“Every Linden I make from performing fees and tips goes directly to the American Cancer Society's Relay-For-Life. Thank you in advance! My shows are all posted in Events and my regular venues are listed in my Picks. IM me directly to book a show. Kindness is the only sane choice”.- Reno Jones (Taken from his profile)
It doesn’t matter if we are in the virtual world and never met our Second Life friends in the real world. A virtual bond can be made that could be just as strong as a physical friendship. Grief and loss is also a part of this global diverse community. Our connections reach beyond physical limits to people from around the globe. What better place than Second Life can we form a universal connection, unless you are an avid world traveler making friends everywhere you go?
In this unique environment we form long-lasting friendships and even fall in love. Sometimes it leads to real-life relationships and friendships that travel to see each other.
Behind every avatar is a human being with feelings and emotions. When a loss happens in Second Life, our hearts mourn deeply with the RL loved ones of our friend that have passed. It can be difficult to process a sudden loss, and the ability to go to where the family is to offer comfort and support. Many times, the passing of a Second Life friend’s impact is unknown by their real life family and friends and they don’t realize the true scope their passed loved one made on other people across the country and around the world.
There are Facebook Groups that link Second Life residents to real-world events and activities where people have the opportunity to meet and enjoy similar interests like SL Live Music Jams. This group is about connections all for the love of Music and gathering together.
Reno Jones was a beloved Musician in Second Life who graced many stages across the grid sharing his love for music with his fans. Those who got the chance to know him are grieving alongside his family.
On February 26th at 7 pm SLT, Owl Sweetwater along with some friends organized a gathering at Mother Road- Mirage Motel 66 with over 100 members of Second Life coming together at Reno Jones’ SL home to pay their respect and share their experiences and memories of Reno. Several fellow Musicians also performed in his honor through tears and fond memories. These performers were Mimi Carpenter, Gyspy, Justine, Rosedrop
DJs: Jay Pockets, Owl Sweetwater and Chi.
I stood in the crowd and could feel the love and admiration for a true gem lost in Second Life. He left his mark in the virtual world that will carry on through his friends and fans. To commemorate Reno Jones, a statue was created and will be placed around various venues he frequented in his honor.
Here are some memories and words about Reno Jones from his friends and fans
“Reno, he was unique in so many ways. His generosity knew few bounds, he would give and give and give. He gave his time for many of the American Cancer Society fund raisers that I worked on, he never wanted to say no to the opportunity of working to defeat cancer. He was so so giving, so full of life, so full of positivity. He was a JOY to know and will be remembered always, absolutely always, that's the man that Reno was and the impact he left upon me”.- Adrianna Biziou
"Reno spent his working life with real rock stars and writers and artists and musicians- and yet he spent his time in here with us, heart as big as whale, singing like gravel rolling in a barrel, giggling like a toy steam engine, giving his hundreds of friends fearless empathy, and with skill and knowledge treating his performing friends like capable professionals. Everything around him grew like it was planted in rich soil with clean water and plentiful sunshine. He knew what mattered - humanity, love, silliness, working tenderly and powerfully and cooperatively, pulling something beautiful from what can seem like nothing at all. He recognized us. He sang with tender power. It was so authentic, so joyful, and will be so very missed. " There were a lot of tears. Whatever else SL is, the relationships, the humanity, the creativity is real. There's an old song called Paper Moon, that he said described it all well”. - Owl Sweetwater
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“I stumbled across Reno singing one time and his avatar fascinated me -- so much so that I saw him many more times and then lassoed him into performing at my venue - Fins at Miktopia. He became part of a monthly Saturday show that featured him, Stratus McTavish, and FrankLee Anatra. And they were all amazing together. He learned our "theme" song, Fins, by Jimmy Buffet, and that was always entertaining. But he wasn't just a singer at a venue. He had an infectious personality. The three of those singers would try and stick around and support one another for that set. It felt more than just a few singers performing. I look back at those shows fondly. From that, Reno and I developed a friendship that I will cherish for eternity. We would talk about many things -- music, life, politics, and his time as an adjunct professor in New York, being the college he was at was close to where I live. I think sometimes we forget that despite this being a virtual world, we're all real behind the avatars. And we lose touch sometimes, and take advantage that people will be there. After we stopped live music for the most part at Miktopia ... I kind of stepped away from some things. And then I'd see notices here and there for a show and I would say "Oh, we need to go see Reno" and then it would be .. next time. We had talked here and there of getting him back, but our times never matched up. It's a lesson to keep in touch with one another, be kind, and hug one another. My partner Jess used to record some of the shows at Miktopia and we have four shows of Reno's. I'm thankful for that as I'll be able to hear his voice, his laugh, and his personality and be able to picture him on stage and living life to its fullest. I'll miss Reno the singer for sure, but I'll miss Reno the person the most. There aren't many kinder people in SL and he will be missed by all who he touched -- and he touched many people's lives. I hope he knew how many people were better for knowing him. Rest in peace my friend”. - mikhayla (mikhaylameow)
