SPOTLIGHT ON LIAM YOUNGBLOOD - AN UP AND COMING MUSICIAN IN SECOND LIFE

 

Second Life is a virtual land of opportunities for people from all over the world to engage in special interest activities and even step out of their comfort zone and try new things. You can find everyday people getting involved in businesses as well as entertainment. Some second life members showcase their talents and others are just beginning.

Liam Youngblood is one of those people who has found his circle of friends and feels blessed to be able to get involved in the entertainment industry in Second Life. He loves meeting new friends and was encouraged to enter the weekly drawing at the Sunday Showcase at Terry’s place.  He won the spotlight feature! At first, he was surprised and unsure what to say. He was assured no matter who you are in Second Life, everyone has a story. Here’s Liam’s.

Interview with Liam Youngblood

SLE: Where are you from and how did you discover Second Life?

Liam: I am from the USA. I currently live in Iowa. SLT+2. I found my way to SL through a google search, after having frequent issues with The Sim 4 and wanting to find a similar game. I'm an avid baseball fan, managing a fantasy team in Out Of The Park (OOTP). The MLB season had also ended, leaving me with free time.

SLE: I think many virtual world gamers have heard of the SIMS or have even played it. That is how I started! Aside from the interests you mentioned,  I see that you are very involved with Breedables in Second Life. What do you do in-world?

Liam: I work for BioBreeds as a Chat Moderator, in a Customer Service Representative role. As the holiday approaches you can find me as the Chief Elf with BioBreeds Special Events. I am a Manager at The Breedables Farm (TBF) owned by ƤЄƦƝίℒℒЄ ӇДℒЄ (pernille80). It is a breedables sim that provides rentals amongst other things. I am also an assistant & backup auctioneer at the TBF Auction House, as well as Moon's Myst owned by Tяemaуne ๖ζ͜͡   Ecliρse (tremayne.barbosa) & ℒʋɲɑriɑ ๖ζ͜͡  Ecliρse (lunaria.eclipse).

BioBreeds

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BioBreeds/72/181/32

The Breedables Farm (TBF)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Breedables/128/128/23

Moon's Myst

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ecliptic/157/42/78

SLE: Wow it looks like you do a lot in the breedable community. We see you a lot at Terry’s Open Mic, normally people don’t want to go there. :) Jk. We love it there! What other places do you like to visit and perform?

Liam: The safest possible answer would be simply too many to mention! I have had the opportunity to perform at several welcoming venues with Holly and Winter. Each venue tends to have a vibe that is unique to itself causing the performance to take on a life of its own. A normal weekly schedule might involve. An early Sunday morning at Spirit of the Outback (SOTO) with the addition of Paul Nowles, where I'm often dressed up like Angus Young, in Aussie fashion. Starting off the work week with friends at either Night Owl, where I'm also given the chance to perform on stage in support of Lyric Serendipity or at ღ ŞŧíииĄ -Şкẏ ღ  (xstinnax)'s Meadow, a natural laid back environment and venue where I can play my tree stump guitar from {Why Not?}. A treasured birthday present. Tuesday morning at Cafe Musique followed by an afternoon at Lakeside Pavilion, which always makes for a grand event with space for the overflow crowd. Midweek can vary, recently having had the opportunity to perform at a new venue called glow, staffed by many supportive friends. Thursdays performing as a member of Holly's Hooligan's at The Warehouse. A venue, with the surrounding community, where I recently placed my Youngbloods storefront. Ending the workweek at The Blue's Cove, who provided me with my first opportunity to sing live, in second life, with their Open Mic. I also find myself frequently supported by and attending, Love Kats, Bugatti's, Swamp Water Bluz, SheWorthy Pub, Southern Nights, Zack's Road House, The Black Diamond, The Sapphire Beach Club, Crabby's & Synful Sync. My live solo career is currently aided by The Elf Bar. The NOT Bad Management Calendar can provide a more extensive list and provide locations. Found @ https://tinyurl.com/u3nx4h28

Holly's Hooligans consists of Doner Daxter on bass, Ivar Frost (ivarfrost) on drums, Kring Mavendorf on lead guitar with Lιαм Mαɗɗσx ƘιƖƖαмαя (liammaddox) on rhythm guitar.

