BLUE RIDGE COUNTRY – AUTHENTIC COUNTRY WITH AN APPALACHIAN TWIST - JOSH(THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

In the many years that I have been writing for SL Enquirer, I have visited Scores of Regions, hundreds of Sims, and probably thousands of parcels in my search for excellence.  Most of those places miss that standard by a mile.  Some places come a little closer.  A very select few of those builds actually accomplish what they set out to do, and become a showcase for excellence in the Virtual World.  Blue Ridge Country is one of those that truly "makes the cut".  I was hopping around the grid the other day and ran into Hannock Evergarden and his lovely bride, ʟoʟǟ Ďεмυřε-ɛʋɛʀɢǟʀɖɛռ (jyden812).  Hannock graciously agreed to take a break from his labors and answer my burning questions about this "Center of Excellence" called Blue Ridge Country.  What follows is the result of that interview.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:     So, Tell me, Just what makes Blue Ridge Country different from teh other Western Clubs out there?

Hannock Evergarden (HE):     Well first, Blue Ridge Country went out of it's way to not be a western country club. The theme of the club is based on the rural hills of the Appalachian Mountains. Western clubs are a dime a dozen and we wanted to be different. 

JB:     Where did you get the inspiration for your Blue Ridge Country?  and can you share a bit about the history of the place?

HE:     Hannock’s home is in the state of Virginia and is very familiar with the scenery and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That's why you see a lot of moonshine stills around the club, lol.  

BRC opened on September 1, 2023 on a small 1/4 parcel before moving onto a full region in March of '24, adding so much more activities and scenic atmosphere to the club region.

JB:     Did you two develop this on your own, or were you working with others?

HE:     Lola and I conceived and built Blue Ridge Country initially and then brought in our general manager Ange Blackwell to help us on the full sim.  At first, we didn't know how we were going to fill an entire region but in time we actually ran out of room, lol.  After nearly one year of daily operation, we decided to take a 2-month hiatus to reorganize and redesign the club region, so on July 13 operations were shut down and we began working on a plan to revitalize and refresh the club. 

JB:     What did you find was the Biggest challenge in preparing for your Grand reOpening?

HE:     Attracting attention.  23 VIP’s left our group during the shutdown, probably thinking we were permanently closed in spite of our advertising that it was for only 2 months.  We hope to regain those VIPs and add many more after we reopen.  We pulled out the stops in advertising and getting the word out but it's not easy to attract guests when they don't know we're there.   

While the club was shut down many additions and improvements were made to the surrounding club region. The trails were replaced with a simple dirt path making it easier for horseback riding.  The cave now includes a scenic, enchanted cavern with cuddle spots and poses perfect for photography.  Access to the boat dock has been made easier and more boat rezzers have been added to enjoy in our sim wide open water area. A tall water slide has been added to the open water area with a hang glider rezzer at the top that allows guests to view the Blue Ridge region from the air. The beach has been expanded to include a volley ball court and a basketball hoop. Completing the beach additions is a wind surfer rezzer. 

JB:     So then....Tell us about your Grand (re)Opening.

HE:     After a 2-month hiatus, we intend to have a reopening party on Saturday August 31 at 4 PM for staff and VIP’s out on the beach. On Friday, September 6, Blue Ridge Country will reopen full time, 7 days a week 12 PM to 8 PM, with a fresh look and a revitalized staff.  Our fantastic staff is what makes Blue Ridge Country the awesome club that it is.  We would have understood if the staff had decided to move on to other clubs and venues but almost all of BRC's DJ's and Hosts hung in there during the break and will return on September 6. Our staff is eager to get the club rolling again.  

JB:     What are some of the things people can do at Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     The list is long but some things are: Horseback riding with expanded and improved trails, cave exploration, a multi-level tree house for cuddling or to just take in sounds of wildlife and scenery, stores for shopping, an expanded beach area with a volley ball court, bowling alley, trampoline and a diving board as well as our DJ Desires music sets every Saturday.  The boat dock has easier access and includes rezzers for Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, bumper boats and jet skis and an open water area to have fun in.  We have added a water slide and also a hang glider rezzer at the top, it's easy to use and the views are spectacular!

JB:     Do you have full time rental property available here?  And maybe a link for potential renters?  

HE:       The most exciting addition are rental cottages.  Now guests can vacation at BRC and enjoy all the fun things as well as being right next to the club where they can enjoy our awesome DJ's and perhaps make some new BRC friends.  

On the Blue Ridge region, we have 5 short term vacation rentals ranging from L$50/day to L$300/day.  There are rental kiosks at each rental cottage. 

Although not a part of the club region there are two more regions connected to it both also owned by Lola and myself.  Sweet Magnolia Bay for full time land rental and Blue Water Bay vacation rentals with full access to the open water area. 

JB:     Who would you see as the ideal guest at Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     The ideal guest would be just down to Earth people that want to have a good time free of drama and stress. We love seeing people enjoy the surrounding areas and the best country music our awesome DJ's provide.

