop within the created storyline or create their own.

We started this RP back in 2010 and decided to rekindle it with a vaster storyline that inter-fuses everything from Libertalia pirate history to the cannibalistic tribesman in the dense jungles and then everything in between.

We wanted an exciting and diverse place to play and have fun that is built for players by players.

JB:    What a phenomenal build.  Did you do this all yourself, of did you have help, and what did they do?

(Renita) I am glad you enjoyed it. Feels like it took forever! I did the build myself yes. I started this particular build back in early 2021 after Claw and I decided to make a go at reopening this RP after 10 years. I wanted the build to be very realistic but allow for players to add their own flare to it. It was challenging to say the least. There were a lot of cuss words. Let's just leave it at that.

 JB:    Where did you get the inspiration for this build?

(Renita) The history of the Libertalia is what started it 10 years ago and so this time around I painstakingly researched Madagascar regarding their landscapes, wildlife, fauna, insects, even their people and villages that were around at that time. It was important to me to make sure that it was done correctly. There is nothing I hate more than to walk onto a sim, see primmy builds with textures sloppily slapped on and objects, wildlife or even trees that were never even in that timeline or location. Unless it is all fantasy, it just doesn't make sense. Make it make sense and that's what I did.

(Clawtooth) While Ren took the visuals angle for our game design, I focused mostly on the mechanics of RP and interactions. I come from a very game-centric background, Role Playing to some degree is a large part of my experience. I wanted to make sure there was a baseline created so that everyone was playing on a fair, interactive game field, regardless of the style of play that was chosen.

JB:    What can we hope to discover in Pirates Cove?

(Renita) So many secrets to be told!! Can't give away too much but there is quite a lot of fun to be had in the Liberi Cove. I wanted it to look like a hybrid of Pirates Cove and the Pirates of the Caribbean shipwreck island. We have everything from the quack doctor to a historian and even a greedy trader's office. We have a ton of housing available with some really cool ones, some even on cliffs,  and of course, the ability for people to live on their ship if they like. Wow, there is so much,... the marketplace, the taverns, the faction headquarters, the blacksmith, the carpenter and so much more to do just in that cove for sure.

(Clawtooth) The Cove is more or less the heart of the Liberi, it serves as the main bridge between the land and sea folk. In a way, because the sim low key touches on the idea of the Multi-verse, it's also a cultural stew pot, exposing characters from various settings to one another to create something new.

JB:    How about the Desert Build?  What is THAT all about?

(Renita) Ahh, the desert, isn't that magnificent? So if you take a look at Madagascar it has a number of landscapes and climates all on that one island. You have jaggy rocks, desert landscapes, dense tropical jungles, and mini islands off it called isles that can be habitable. With that in mind, we created a desert landscape on Akanga Island. On the one side of the desert, you have the dwellers and these are common folk who are on the mainland and have found community in that area. They have a marketplace, a tavern, housing and so much more. Now on the other side of that desert are the Bari people and they are the desert tribesman who raises cattle and live peacefully as long as they are not provoked. They trade spices, chickens, and pottery and live in a very highly patriarchal tribe where polygamy is practiced among them. The Bari have their own secrets. Everyone does...we love secrets.

JB:    Are these areas built for free-play, or is there an existing storyline for each area?

(Renita) We encourage both! We love when the players develop their own storylines and incorporate it into either the existing lore or start their own. We are an immersive RP sim and most of our players do para or semi para RP. Claw masterminded the HUD system and it is optional, but it's great to complete your character.. You can build, earn in-game funds to trade, and so much more.

 (Clawtooth) Bottom Line, we wanted to create a choice for everything... immerse yourself in what exists, or forge ahead into the future and make something new. Rome wasn't built in a day, nor did it last for nearly a thousand years by focusing on what was. We want the players to take what we made, and make it their own.

JB:    I imagine the Jungle Build can give way to all kinds of RP scenarios.  How do you see that playing out?

(Renita) I had fun on this build and really wanted people to get lost in there and I think I accomplished that because I get lost all the time (laughs). The Dayuks were a challenge though, they really are a pivotal part of the Lore and I wanted to make sure their area really represented the danger, mystery, and magical powers behind this important tribe.

(Clawtooth) It's dense, crawling with critters, like Ren said it is easy to get lost in. Any number of scenarios can play out here, it really depends on the player, anything from the simple harvesting of resources, to raids, or even a simple walk through the jungle. Make a farm, explore Lore. If the Cove is the center of culture and knowledge, the Jungle is definitely the seat of the unknown.

 JB:    Do you plan any special events here, and if so, how might people learn about them?

(Clawtooth) We have a few event types planned, which can all be found in the Active Stories section of our Website. Active Stories represent a sort of timeline for events that stand out over the course of story progression, as time goes on and more events take place, a more formalized format will be adopted. Some events may never end and typically rely, to some degree, on the HUD/Meter system to operate while others may simply take you to a point of interest to find an object or present you with a clue.
 

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

(Clawtooth) Akanga/Liberi Isles is in OpenAlpha stage Development. We fully expect players to take what we've created and run with it, that is, we want them to break the status quo, and make it their own. We have created a place rich in history and lore... and a flexible, interactive HUD system so players can represent their characters. This includes a crafting system that allows players the freedom to customize their own RP experiences. While we have plans that expand into the distant future, we have come to a point in development where growing and making everything even better only comes with community-driven play and support. Want to get in on the RP? We got you. Don't have $Ls? You don't need them to progress and RP. Got ideas for the game systems? We have ears and the skills to make it happen. Want to be a part of something big? What you see on sim is only a fraction of the plans we have for Akanga Island: Liberi Isles.

So.  There you have it folks.  For the finest in RP sims, drop on by Akanga Islands.  Stay an hour…or stay a lifetime…or anything in-between.  You’ll be glad you did.

SURL:   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Liberi%20Isles/124/116/3002

 

 

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