{Why Not?}

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Amadoris/141/65/21

SLE: I love all the name-dropping you did! Kudos to all the performers and venue owners out there that get the attention they deserve! Can you tell us about NOT Bad Management?

Liam: Owned and Operated by Kaysie Michigan. Featuring 4 of the best performers in SL. HσƖƖყ GιƖҽʂ (hollygiless.heartsong), Aaron Cabott Jones (aaroncabottjones), Acoustic Energy (acousticenergy.nitely), ll ƜIƝƬƐɌ ll (11winter11). Working to bring happiness and pleasure into Second Life with each show.

SLE: These are all great performers you mentioned and we do go to their shows when we are able. In fact, I recently saw you performing with Winter and also at Terry’s Open mic. You are a busy one. What is Liam Youngblood’s Clubhouse, can you tell us a little about that?

Liam: Liam Youngblood's Clubhouse is my recently created group. It will be the start of a personal community, where I can provide news, updates, and upcoming events. It will also give me the opportunity to connect and grow with those individuals who have an interest in knowing more about me or the communities and causes I support.

Liam Youngblood's Clubhouse

secondlife:///app/group/534717db-18d0-c8ab-9c44-df6bc2136772/about

Youngbloods (In World HQ)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20Thunder/150/101/25

SLE: We can help with that :) How would you describe your style?

Liam: It is a common desire to be placed in a sub-group for easy comparison. But the reality is many of us are a diverse blend. I'd like to be seen as a supportive individual who would care more about the collective, than personal gain. Growing from a communal strength. I desire each day to be a benefit. Some days I'm more successful, due to opportunities given or energy mustered. From a musical and creative standpoint, I'd simply say, raw and direct.

SLE: I like that… a collective gain approach. It is true that it gives people the drive to improve.  What genre of music do you like to perform?

Liam: I believe my sound would best be referred to as Indie Folk. My guitar hero being John Frusciante whose solo work is often classified as Avante Garde, I have yet to reach that talent level. Singer/Songwriter could also be a quality label, performing songs from artists such as Jason Isbell, The White Buffalo & Benjamin Tod.

SLE: When taking a shower, what is the go-to song you belt out that you don’t want anyone knowing you either know the words to or sing it?

Liam: John 5's cover of Michael Jackson's Beat it. This is a beautiful song from another guitar hero of mine and makes for a multi-layered joke, as it's also an instrumental track. In seriousness, my secret song is Something To Dance For/TTYLXOX Mash-Up by Zendaya & Bella Thorne.

SLE:  Have you ever written your own music, and can you tell our readers what instruments you either have trained in or currently play?

Liam: I have written several songs in my lifetime. I do have a project I'd like to work on in the future. Writing songs through the eyes of Liam. I play several instruments which include guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and dobro. I have also taught others to play these instruments at some point in my life. Solo work I focus on acoustic guitar aided at times by a foot tambourine and harmonica. While in bands I tend to move to the bass, as many musicians I've worked with focus on guitar.

SLE: Your avatar is rather different for a performer, can you tell us why you decided on that particular one?

Liam: It's the unique way the world works and the journey therein. I did not set out to live this life, but am happy I have. It came about 4+ years ago, as my parents were searching for a child they could trust. Within 2 months of existence, BioBreeds found me, their staff befriended me, and my life truly began. There has been no looking back.

* Image was taken by Cathy Kærann (catherine.kira) who owns Kaerann's Studio Entertainment. 

SLE: As long as you are happy that is what matters. You obviously know a lot of performers, Winter and Holly for example. Have you ever, or do you ever plan on dual streaming or would you like to. Or is there someone else you would like to dual-stream with?

Liam: There are no current plans. I am still in the early stages of establishing my live music, and working with the technical side of bringing RL to SL. I'm rarely one to turn down opportunities given, and there would be interest when the time is right. Matching styles, finding common songs that allow both artists to add their signature sound surely can be no easy feat. I believe a project like that would be best suited for a charity event. As for other artists, Jack Dryden's music has a folk quality which I believe my sound could easily blend with, in a pleasing manner. Aufwie Mysterious plays with unique energy and Indie Folk quality I enjoy, I could envision a future project with promising results.

