SPOTLIGHT ON SMOCHAS - Dining and Cannabis Bar - Lanai Jarrico Reporting….

 

Restaurants in Second Life are a great place to gather with friends or go on a date with that special someone. The exquisite SMOCHAS beYou Restaurant and Cannabis Lounge is a unique dining experience sure to provide you and your friends a fun-filled time in a sociable, restaurant-style atmosphere. It is a full-service fine dining role-play experience for the grown and sexy. The comprehensive menu offers everything from beYou food and beverages and all the way up to premium cannabis smoking and edibles. The SL Enquirer met up with MsDemocha to learn more about Smochas.

Interview with DarkEbony Mocha (Ms. Mocha)

SLE: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us. How did you discover Second Life and how would you describe your experience so far?

Ms. Mocha: You are so welcome! I am excited to be interviewed.  I was brought to SL by my older siblings Harlem Mocha and Blue Pinelli way back in 2010 after a RL tragedy.  SL was a way to remove the miles that were between us. They knew it was a pivotal time in my life and wanted to be there to look out for me.  I thought I was just logging into a game!  I instantly fell in love with the RP of it all! There is no limit to the amount of fun that a person could have here. I believe in living your SL to the fullest and I believe that I have so far. I had no idea how much I would change over the years nor that I would learn so much about myself playing the game. If I had to use one word to describe my SL it would be “phases”. I have gone through so many of them. Through it all, I have been blessed to cultivate wonderful businesses, friendships, and family bonds in SL.

 

SLE: I am glad to hear you were introduced to Sl by your supportive family and that it helped you.  Second Life is such a unique experience with self-discoveries happening for many people. Myself included.  What an elegantly designed restaurant with accents of black, white, and gold. What inspired you to create SMOCHAS?

  

Ms. Mocha: Thank you. I have learned that I am a visionary and I have a great aptitude for business.  I wanted to start a new one, one that was different and would continually grow. The idea of SMOCHAS was inspired by different places that I visited in RL. I would take pictures of them and give them to Ms. Vanessa Marquez, the SMOCHAS interior designer.  She was able to capture the glamorous and warmth that I desired. Although the restaurant is extremely posh and beautiful, no one feels uncomfortable there.

SLE: It takes a dedicated team to run a real-life successful restaurant. In Second Life I would imagine the same dedication is needed aside from having a full kitchen crew. Can you tell us about your team and their roles at the restaurant?

Ms. Mocha: The SMOCHAS staff is remarkable.  The restaurant would not be the success it is without the dedicated managing team of J. Ziporiah Bradley (operations manager) and Sean Himanez (assistant manager). They are responsible for just about ensuring exceptional execution of every one of SMOCHAS processes and procedures. They do an excellent job of managing an exceptional team of servers, chefs, and budtenders.

 

SLE: I must say you all are keeping up with the times with a Cannabis Lounge as well. Virtually speaking weed is legal across the grid. Can you share with our readers what they can expect from the full-service SMOCHAS experience?

 

Ms. Mocha: It’s totally exciting from the moment you are greeted and seated. Your professional SMOCHAS server will guide you through your 4-course meal. If you have made reservations for the SMOCHAS Cannabis Lounge then after dinner you will be escorted to the lounge to end your evening with the very best joints and edibles SL has to offer. It’s the perfect end to a wonderful evening out and you are right virtually speaking, it’s legal across the grid.

 

SLE: You got the hospitality to role-play down! I noticed a beautiful white baby grand piano in the center of the restaurant. Do you host live musicians to entertain guests, or is that for special occasions?

Ms. Mocha: We often have live singers and musicians perform for our guests. We have had spectacular vocalists like Mr. Tony Slade, Ms. TJ O. Jobert, and Ms. Steph Sinatra. Some of my most memorable nights are of a lounge full of avatars vibing off our cannabis products while being serenaded by some of SL’s best vocalists.

 

 

 

In fact, we will have Mr. Tony Slade and Ms. Samm Qendra in the cannabis lounge this Thursday, June 17th at 5 pm SLT.  The performances are open to all.

SLE: I think that is a fantastic addition to fine dining in Second Life! Do you take reservations for special events, private parties, or are walk-ins OK?

