Men in Tuxedos. Women dressed in all their finery. Couples gliding effortlessly across acres of dance floor. On the stage…some of the finest entertainers, vocalists, and instrumentalists available anywhere on the grid. Is this a Dream?
Close. Really
Close. You found yourself at the iconic
“Frank’s Jazz”. Often imitated. Elegance
in Pixels, Franks has been a staple in
SecondLife almost since the first days of the SecondLife Grid.
The other night I happened to pop into Frank’s while Mikael
Grantly was tickling the ivories. Over
in the corner, I saw the owners, Frank and William, conferring about their next
event. I introduced myself, and they both
graciously agreed to chat with me for a few minutes.
Thomas1 Bellic (Josh) (JB):
What were your impressions the first time you visited Franks?
MrSinatraFrank (Frank):
Whoa... Look at all these people!
William Batson (William): Laughs, yeah, we're gonna need a
bigger boat, Frank! First impression
every time I rezz is honestly a big smile that after all these years how many
people just come, hang out, chat and have a few laughs with friends or meet
someone new. Such a great thing to see,
especially in these turbulent times.
JB: I thought Franks closed up shop when Nancee
left? How is it that we are fortunate
enough to have Frank's Jazz back with us today?
William: Frank's Jazz
is owned and operated by MrSinatraFrank (Frank) & William
Batson formerly Gymmy Sinatra, the original founder, creator and owner of
Frank's Jazz in Second Life. The vision
and purpose of Frank's Jazz in Second Life has never changed from day one -
That is to create a fun, welcoming environment for all to enjoy, explore, share
and above all be able to leave with a smile and enjoy a little escape of their
own with other great people.
As with all things in life, change is constant and we do
wish Nanceee all the best in her journey in the next chapters in life, however,
the story here has not been written for many and Frank's will be apart of their
story too!
Frank & William partnered up on the Frank's Jazz sims to
be a part of and ensure the experience of Frank's Jazz that has touched so many
over the years remains a part of those who wish it to be.
JB: Tell us about your support staff here? Who does it take to keep Franks humming?
Frank: You're only as
good as the team you surround yourself with.
Will and I might get credit because we pay the tier fees, but it truly
is 100% our incredible team who dedicate so much to bring the place to life and
make magic for so many who come to Frank's to enjoy. We truly are blessed to have assembled such
an amazing and talented group of entertainers, hosts and managers all working
together to create the Frank's magic.
JB: How has Franks survived after countless Ballrooms in SL have failed in the past. What is the "Franks Difference"?
William: I would have
to agree with Frank and add to it by saying the Frank's difference as you call
it has always been the talented and dedicated men and women past and present
who have put so much into making Frank's such a special part of the SL
landscape. What makes Frank's Jazz? Easy: The people do! Those who bring it to
life and those who call it home.
JB: "Banned at Franks" used to be a label worn with pride by some ladies here, even for the smallest infractions in attire. How have you dealt with these issues under your management?
Frank: This one is
truly legendary and honestly a bit funny to look back on. Did Frank's get a bit over the top with the
fashion police - you bet! However, instead of working out well, it grew a life
of its own and people came often trying to push every limit until this became
an SL sport and badge of honor if you were "banned from
Frank's". Today, we're all grown-ups and everyone knows to dress nice and
cover the bits when going to a dress-up place in SL - it's not complicated
:) It's very rare for someone to be
dis-invited or unwelcome at Frank's and 100% of the time it will be because
they came wanting this outcome and not simply for a wardrobe malfunction! We truly work hard to find a way to include
everyone who wants to be a part of Frank's in all we have to offer.
JB: Just how popular
is Franks, anyway. What sort of traffic
will you have here in a typical month?
William: Frank's Jazz
is in operation 24/7 providing music, entertainment, DJs, dancing plus a fun
and engaging environment to people from over 123 countries around the world
with busy times and increases in traffic depending on time of day in those
parts of the world as well as various holidays and events in those
countries. There is always traffic and a
fun experience to be shared at Frank's jazz.
JB: You seem to have
made the crossover, catering to both European and American Audiences. When are your busiest times of day?
Frank: Difficult
question. I think it depends. It's always busy in the evening, after work
and dinner, people are relaxing and enjoying some time online. However, Frank's is popular all over the
world, so it is evening always somewhere!
Evening in Europe is busy which is mid-day SLT Like evening in Asia and
the Pacific/Australia. In SL time, this
makes our busiest time of day always :)
This only makes the experience of Frank's Jazz more fun and engaging for
all to be able to meet and socialize with so many from all over.
JB: Who is your target audience for Franks?
William: Although SL
has grown and changed much over the last 15+ years of Frank's Jazz our target
audience hasn't changed much and is the same as our goals here in SL. Frank's Jazz has always been for like-minded
people from all corners of the world, looking for an up-scale, world-class
experience, a nice time with friends, or social experience with others to meet,
share and interact in a place of comfort, fun, and style. Every time everyone gets it right, there's
nothing like it and we all log out smiling.
JB: What do you see
in Frank’s future? Any plans for
expansion? Or opening multiple
clubs? What is the future of Franks?
William: Frank's Jazz
has always had a life of its own and it's apparent by any grid search how many
places out there want to be Frank's, it's flattering actually and does make our entire team smile every time we see it.
Where we go next always depends on the wonderful people who support our
endeavor to create a fun, engaging, and wonderful place to escape here in
SL. We have no desire to be the region
tycoons or SL celebrities - that's small-minded thinking. Sure, we made the decision to build it for
all to enjoy but most understand it's definitely not free, Linden Labs never
was a charitable institution :) So as
long as we have the support and goodwill of the people who together make
Frank's life, then we are 'all-in' to keep on providing the very best
experience on the grid for those who wish to be a part of it.
JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our
readers.
Frank: Thank you so
much for taking the time and interest in sharing a small piece of the Frank's
Jazz story and thank you to your readers for taking the time to read about us.
We hope you take away a little bit of our history with you and if you haven't
already, decide to join us and be a part of writing all the many chapters yet
to be written. We are confident your
story is in there too and just waiting to be told.
So, there you have it, folks. If you haven’t visited Franks in the last few weeks, you’ve been away too long. Grab your sweetheart and head on over to the incomparable Franks Jazz.
Be there!. Aloha.
You’ll be glad you did
JB
SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Franks%20Jazz/102/122/22
i have worked as concierge at Frank's for over a year now. I do 4 sets a week supporting some wonderful DJs who really do provide some great entertainment. If you strike up a rapport with them and our guests it makes it fun. it never ceases to amaze me that the same folk keep coming back again and again. they always get a special welcome.
ReplyDeletethe Baron says thank you Elain the cheques in the post hehe
DeleteFrom the day I walked into Franks, I knew I had found the place I could come to relax, meet and greet and feel at home. Almost a year later and now I am one of the Frankettes hehehe. Best place ever and always room to grow and know..thanks Franks or you do and all you will do.
ReplyDelete