SLE: That’s understandable. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Liam: I have had the opportunity to support Together as One (TAO). TAO works with Children's Charities. There will be a TAO Christmas Dec 10-12th. Believe in the magic of Christmas is our tagline. This season's fundraiser will be for Feed a Smile. Together as One! We can feed so many children in need. There will also be the opportunity to provide reading materials to aid in their learning and development as growing human beings. It's a movement I'm strongly behind and believe in. I believe it's gaining ground. During the most recent fall festival, a meet and greet had been implemented. This allowed me and others to learn more about the artists who chose to donate their time and talents, connect with them on a more personal level, and I believe strengthen the community as a whole. I can't say enough good words about the individuals who devote their time, and community members who give their continued support.

 * Together As One (T.A.O.) *

 secondlife:///app/group/9daf20f8-059f-f10b-2fbb-190f76c74b46/about

Additional Information:

Common band members in support of HσƖƖყ GιƖҽʂ (hollygiless.heartsong) and ll ƜIƝƬƐɌ ll (11winter11) are OldeSoul Eldemar (oldesoul) on lead guitar, LαƝєуα Ɠяαcє ƘιƖƖαмαя (laneyagrace) on rhythm guitar, Ĺυηα (lunarose.amethyst) on keytar with Lιαм Mαɗɗσx ƘιƖƖαмαя (liammaddox) on bass. Tentatively calling ourselves 3LO.

Youngbloods @ The Warehouse http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20Thunder/150/101/25 .

NOT Bad Management Calendar @ https://tinyurl.com/u3nx4h28 

Open Mic performer @ Terry's Place http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mystic%20River%20Cove/196/93/22 Friday's 8pm SLT .

Liam Youngblood's Clubhouse secondlife:///app/group/534717db-18d0-c8ab-9c44-df6bc2136772/about

Kaerann Studio Entertainment

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Exclusive%20Village/161/124/53

OD Designs

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/OD%20Designs/119/112/20

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20Thunder/150/101/25

Group: secondlife:///app/group/534717db-18d0-c8ab-9c44-df6bc2136772/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073492196390

Preferred Contact:  Lιαм Mαɗɗσx ƘιƖƖαмαя (liammaddox)

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Filthy Fluno’s Return to Second Life at The Janus Gallery - November 6-7th 1-6pm SLT

 

Filthy Fluno is a Second Life Art legend. His shows made waves in the SL art community and RL alike. It’s not often that a Second Life artist is so successful that the New York Times Magazine covers them. You can see the article here (https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/magazine/08fluno-t.html). I know it may be behind a paywall, so here’s a quote: "CERTAINLY, FILTHY FLUNO is not the first artist to realize that in order to sell his paintings, he needs to sell himself. He does, however, work at it with impressive zeal. Every day he makes new friends and cultivates new contacts, edging himself and his work — a collection of expressionistic oil paintings and vibrant, graffiti-laced pastels — just a little bit farther into a universe that to others might appear huge and indifferent, but as Filthy sees it is stuffed with possibility and also potential customers. To this end, you will often find him wandering around art openings and dance parties, dressed in a spiffy suit and pair of sneakers, trying earnestly to chat up every person in the room." - Sara Corbett The New York Times Magazine March 5, 2009 In my mind the name, Filthy Fluno, stands alongside SL artists like Starax Statosky, Bryn Oh, Toysoldier Thor, and Milly Sharple. His work, his zeal, his personality impacted the community as a whole, and (on a personal note) he was one of the people who inspired me to bring my art into SL. After 10 years away from the grid, he is back with a whole new body of work, and the same level of zeal he was known for 12 years ago when that article was written. Enough gushing from me, let's get into the nitty-gritty. You want to know the details right?