Ms. Mocha: Yes, for all three.  We have had engagement parties, corporate anniversary parties, birthday parties, 420 parties, and many other special events.

 

 

SLE: One of the most important things that make the dining experience feel more realistic is the selection of food guests can order. What’s on the comprehensive BeYou food and beverage menu?

Ms. Mocha: Way too many dishes to name.  I can tell you that some of my favs are the Lobster Piquant, SMOCHAS Specialty Steak*, and the Mocha Resplendence Cake.  There is something for every food lover on the menu.

 

SLE:  We are seeing a lot of venues starting to become family-friendly. Can guests bring their children or is it discouraged because of the Cannabis Lounge? 

Ms. Mocha: Everyone is invited and encouraged to have dinner at SMOCHAS.  High chairs and booster seating are available for the babies. However, the Cannabis Lounge is for adults only.

 

SLE: I love that it is family-friendly, I hear a lot of families struggle to find venues that accept them and their children. It was a pleasure meeting with you and learning more about what you do. We wish you all the best with SMOCHAS. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Ms. Mocha:  Yes, Mogul Mondays - Krazy Karaoke!  We teamed up with Chaotic Mogul Enterprises to present every Monday evening at 5 pm SLT, Krazy Karaoke!  It takes over the cannabis lounge and it has such a unique vibe.  It’s not an Open Mic.  There is no competition going on at all. It’s a group of awesome people, kicking back, forgetting that it’s the beginning of another work week, and singing their favorite songs.  I would love to say that we are all great singers, most of us only sing in the showers, but I also think that is the best part.  We sing because we love the songs and the fun we have singing it. It’s the best no judgment zone I have ever encountered, and the amount of laughter and fun we all have is outrageous!

Additional Information

Reservations are accepted on Tuesday - Sunday weekly from 4 pm - 8 pm SLT and Walk-in are accepted on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 pm – 7 pm SLT. 

You can make your reservations at SMOCHAS or on Marketplace! https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/211659

SLurl:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lake%20Tairov/49/48/21 

GROUP: Join the SMOCHAS group and keep up with us: secondlife:///app/group/d268369a-c483-b296-72a1-d6098f17d9e7/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2982451615144616

SMOCHAS webpage: https://www.themochacorp.com/smochas

Questions? Contact Ebony Mocha (MsDEMocha or DarkEbony Mocha), Sean Himanez (TheRealSean Himanez), Jazz Alexandria Tiponi (Jazz Tiponi) or Jericah Bradley (Jericahb).

URL: https://www.themochacorp.com

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Spotlight on Rogue Galaxy - It's all about the Music! Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

"Where words fail, music speaks."- Hans Christian Andersen

Originally from Canada, Rogue Galaxy resides in upstate New York. She is a seasoned musician/vocalist with a timbre and tone of her voice unique to the Blues, but she also performs Rock, Jazz, Rockabilly, Pop, and more. In Second Life,  Rogue makes you feel every word she sings at her performances.  Her distinct voice and musical style will charm the hearts of all.

Her talent goes beyond Second Life. As a  2020 People's Choice Sammy Award Nominee (Syr. NY), Rogue Galaxy is a seasoned musician/vocalist. Her vocals are described as sultry, bluesy, and smoky and she performs a variety of music for dinner parties, restaurants, galleries, cafes, wineries, breweries, festivals, concerts, and private engagements. Rogue was heavily involved in her local music scene and ran various groups both online and off until the pandemic hit.  

Interview with Rogue Galaxy

SLE: Hi Rogue, thank you for taking the time to sit with me for this interview. You have over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Can you tell us a little about your music background and how you discovered Second Life?

Rogue: Hello Lanai, you’re welcome, and thank you for asking me to do this interview! To be honest I grew up around music. My father always played in bands and had jam sessions and parties at our house. There was never a dull moment! Lol... I grew up singing with him and in school and church choirs etc. I discovered SL back in 2006, a friend asked me to join, I created my avatar Artemis Vandeverre, and was soon on the way to discovering a whole new world. I sang as Artemis from 2007 – 2009, then stopped singing, as I bought a sim and created this avatar Rogue became a businesswoman rented out land and shops, and created female shapes called Rogue Shapes. Lol WOW.. that seems like a lifetime ago! but that lasted about 2 years and then I ended up renting out the sim for 10 years.. and last year came back in-world to enjoy it and sing again.