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

HE:     Blue Ridge Country has zero tolerance for drama. We simply want everyone to have fun and to be a part of our crazy family.  Blue Ridge Country wants to be a place everyone feels welcome and have a good time.  So come hang out with us and come get your fun fix! 

JB:     Where can a person go who might be interested in learning more about Blue Ridge Country?

HE:     Come straight to the club, everything you need to know is there.  You can leave a note card to one of the owners if we are not open or just ask any staff member and they will be happy to help you. 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/70/116/28

FACEBOOK  https://www.facebook.com/groups/234507606210971/

FLICKR:      https://www.flickr.com/photos/199052932@N06/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/201333702@N08/"s/201333702@N08/

So there ya have it folks.  Have I ever lied to you before?  Trust me, you are definitely going to want to check this place out.  You will be SOOOOooo glad you did!  Go alone, or better yet, take a friend. And when you get there, tell 'em Josh sent ya.

Be There!  Aloha!

JB

Read More

ZEN METAL SeeKIN – NOT YOUR DADDY’S MATCHMAKER SYSTEM. JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC), REPORTING

So, one of the really cool things about being a Reporter for the SL Enquirer is that I get to travel the entire Grid on my five-year mission: to explore strange new Regions, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before!  (Music builds to a crescendo!!!)

Well...in those five years, I really thought I had seen everything, encompassing every possible build.  Little did I know there were STILL surprises to be had.  Today’s Spotlight Feature is not about a Build or a DJ, a Sim or a Celebrity.  it is about...(Drum Roll please):

                                                                A SYSTEM.

Here, to explain it best is the Creator and Brains behind ZEN METAL -  Sebs (sebastyne.alpha)

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:     So then, Sebs. Just exactly what is the "ZEN METAL SeeKin" test?

Sebs (sebastyne.alpha) SA:     ZEN METAL SeeKin is a thinker-type test that will find your base-level compatible people through some very important questions that reveal your value system, how you love and wish to be loved - whether platonic or romantic. It can be used as a base for any kind of relationship, personal, business, romantic, and sexual - and should be used if you ask me. Basically, it finds you people who define “a good person” the same way you do and who enjoy life the same way as you do  - the first and the second life... or would enjoy it if they had you in it. ;)

JB:     Did you create this yourself, or were others involved as well, and if so, then who?

SA:     No, it's all me. I like thinking and doing and, frankly, being in control of every aspect of everything. :p Except people. People, I want them liberated to be their authentic selves, but I'm a possessive control freak when it comes to my vision and creativity. :D

JB:     Who might find this system particularly useful and Enjoyable?  Describe the Ideal user.

SA:     People who feel their relationships keep failing or disappointing them for some mysterious reason they can't really identify. I promise ZEN METAL SeeKin is tweaked to find that reason. It is best for people who are quite confident in relationships already, but have that final puzzle piece to figure out. It's to find that one missing piece from being a relationship Zen Master.

An ideal user may enjoy the mystery of how this came to be and where is it leading and want to come for a ride. It is best for people who are themselves in a virtual environment rather than those who play a character when online, as there is a real opportunity to bond with real people at the end of the "test tube," as I've begun to call it.

JB:     The other day, I figured I would see what this was all about, and I ran into a collection of Dogs and an equal number of Cats. What is it with all these animals?

SA:     The dogs and cats represent the core values of each group. Dog Type Thinkers are loyal and hierarchal; they play as a team, a unit, "a one," while Cat Type Thinkers are more independent and aloof and value individualism so much they never want to see their loved ones change. Dog Type Thinkers, to love is to change to show love; to Cat Type Thinkers, to love is to protect the other's unique personality at all costs and never change.

While you can predict your outcome out of that quite accurately, the answers are mixed in the test - a cat may mean a dog -answer, and a dog can be counting cat points - just saying.

JB:     What other ideas do you see this being used for?

SA:     Oh, so many, but for one: Sim-owners often find their joy of creating gone when their sim starts to collect people from a different group than they, themselves, belong to. There's a reason why this is also common, but I'll explain that later to those who are interested.

The difference in thinking makes people behave in a manner that doesn't suit the sim owner. Either they seem too eager to change everything you've already done and seem completely disrespectful toward your vision or seem somewhat aloof and disinterested in what you've created. These two thinker types show appreciation in completely opposite ways. Both groups mean to say "we love it" but say it the opposite way so it feels like "we hate it but want to hang out here anyway and be pests," to the poor sim-owner.

Therefore it's important the sim is filled primarily with your own type of thinkers, particularly from the start, when a sim owner is establishing an atmosphere to keep it bringing joy to the creators themselves, too. This security add-on will be added to ZEN METAL marketplace very soon, and it won't break the bank.

JB:     So....many of the more popular online match sites carry a hefty price tag to help you find "The One".  Just how much can folks expect to spend on your "system"?

SA:     The base system, "the Signet Ring," is free and is going to stay that way. Paid add-ons will be added later, mainly with sim owners in mind. I don't want to price myself out; however, I will quite willingly price my products so they're accessible to everyone who owns even a small plot of land.