November 6th in the streets of Sinful Retreat http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sinful%20Retreat/137/142/52 BLOCH PARTY! (as in Lo Bloch manager extraordinaire, don’t judge my spelling) 1pm slt Shagpile Spyker 2pm slt Mimi Carpenter 3pm slt SpiritLed 4pm slt Skye Galaxy 5pm slt Dexter Moore November 7th in The Janus Gallery http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sinful%20Retreat/136/59/57 Filthy Fluno’s Grand Opening 1pm slt Shamrock Defibrillator 2pm slt Zachh Cale 3pm slt Marqs DeSade 4pm slt Jed Luckless (2 hour show) In addition, a raffle will be set up. The winner will receive a golden ticket entitling them to the SL copy of one of Filthy Fluno’s pieces and be entitled to receive the real-life painting as well. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Toys for Tots. The raffle will open on November 6th and close on November 30th, and the winner will be announced in The Janus Gallery group in SL as well as on https://www.sinfulretreat.com/. Here's the teaser trailer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2ZVBFuIJxQ Let Facebook remind you to go: Nov 6th: https://fb.me/e/1g3H6n9IX

Nov 7th: https://fb.me/e/28w6muuLr

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Whats Lost Spirits A series of Nightmares

 

From my world to your world, What's Lost Spirits is a region based on a series of ongoing nightmares. Come explore our floating islands, have a chat with a Demon, or bring your own.

Web: https://www.whatslostspirits.com/

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Madcatcreations had to move Main store! Events Listed!

 

MadCatCreations Boutique has Moved to POSH SIM I will have 2 stores one for new stuff and one for my last season's wear. I do men's and women's clothes all in a unique style!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/POSH%20DRIVE/36/55/74

≈ We have Weekly Specials! ≈ ♀ Female Mesh Clothes ♂ Male Mesh Clothes Fatpacks and Singles ╬ New stuff Weekly╬

I do Events and Hunts… come check out the Events Board and Hunts Board!! Enjoy

Slurl - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/POSH%20DRIVE/36/55/74 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MadCatCreationsBoutique Twitter - https://twitter.com/MCCBoutiqueSL Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/madcatcreations/? Discord - https://discord.gg/V2eCFYbA I have 2 - one old and one new= New mp = https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/92503 Old mp - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/133207

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FOLLOW THE SUN FESTIVAL IS BACK!

 

Follow the Sun 2 will take place from November 3-7 Join us for the beauty of art and music!

Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moonlight%20Pass/42/51/2008 Festival Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=aeonkesl%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FLos_Angeles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SL.FollowTheSun Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14751695@N24/

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GeekSpeak – Underground living! Join the discussion Oct 30th at 12pm SLT

The largest cities on Earth are probably partly underground now.  But in the future it could be that we will all need to live underground.  The surface may become uninhabitable for various reasons, such as global warming, nuclear war or the destruction caused by volcanoes.

Or perhaps it will just make sense to move underground.  The temperature is stable and the surface can be used for farming or recreation.  It could become fashionable for houses to be built underground.  And an underground city would encourage tourists.

Would it be possible for everyone on the planet, say 10 billion people, to live underground?  How would we grow plants?  Would we be able to keep animals?  Would we be able to live without sunlight? Would you enjoy living underground?

Come and discuss underground cities with us.  Bring a spade, and some strong friends!

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

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

 

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Lucifer's Lounge Halloween 2PM-4PM

 

Halloween DJ set 2-4PM SLT This Sunday! 

Lucifers Lounge - Non Discrimination Friendly To Demons Humans Furrys Vampires Angels Gay Bi Lesbian Straight Rubber  Latex Bdsm Leather Community's  New Comers All Genders. No Drama Dark Gothic Cathedral Setting..NO  KIDS

Now Hiring Dj's  And Host's  

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October 31st - Donn DeVore LIVE at Terry's Sunday Showcase: Halloween Edition

 

Join us on Sunday, October 31st beginning at 6pm SLT for a special Halloween edition of Terry's Sunday Showcase, sponsored by the SL Enquirer. This week's special guest is none other than Donn DeVore, a music producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumental musician, singer, composer, and Second Life performer since 2007.

Combining influences from rock, trance, and techno genres, Donn has developed a delicious blend of sounds from guitar-based love songs to high energy dance music to experimental electronic pieces.  He demonstrates a broad range of musical talent singing with a rich, soulful voice while jamming on guitar and keyboards. His live shows are exciting to watch with colorful visuals and particle effects creating a fully immersive live music experience while inviting audience interaction. Donn performs his mix of original rock and electronic music this time with a "spooktacular" twist, as you'll hear clips and tributes to some of the best horror movies throughout the decades.
 