SLE: Wow you are a Jane of all SL trades! I’m glad to hear you returned back to SL to share your talent. With your real-life music career taking a hit during the Pandemic, do you see things getting back to normalcy?

Rogue: Things are starting to happen here, they are slowly getting back to normal, although, even though I am vaccinated, I can still carry the germs.. and as a singer, I personally take precautions as I don’t want to make anyone sick, so I have decided that for me personally, I will perform at outside only venues and will have a sneeze screen barrier in front of me, so I don’t project directly to my audience. I would never want to be responsible for making anyone sick or worse. SO yeah... it’s a lot to think about and wrap your head around.

SLE: The pandemic has affected so many real-life venues, it is great that you have a plan for you returning with only outside venues for now. At least you are getting back into it. So, trying to juggle a real-life music career with  Mohawk Valley Open Mic and a variety of local open mics in your area. Do you find your time divided equally?

Rogue: I’ve always attended live shows in SL from the time I started here. If I'm not busy performing... I'm promoting, attending other music events, etc.

SLE: You’re always busy, that is good. So tell the readers since you have a wide range of vocal talents. Do you personally have a favorite that you use as your “go-to” when you feel the need to pump up the crowd, or even get yourself in better energy for a crowd?

Rogue: I’m a blues gal at heart, but I love all genres of music.. If I need to boost people's spirits. Everyone seems to like CCR and I’ve done CCR tributes here, they were very well received and people have a lot of fun!

SLE: Since you have been performing in Second Life, have you ever dual streamed with any other artist, or is there an artist you would like to dual-stream with?

Rogue: No, I’ve never dual streamed, but I’m talking dual streaming with UglyBill, he’s a wonderful performer! I think dual streaming would be great fun! I can’t wait to try it!

SLE: We would love to hear that! Second Life is a great platform for artists of all kinds. Have you personally brought anyone into Second Life to either perform or just show them what the virtual worlds have to offer?

Rogue: Oh yes, I brought many friends in to hang out and explore over the years! Some who lived in a different country, so we could talk and hang out.. the virtual worlds are great for connecting. However, I haven’t brought any musicians in, but members of my acoustic trio are up for it.. so I may host an acoustic concert in the future! 

SLE: Well you will have to let us know when you do, we would love to promote it for you. How do you prefer to get booking requests? Also, do you have a group that fans can join for your performance notifications?

Rogue: If people are interested in booking me, they can just drop me a notecard. I always put out an info board at my sets but I just made a HUD I can hand out to people at my shows. They attach it and can click on it for all of my info, like my song list, booking info, websites, Facebook, etc. it’s a great lil gadget... I love being creative in SL!

SLE: I like that idea of a hud to give out all your information. So tell us, when you aren’t performing, what do you like to do In SL?

Rogue: Well, when I’m not performing, I co-host Open Mic for musicians and vocalists at my UglyBills BawdyHaus bi-weekly on Mondays, I like to go listen to other musicians! Katia Portugal, Mavenn, UglyBill, Cammy Carter 😊  to name a few, I like to visit some of my favorite venues to see what's going on, and I like to explore various regions from around the world

SLE: So Rogue in closing is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Rogue: nothing to add here.. 😊

Additional Information

URL: http://www.roguegalaxymusic.com  

URL: https://www.cathietimian.com  

GROUP: Rogue Galaxy - The Mojo Mama  

CALENDAR: https://tinyurl.com/rogues-cal  

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RogueGalaxy 

PREFERRED CONTACT: Note Card

BOOKINGS: Send notecard directly to Rogue Galaxy

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Re Grand Opening of Simply Chic Boutique - June 13th 1 pm -3 pm SLT

 