“ I am incredibly unfortunate that I did not get to know Reno as much as I wanted to, my schedule didn't align so often, but I loved his music, and who he was was a warm, witty, laid-back individual who inspired affection and acceptance wherever he went. He was like his voice- well-worn like a pair of old boots, and just as comfortable and welcoming. The grid is dimmer now than it was with Reno's passing”. Merryjest Starchild
“ Reno was one of the sweetest, kindest people you would meet. He was always there to help if you needed him and he had some of the best stories that would just captivate you, make you smile, and make you laugh”. - MєƖє ѕησω คηgєℓ-BαsÑ”vi (melenda.yarrowroot)
“ We had trailers next to each other in Desert Ruins for a time. He was one of the first to greet me in Mother Road and was always friendly to me”.- Drifter (wastelanddrifter)
“The thing I remember most about Reno was his rumbling laugh. I used to like making him laugh on mic and it was always joyful to hear” -Shae Bloodrose (shae70)
“ I met Reno early in 2019 and asked him if he would be interested in playing my bar in my 1930's Louisiana sim (Bayou Chat Noir) well, I originally offered him work as a short order cook but he liked the place and wanted to play there, life happened and it just didnt pan out for us, but I truly think he found his rightful home in Owl and Mother Road”- Mr Kitty (vinje)
“Reno shared my beliefs. He has been to Tibet and we talked about his time there. I loved his rough and gruff voice. He could play so many songs and nail them. He played at my club Villa Lobos every third Tuesday until his neuropathy got too bad and he couldn't play any more. He was a good man. He was always laughing and fun” - Cellandra Zon
“Reno was like a father figure to me. I always had a spot for him at my stage because he was so kind, so generous and his energy was infectious. It doesn't make sense to me why he was called home so soon, I will miss him so much. I wish more people were like him” - Taj Angel (taj.nishi)
“I didnt know Reno well but like many was thankful for him sharing his talent with us all”. -Ray (ray.dash)
“I met Reno because he came to visit relatives here in Portland. I picked him up and we came to my house and jammed. We got pretty high too”.- RoseDrop Rust
“It's great that you wrote about Reno, he was a remarkable character from SL. I knew him a little. What I remember about him is his kindness, his inimitable voice, his unique avatar, his humor. I am a friend of Owl, Chi, Rance, Peux... who perform every Wednesday at the Shack, here at Mother Road. I loved it when he said my name to welcome me during his sets when he spoke to us between two songs. Like a ritual, he lingered on my name each time, repeating it several times with amusement, but always with a great kindness that made me feel important. He really liked one of my photos, this one from his billboard. I heard tonight from people who knew him much better than I did, some even in real life”.- ZaZu (zazu.susa)
“ It shows how Reno was generous. I have a friend, I won't name names.. but they were struggling in real life financially. Reno knew them too, not as much as I did, but I let him know how I was worried about that person (Reno always gave me an ear and advice). Anyhow, Reno.. without prompting, sent my friend some money to help them out. It was a nice thing to do. He was a caring person”. - Bubbles Osterham (bubbles.roxan)
“I saw Reno for the first time when I went to "Nude on the Moon" at Mother Road. This gravely voice, stories, and infectious laugh had me hooked from the start and wanted to be a part of it, and I was lucky enough to get that opportunity and become friends with Reno... By far, one of the most genuine, amazing people I have met here”. -Jay Pockets
We'd been coming over to the Hootenanny Shack and I started to IMing him. I found the guy funny, knowledgeable, really good as a player/singer, but I could tell he was curious. I think he honestly loved people. We talked music. Always interesting. I'll miss him--Speelo Snook
“I have had the great pleasure of knowing Reno Jones not only as an sl friend but as a real life friend. He will forever be in my heart and will forever impact my life for the better. About 5 years ago, I was wandering the Mother Road Sim and saw a Billboard with Reno Jones on it and thought this was the most amazingly detailed billboard I have ever seen in Sl and the character on it, you could write stories about. Later on that day, I had gone to hear some Music that was being played on Sim, and while I was standing there Reno shows up. I got so excited! I immediately messaged him and I said, " Wow, you're real." not thinking that he would have no idea what I was even talking about, He laughed and said, " I think I am?." I then told him of the billboard and said how happy I was that he was real and from that one silly conversation would be the start of many conversations on various topics about Life, Travel, and his love for Music, This is just a small glimpse into how I came to know such a person, There could be many, many more things said but I will leave it here with the other memories I have left inside my mind. May he go down in Infamy in all realms. I say to him, Fly high, dear one. You are loved by all who knew you”. - WilamenaFrandcineSchittChastity (wilazarco83)
“I have so many beautiful memories of sitting by a campfire with Reno and sharing life stories.I loved him dearly, and still do, always will. Lots of tears right now”. - Indigo Solo
The SL Enquirer covers a lot of stories in SL, this type of event is sad, but also beautiful at the same time to see so much comfort and support for each other during this difficult time. There were over a hundred friends and fans in attendance, each with their own story to tell about Reno. SL truly lost a kind talented soul. He will be missed by many.
Rest in peace Reno. Thank you for sharing your gifts of music and your positive spirit with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you.
If you weren’t at Reno’s memorial gathering in Second Life and would like to share a few words, please share your memories and thoughts in the comment box below. We are all in this healing process together. *hugs*
- Lanai Jarrico
You tube video in memory of Reno Jones made by Gypsy Dhrua; Member of SL Live Music Jams
https://youtu.be/5EtKLBnEoFU?si=YFB_RnIBR_zBbLV7
Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mission-viejo-ca/stephan-jonas-12254634
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