As a trained musician and audio engineer Donn has worked with thousands of musicians on hundreds of studio projects, including film and game soundtracks in his 20+ year career.  He toured the U.S. in 2013 and has shared his music with people of Second Life since 2007.  He continues to explore new musical realms with old instruments and new technologies, elevating the quality of entertainment for audiences in SL

Donn also performs a wide range of cover songs from bands such as Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails, Muse, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, Dire Straits, and more.

A native of Houston, Texas, he is currently enjoying real life in Beaverton, Oregon.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

Terry's Place, a hybrid live music venue and friendly neighborhood club where everyone knows your name! Now in its second year as well as home to some of the hottest DJs and live performers/musicians on the grid, there's a little something for everyone 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 Terry's Sunday Showcase!  You can also check out Terry's special Halloween-themed build throughout the month of October, and even listen to some scary stories around a campfire to help you set the mood!  With events now happening five nights a week, be yourself and escape the chains of real-life with friends, great music, and a whole lot of fun...ONLY at Terry's Place!

PUBLIC LANDMARK:

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

VENUE SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/terrysplacesl

Flickr- https://www.flickr.com/photos/terrysplace

Discord- https://discord.gg/WAP9RrtdcV

VENUE CONTACT:
Ninja (ninjaantwoord resident)

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SQUID GAME SL HIDE AND SEEK HUNTHALLOWEEN SPECIAL: OCTOBER 31ST 2021 @12PM SLT

 

Don't have any Halloween plans? Well now you do, because this SUNDAY, Squid Game SL will be hosting a special Halloween event HIDE and SEEK HUNTbut with a fatal twist. This won't be your normal hide and seek game you grew up loving as a child. It's Guards VS Players with the last player found ALIVE taking home 1000Ls. Players will have ONLY 5 minutes to hide anywhere on our Squid Game sim and when the countdown is over, our highly trained skilled guards will take no mercy hunting everyone down. There can only be ONE last person standing. Do you think you have what it takes to survive? The event will begin at 12pm SLT. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the event starts. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. See you there!

Keep up to date with Squid Game SL's latest news and events by following our NEW social platforms. Instagram: @squidgame.sl Discord: https://discord.com/channels/901111186785980496/901111186785980499 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4I3UzJQhZ_yZ9YLTdur0A You can find us here! Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eternity%20Lover/139/160/2002 Contacts: Owner and Frontman: Jim Kirk Lead Enforcer: herrRabe Socials and Marketing: chrisietinkerbel PA to Frontman: xQueenVictoria

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Welcome To The Greatest Show On Earth!

 

MadPea's Cirque du Mystère is like nothing you’ve seen before. You’ll experience puzzles that will test your mind and sanity. And, become part of acts so daring, so death-defying, you’ll remember them throughout your lifetime. If you survive, you'll be awarded 16 prizes from top SL designers and earn new achievements!

Before you begin, be sure to read the How-to-Play guide at http://www.madpeagames.com/madpea-cirque-du-mystere-how-to-play/

Game Starts here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MadPea%20Mad%20City/90/86/25

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The Scarlett Hotel , A full emmersive experience.

 

The Scarlett Hotel Is a Point and click adventure, where you are taken through the famous haunted stories of the Hotel, it's your job to find out what happened to the guest and staff that mysteriously died or disappeared here. The event will stay active for a long time, everyone will have a chance to play the game. You win prizes and goodies made by DRD after you solve a story The Entire Hotel and furniture is Built by DRD and is also for sale :)

https://deathrowdesignsres.wixsite.com/website/the-scarlett-hotel-hunt there's info BELOW here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaimyhancroft/51628616034/in/dateposted/ and another video here https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaimyhancroft/51582016703/in/dateposted/ https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scarlett%20Bay/251/249/21

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The 9th Annual Spookzilla Hunt

 