You are invited to join us for a re-grand opening celebration on Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 1-3 pm SLT.  Patrick will be spinning tunes for a dance party during this time.  We will have prizes too. We have opened our new store location for Simply Chic Boutique in a small Paris town with a few other stores and attractions. In addition to our new boutique, you can go horseback riding, bike riding, or go on a hot air balloon ride. There are dancing areas, a beach, a park, a hair salon, a record store, a pet store, and an art gallery. We have several animated areas that you can enjoy too! Family-friendly. We hope you can join us and spend some time exploring what

Love,

Addi & Patrick

Owners of Simply Chic Boutique

20% Discount for today is in world only at the new Simply Chic Boutique location

TELEPORT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Mountain/111/42/26 

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The XXX Original Event June 13th- July 3rd

 The XXX ORIGINAL EVENT is a monthly event, where people can find all kind of creations based on Adult content. Furniture, clothes, poses, animations, hairs, face marks, BDSM ... and all kind of stuff related to adult and SEX

June 13th - July 3rd

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Possession/72/177/25

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SeraPRIDE Pool Party - a 9-hour party to raise funds for Rainbow Railroad- June 12th from 12:30 pm SLT- 9:30 pm SLT

 

Seraphim is always up for a great party, and what better reason to celebrate than PRIDE?!  Seraphim is planning a full day of activities on the SeraSim, including giveaways, gifts, live music, DJ sets, parties, and even the production of an SL drag competition!  SeraPRIDE 2021 is going to be a full day of fun for all who wish to attend.  

SeraPRIDE will take place on June 12, 2021 from 12:30 pm SLT through 21:30 (9:30pm) SLT.  

Our agenda is:

     ♦12:30 (12:30pm) - Kickoff Party
     ♦13:00 (1:00pm) - Live Singer: Skye Galaxy 
     ♦14:00 (2:00pm) - Live Singer: Tally Mercury 
     ♦15:00 (3:00pm) - Live Singer: Zachh Cale 
     ♦16:00 (4:00pm) - The Drag Race, choreographed by ECLIPSE Magazine (2 hours)
     ♦18:00 (6:00pm) - Pool Party with DJ Dream 
     ♦19:00 (7:00pm) - Pool Party with DJ Dextrum (2-hours) 
     ♦21:00 (9:00pm) - Closing Ceremony
     
Some of Second Life's largest and most loved brands have pledged to match donations throughout the day, including Atonement, Blueberry, Crate, Cynful, DRD, Legal Insanity, Reign, RIOT, Sirius Estates, Space Bar. Szabo Escort Club, Uglee Radio, and Zooby.  Together, these brands have already pledged over L$500,000 in donation matching!

Rainbow Railroad is an international organization that helps persecuted LGBTQI+ people find safety.  Since 2006, they have helped over 800 individuals from 38 different countries.  Donations will be made directly from a specified avatar to Rainbow Railroad.  A full accounting of funds with receipts will be transparent and available for review on SeraphimSL.com.  Identifying donor information will be removed for privacy purposes.  https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/

We suspect the sim will be full the majority of the day.

This event is going to be syndicated on Facebook Live and other media outlets.  In addition, we are inviting Second Life press to the event for additional promotional efforts. For more information please visit https://www.seraphimsl.com/serapride2021/

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GeekSpeak subject for Saturday 12th June at noon SLT: What are you prepared to do for your Health?

Should we all have a healthier lifestyle?  We geeks don’t usually ask ourselves that question so let’s start today!  Hop Hop!

Let’s discuss why health and fun are interrelated.  Are the things you do for fun unhealthy?  And are the healthy things you do unpleasant?  How can we find things to do that are both healthy and fun?  Is that even possible?  Do we have to choose between fun and health?

What motivates you to do healthy things?  What tricks do you use for motivation?  Can you help to motivate others?

Let’s get more health, and fun, in this world.  We need you, and all your friends!

IM Vulcan Viper, who teaches a meditation class at 1pm every Wednesday in the GeekSpeak auditorium, if you have ideas for new subjects.

TAXI: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

 

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June 13th - Zak Claxton and Aufwie Mysterious DEBUT LIVE at Terry's Sunday Showcase

 

Join us on Sunday, June 13th beginning at 3pm SLT for Terry's Sunday Showcase, sponsored by the SL Enquirer! This week's featured artist is Zak Claxton!  With over 20 years as a professional gigging musician and recording artist based in Los Angeles, Zak is an entertaining and exciting singer/songwriter performing his debut at Terry's this week.