TR Events presents The 9th Annual Spookzilla Hunt October 22 - November 1 2021 Region: REDRUM Spookzilla is a region wide hunt with 146 participating stores. They have hidden prizes all over the region for 25L or less. The prizes are New Halloween / Spooky themed and they are difficult to find amongst the decor and landscaping. You can see their prizes & ghost texture at landing or our social media. Each store has a unique ghost and that is what you are looking for while hunting! This is hunt is NOT easy! No Grab n Go here! It WILL test your patience and make you lose your mind! It is meant to push all your buttons! Buahaha!! We hope to see you join us in our wicked games! Contact: TREvents Resident

Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REDRUM/129/128/21 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/treventssl Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/spookzillasl Group: secondlife:///app/group/df8aa1a5-fdc8-93d5-e25b-764d3353bbb9/about

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A Haunted Tale at Synergy Island- October 27th 6:30 pm SLT

To kick off our Halloween parties Maribol Inshan & The Cool Cats do a LIVE  Halloween Show - A Haunted Tale. Fully Staged & Choreographed "Live" Musical Performance featuring spooky songs of the Halloween Season.

Attire: Halloween or Come As You Are

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Synergy%20Island/98/31/2001

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Grand Opening of Vegan HQ November 1st at 12.30 pm SLT

 

We are proud to bring Vegan HQ to the growing vegan community of Second Life. Set in a relaxing countryside environment perfect to explore on your own or with friends, Vegan HQ welcomes anyone interested or curious about leading a more compassionate lifestyle, whether it is for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. We also provide a fun and friendly hangout place for existing vegans who would like to meet like-minded people.

As well as having a chilled vibe and a good selection of playable games which we will change on a regular basis, we will hold regular events so be sure to join our group “SL vegans” to be kept up to date and join in the conversations. Vegan HQ also aims to provide reliable information and promote the benefit of living vegan in an inclusive way sharing experiences and knowledge between newcomers and more experienced members of the community. We hold weekly informal meetings to discuss various topics ranging from the health benefits of delicious vegan food, animal rights, and how to best be a voice for them or review books and recently published articles. We speak English, Dutch French, and German.

Our grand opening will take place to coincide with World Vegan Day on the 1st of November from 12 noon with an excellent lineup:

1.30PM SLT Les Chats Furieux

3.00PM SLT Raven SounDDoll

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Low%20Dryston/171/113/40

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The Next Chapter for Steele Live Music - Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

I like to Sim-hop…a LOT. 

It is perhaps my favorite way to help follow the pulse of life on the Grid.  This past week I visited our old friend, Petra Steele, to see what this iconic Treasure of SecondLife was up to these days

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic)  (JB):  Greetings, Petra.  Thanks for agreeing to meet with me and share a few things you are doing for our SecondLife Community.  You have obviously been very busy since last we spoke.  So, tell me and our readers, what have you been up to lately?

Petra Steele (PS): To be honest, I am afraid I'm not certain of what my answer to that question is.  Or at least one that sounds good.  Seriously though, my time since I closed SLM AGAIN, I have mostly been working on the sim, nothing as major as Karabella, the builder I work with has done the lion's share of work on this sim and it's been minor adjustments.  I have gone to many different live music venues that I'd not been able to visit before and heard some artists who are also new to me. Have done more socializing than usual.  I even dated ( laughs).  

JB:  I understand you have totally revamped the way you format your programming.  Care to share with our readers what kind of changes you made?

PS:  I think I can make it work.  First off, there will be no more 26 hours of live music a week.  In the long run, that kind of schedule became taxing, on many levels, but, most importantly, it was taking a toll on my health.  The fact is, since closing, even since last we spoke, I have changed my mind about the format several times.  I have finished working on another venue on the sim.  It is called "The Cave" and is embedded in the sim's mountain.  While we have a whole complex cave system, with several chambers, the one I've turned into a venue is actually a replica of the rl temple in Fort Petra in Jordan – (the one shown in Raiders of the Last Ark).  It's, moody and atmospheric and perfect for solo concerts especially for blues and other genres that work well with more intimate venues.  I had hoped to feature 2-hour solo concerts but I am finding that only a few artists will agree to that length of time.  So the venue will feature those who can and are interested or do so routinely.  Those who have a penchant for dealing with other musicians.  My Steampunk Ballroom will feature multiple artists at a time and I'll produce those......frankly when I'm up to it. The Halloween event is a good example of the kind of event hosted in the ballroom, as was my last event only a month ago entitled "We Are Sick of Dark Times" Live music event and formal..