Using his acoustic guitar, voice, and the occasional harmonica, Zak brings high energy to his original music, as well as occasional covers by artists ranging from the '60s to the '10s. His influences include Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, the Who, the Beatles, and many more.

Zak has spent quite a few years as one of SL's most enjoyable live music performers, and his self-titled debut solo album is available on the Frothy Music label. Purchase it in-world or at iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere.

Following Zak at 4pm SLT. Terry's Sunday Showcase continues with another spectacular debut performance from Aufwie Mysterious, a talented English multi-instrumentalist songwriter, musician, and producer from Sheffield who has been working in music since 2010 whether it was touring with bands or producing other people's music or his own.

Aufwie's live shows in SL stand out from the rest for being charming relaxed acoustic sets that bring life to both original songs and covers that will make you feel like you’re sitting beside him on a starry night by a campfire. From everlasting super hits to unknown underground jewels, all with the unique touch that he manages to showcase in every performance. He released his first homonym EP in September 2020 and it’s available on Spotify, Itunes, Amazon, and other streaming services. Apart from his original work, he has also contributed in many other musical projects both as a producer, artistic director and musician.

"Music has always meant everything to me. Music was whatever I ever needed even though I never knew why. I think is my duty as an artist to share the magic it brings and, if possible, take people out of their worries for a moment so we can enjoy together as brothers, as friends, as lovers. Take my hand through this journey and I’ll put all my heart into it for you to never regret staying."

Come support live music with friends, laughter, and a whole lot of fun...ONLY at Terry's Place!!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Welcome to Terry's Place, your friendly neighborhood pub where everyone knows your name! Home to some of the hottest DJs and live singers on the grid, there's a little something for everyone here at Terry's when you just need to get away from it all. Dance as we spin tunes for all walks of life, show off your talents at Open Mic every Friday, or enjoy a live concert out in the park at our Terry's Sunday Showcase!  With events happening five nights a week, be yourself and escape the chains of real-life with friends, laughter, and a whole lot of fun...ONLY at Terry's Place!

PUBLIC LANDMARK:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mystic%20River%20Cove/214/82/2501

CONTACT:
Ninja (ninjaantwoord resident)


Performer Websites:

Zak Claxton - http://www.zakclaxton.com

Aufwie Mysterious - https://www.youtube.com/aufwie

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☆ Club Lion Entertainment presents Club Lion (Semi Formal) Friday 11 June 2021 ☆ 1pm SLT

1 pm slt Khiron Ametza

2 pm slt Aragon Ducrot

3 pm slt Cranston Yordstorm

We would like to invite you to our Party. Meet some new friends and have a Great Fun Time. 

We look forward to welcoming you, to make us a place where you will come to enjoy happy times with us.

LM : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Lions/200/98/2001

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JAIL EVENT June 10th-30th

 

JAIL EVENT is a monthly event where you can find all kinds of creations...clothes, hairs, accessories, poses..for Men and Women.

lm: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zen%20Soul/46/126/30

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An executive Beverly Airport & Marina in Second Life

 Beverly Airport & Marina was created in 2019 at Sartori continent by June Clavenham and Bobby MacDevin. Besides being an executive Airport and a Marina that allows mooring for all kinds of sea vehicles, Its installations also include a 9 holes Golf Course, and a Race track on different levels.  It is a GTFO hub for air, sea, and land vehicles, connecting to Route 8 in two different spots. If you want to explore all the different amenities that Beverly offers, please grab Beverly HUD, to teleport to different locations, at the signs around Beverly, or at the marketplace (https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Beverly-HUD-V3-add/21680363)

SLURLs:

The Airport: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raimondo/188/139/62

The Marina: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raimondo/130/132/22

The Golf Course:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raimondo/137/211/3102

The Race Track: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raimondo/43/112/2702

 

WEBSITE:  https://beverlyairportsl.wixsite.com/beverly-sl

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/450071662359874

FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14687091@N23/pool/

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Is a group conference with your friend list considered spamming? Inquiring minds wanna know

Hey peeps it’s Lanai *takes a seat* 

It’s been a while since I’ve written an open diary to SLE fans and friends. Since I have a little time on my hands…

 I like to think whoever is following SLE enjoys the various topics we post and the interviews with some amazing and talented people. Those on my friend list are friends or at least friendly acquaintances. Obviously, At some point, we met and accepted each other’s friendship. If you don’t have a sense of humor you are in for a rocky friendship. As you can see, I can be a bit shameless at times...

With that said, I like to remain behind the scenes as I do my thing and spend time with friends doing fun stuff. After 16 years in Second Life, I’ve managed to ward off most of the griefers with a random SLE police report here and there. I’m not afraid to poke fun at myself either.

 It seems there has been a rash of Karens showing themselves now too.  Let’s keep it real. Ain’t nobody got time for that”...With all the madness in RL, we come here to be creative, share our skills and talents, socialize on a grand scale and just have fun. I cannot for the life of me understand the mind of a Karen.

Most of the time I spend in SL I am helping others and being involved with the community. I have to say it’s a fun adventure after all this time but I felt the need to address something that happened this morning and ask for your advice. This will also bring me some clarity so that if you feel disturbed by any of my friend conferences or even personal IMs, group notices, Please Unfriend me or leave the group.  I actually got reported to LL from someone on my friend list this morning that didn’t like my friend conference. 

 [07:17] SL Karen*: Hi Lanai, no matter what your business is, it's rude to spam people on your friends list. I separate my contact lists into contact sets so I am not spamming. I unticked the see me online so you can't spam. And I did report your spam to SL.

*Name changed to protect Karen’s Identity

What the heck!?!  Wouldn’t it be easier to just unfriend me? 

When I send out friend conferences once in a while with free advertising giveaways or an invite to join in a game night, I’m not out here sending notices with random TPs without an explanation or acting the fool with people on my friend list..  

*flushes and washes my hands*

So, here’s my question….Is a friend list conference rude and considered spamming? Does this mean I should worry about sending IMs to my friends? I’m confused.

Share your comment below

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Grand Opening of The Whisky a Go Go SL on Wednesday June 9 2021

 

The Whisky a Go Go is a RL live music venue located on the Sunset Strip in LA. This famous club is known for launching the careers of musicians of every genre since the 1960s. The Second Life version was built & inspired by this historical landmark. Lots of details and historical information was added to give the SL club the most authenticity and provide you with the best experience. We are aware it is not exactly the same but there is enough there for you to truly appreciate this amazing club. There is a list of over 2.4K names on the outside walls that represent every artist that performed at the RL Whisky a Go Go. Come for a visit & enjoy an amazing club atmosphere!

SCHEDULED EVENTS

Wednesday June 9th
4:00PM SLT   DJ HELL
5:00PM SLT   ERIK KOTTZEN  
6:00PM SLT   VIRGIL

Space is limited, come early!  
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lovers%20Coast/134/58/3502

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Celebrate music with Exhale Dance Club and BRM Radio at Breathe...music from your soul - a 2021 Summer Music Festival from June 11 to June 12, 2021.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

  Celebrate music with Exhale Dance Club and BRM Radio at Breathe...music from your soul - a 2021 Summer Music Festival from June 11 to June 12, 2021.

Breathe...music from your soul, sponsored by Access, Equal10, Ayo, Cult, Deadboy, Evie, Felgo, Human Glitch, Loveless Ink, Paragon, Phedora, RBento, This is Wrong, Vagrant and Vision, promises to spark positivity and celebration.  We invite music enthusiasts from around the grid to join us on Friday and Saturday from 12PM until 12AM SLT.  Twenty-four live mix DJs, across 2 days of celebration, summon you to travel through melodies and bass while crafting messages of inspiration.  Gift Cards or Fatpacks from our amazing sponsors will be given away during portions of the festival.

Take the music in, feel it and release it. Allow the music to consume and push you forward.  Find yourself immersed in the center square of a future city, dreaming of endless possibilities, surrounded by the power of music. Exhale is celebrating 5 years of memories on the grid as we grow toward the future. 