JB:  Is this yet another “Grand ReOpening?

PS:  Certainly not. I have already “reopened” more times than I care to count.  Haha. I like to say “We are not reopening.  Pretend we never left!”  

JB:  So, would you like to highlight the Solo Artists you will be hosting?

PS:  Many of the artists we've worked with since I owned the SL Playboy Mansion sim are still performing for us, Wolfie Moonshadow, Djembe Dragonfire, Agatha Nowles, John Rocky, Hogan Baily and Red Heaven, and more, as well as, new artist such as Kendall Jigsaw.

JB:  So then, Petra.  Specifically, what is different about this time from previous club operations?

PS:  Well, for one thing, I’m doing this all myself this time.  I really have no full-time staff.  I hire hosts and I contract with builders when I need them, but much of the design and building I did myself.  That definitely has its advantages and drawbacks.

JB:  Oh?  Do tell?

PS:  The primary advantage of being on my own is I can do and redo without having to explain my actions to others.  I can rely on myself to be reliable.  If I’m tired or ill, I can stop and not explain or have to discuss too much of my private life with anyone else.

 JB:  I guess I can see your point there.  But isn’t it a pain to have to do everything yourself?

PS: Yes, there are definite drawbacks.  I'll name a few.  I work all the time with little left to socialize as I am also here less.  I have multitasked my whole working / professional/parenting life but after a while that becomes mechanical, draining, and boring Also working alone on a sim all the time is kind of lonely and I find myself being more replenished by engaging with my rl..

JB:  So, tell me Petra? Do you have an event coming up?  Your Halloween Ball?  What can guests expect there?

PS: I'm, really excited about it.  We will be making a music video with the participation of all our guests.  There may be a special surprise in there but you won't hear what it is from me.  You’ll just have to come and see..  Following the making of the video, we will have two hours of a serious Rock dual with John Rocky (formerly Erik Kottzen) and Kendall Jigsaw.  Those guys are Titans of Rock and it's sure to be an exciting show.

JB:  So, what happened to your other venues, like the Comedy Club?

PS:  That;’ the downside of doing this alone.  I still have them...and will use them again when I rebuild. But this time I’m opening and running for a while, one venue at a time.

JB:  And by doing this on your own, it means all the funding challenges are yours to bear as well?

PS: Yep.  But you get what you pay for. And I get…ME.  LoL   My club…Just as I want it to be.  But I do want to mention the builder who did much of this with me:  Karabella.Velliz

JB:   Tell me about “The Petra Difference”

PS:  I think I bring something different to the table in the live music scene.  my sims have an elegance about them, intentionally so.  My tastes are refined and I am very detail-oriented which is a plus when your goal is to create realistic environments.  I'm also pretty good at crafting lineups that audiences enjoy but that the artists also feel comfortable and stimulated by.  The lineup is key.  I'm not saying that my sim is best or most attractive or even original.  There are some amazing places people have built and run here so let's just say I like to keep up with the high standards set before me, with just a smidge of Petra.  I guess you could say I’m doing it MY WAY!.

JB:  (Hears Old “Blue Eyes” busting out in song…)

Tell me more about the “Petra Difference”?

PS:  (Smiling)  I don't care to appeal to every taste.  I want people to come because they like my clubs and the atmosphere I can create in a venue.  My sets are almost never empty.  And if you hire the best talent, they won't be.  I'm a bit of a Queen Bee and make no apologies for it.

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

PS:  Only to let people know that right now the entire sim has been redone to create a Halloween town.  I love it! Bella did an incredible job.  It is truly spooky and dark and there's a lot there to entertain and stimulate the imagination.

JB:   So, there you have it folks, direct from Petra herself.  But don’t just read about it.  Come experience it for yourself, firsthand.  Grab a Limo and, as they say on The Price is Right….Come On Down!

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

Second SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alysons%20Secret/212/32/26

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