Portions of the festival each day will be broadcast live on BRM Radio.  Times of broadcasts will be listed on BRM Radio’s Facebook.  For more information on Breathe...music from your soul - 2021 Summer Music Festival, check out the Exhale Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExhaleDanceClub/ and BRM Radio Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brmradio.

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When Worlds Collide: Dandilyon Jinx Reports on Balticon 2021

For the second year in a row, Balticon Station hosted the virtual platform for Balticon, the Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention presented by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Owned by Melita and her partner, the creation of Balticon Station was in response to the pandemic situation in 2020.

“Last year with the pandemic raging and people afraid or unable to attend conventions in person, we requested and received non-profit pricing from Linden lab,” said Melita. “Balticon and the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS) are non-profit, educational organizations.”

For many of the attendees, Second Life was a new experience. Last year the Balticon website presented the concept to members as “...a huge, diverse, and extremely eclectic virtual world that was inspired by the Metaverse as described in Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash.” The response was enthusiastic and BSFS members and more had the chance to explore role play in the content-rich environment SL residents have become familiar with.

After Balticon was over last year, it was decided to keep the sim open in case other conventions wanted to use the space. The amenities are built to provide a memorable experience for seasoned and new residents alike. “There are half a dozen or so amazing spaces here,” said Melita. “The underwater science lab, the space station, the elven forest and caves, and the art show.  There's a place where you can ‘borrow’ a horse and go for a trail ride, or you can jump from a sky platform using your newly acquired parachute.”  Keeping to the speculative fiction theme, visitors can also fly a UFO or shuttle-bot or just dance the night away in the Space Bar. “Balticon Station was designed to show the depth of Second Life to those who are new to the platform and to show that Science Fiction and Fantasy transcend Real Life,” says Melita.

The timing couldn’t be better. During the event, this reporter overheard quite a few compliments about the virtual platform. With 2021 still uncertain in some areas, many people are seeing virtual worlds as a viable option for business and entertainment. Melita agrees.

“When I started in 2005, people were saying ‘if you are spending your free time in a virtual world, you need psychological help.’  Since the pandemic, some are admitting that it is keeping people sane.”

Melita sees her work at Balticon Station as a way to bring people together, especially at a time when many are still unable to meet up in person. But it doesn’t take a pandemic to find the benefits to a virtual world. “Second Life has been a way for me to remain in contact with friends and family, meeting "’ face-to-face’ with them in a real and comforting way,” says Melita. “What I love about Second Life is the way it slices through barriers.  I know people from all over the world. Race and color don't matter; physical abilities don't matter; age doesn't matter.  What matters is how each person treats each other, and it's truly amazing.”

While first-time visitors may initially be intimidated by the steep learning curve, once they get familiar with the basics they have access to a new world of possibility. “You can create, build, write and publish; you can see and hear live performances; you can conduct business; plan a building; conduct classes ... the limit is your imagination,” says Melita. 

She is an excellent example of how to make use of this alternate reality. “Personally, in Second Life I am a photographer, graphic artist, gallery owner, writer, editor, layout specialist, and magazine publisher, and I teach basic building skills. I am far more fulfilled than I ever was in RL where I am encumbered by time, distance, and physical ability.”

While real-world events prompted the surge of interest in Second Life, some of the new residents will invariably stay and become a permanent part of the community, adding their own experiences to the mix. 

“I hope Second Life continues for a long time,” says Melita. “I know there's a new venture out there that Linden Lab is working on, but I am too involved here to be looking for the next big ‘thing.’”

At the moment, virtual Balticon seems to be a big enough thing all on its own. This reporter was happy to have experienced it. While the convention itself is over until next year, Balticon Station remains open for exploration.

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Balticon%20Station/205/128/21

URL: https://www.balticon.org/wp55/

URL: https://www.balticon.org/wp54/platforms-2/second-life/

Group: Balticon and BFSF secondlife:///app/group/f0bc49e1-b3d6-59bb-8da8-cc5b104217b0/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalticonConvention

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Balticon

Preferred contact: Melita (taylor.schroeder)

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