I suspect there are going to be developer kits available for derivative works, too... Soon.

JB:     When I clicked on the questions, they appeared in chat. Can anyone within Chat range see my answers?

SA:     No, only you can see the questions and how you answer them. They use a secret channel unique to you. This means that although the test is definitely best taken alone at one's own pace, two people can take it at the same time; just keep a little respectful distance from the person before you.

When touched, the buttons turn green for everybody and function as bookmarks (remember those?). While the green still lingers, you should keep from touching that button if another resident is using the system so you all know where you're at.

JB:     What is the end-state here?  to let people know if they are Cat Type Thinkers or Dog Type Thinkers? Anything Else?

SA:     At the end of the trail, you'll get your thinker-type package. It'll give you a location to hang your hat at and find some like-minded people. They are off-ZEN METAL main sim locations, so you can fully relax. I'll hang out on one of them based on my thinker type, and of course, you might see me doing some admin, but never mind me.

You will also get a ring you can wear anywhere on the grid. You can use it to scan for avatars that are baseline-compatible with you anywhere you are. I'm sure it'll take some time to find another user with a matching ring, but I hope this will take off fast.

These objects will be given to you as you hit the 'finish' button in your HUD. If something goes wrong, or you want to make sure you can retrieve a fresh ring later, please don't reset the HUD; hit Finish again. 

To not take the excitement away, the ring alone doesn't reveal EVERYTHING there is to know about a person, of course, but it eliminates people who are simply a hopeless combination. Two perfectly good people with completely opposite ideas of what relationships are even there for. (You didn't think there was another reason, did you? ;) )

JB:     What’s next on the agenda?  Any more ideas under consideration or development?

SA:     Oh, plenty. I will keep them close to my chest for the time being, but a lot of it has to do with this very thing... I am brimming with ideas; my only problem is the time and limitation of a measly 10 fingers. However, I am working on Second Life full-time and obsessively, both for my own entertainment and my only plan for an income, so... Please make me popular. ;) The system is very new, so afford me a little patience if and when something goes wrong. I am constantly improving it, and hopefully, it'll be foolproof very soon. The more people offer me feedback, the better.

JB:     Where might people go to learn more about this fascinating system?

SA:     The "test tube," as I call it, is located on a small independent Zindra parcel, away from ZEN METAL main sim at

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tyrell%20Mono/222/29/2498

The greeter should give you a HUD for the test and instructions on how to use it. It might seem to be stuck when you touch the first question, but it is just giving you ample time to read the instructions - for a reason.

I'm hoping to see many people grow this fast; we'll all have a blast and write SL history. I know I'm talking it up a bit, and I hope it will live up to it. Having said that, I've had test runs that have failed to utter chaos and misery, with you, Josh, for one, so... :D Fingers crossed!

LINKS: https://zenmetal.club/

https://zenmetal.club/venues/zen-metal-seekin/

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tyrell%20Mono/222/29/2498

The brand-new ZEN METAL SeeKin group:

https://world.secondlife.com/group/19d1c507-cc01-b35f-7003-ee479d885377

So, there you have it, Folks.  If you are tired of the typical run around in SL…you meet someone…you fall in love…you introduce them to your parents, and only THEN do you learn that they are wanted by law enforcement officials on 5 continents for unlawful flight to avoid paying alimony….then ZEN METAL is for you.  Give it a shot...one of the most amazing systems of its kind available on the Grid today.  What have you got to lose… except maybe your place in line for your next failed relationship.

Oh Yeah…..Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

Be There.  Aloha!

JB

Read More

ROCKING THE GRID AT ROCK STAR: THE HOTTEST VENUE FOR ROCK MUSIC IN SL – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING.PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUGI (AUGUSTLILAC LUCKSTONE)

 

So then, what do the following people all have in common?

•     Elvis Presley
•     Neil Young
•     Bob Marley
•     Johnny Cash

Well, the answer is obvious, right?

If you guessed they were all born in the month of January, you would have been correct!!!!

Oh yeah…there is also that thing about all of them have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with around 374 other trend-setters in the world of Rock and Roll music.

In SL it is often said that Art Imitates Life, i.e.) SL imitates RL. and now where else on the Grid will you hear a better representation of that particular artistic genre’ than at ROCK STAR.  Considered by many to be the absolute “funnest” (is that a word?) place on the grid, you have GOT to stop by and see what Foxxy Scorpio and her crew are cooking up for your entertainment.

I lucked out the other day and happened upon ROCK STARs Owner and her US General Manager, while she was tweaking some of the decor on her build, and they graciously agreed to speak with me about just what it is that makes ROCK STAR different from all the other club builds out there.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):   So tell me, Foxxy. Where did you get the idea for Rock Star? Is there some history here?

Foxxy Scorpio (FS):   Rock Star came about because my husband and I felt that too many clubs in SL were all about the build and making money, nothing was about the “fun” anymore.

JB:   There are many fun Clubs in SL. What is the Rock Star difference?

FS:   Rock Star is based on 3 things, The People, The Music and The Fun. Without one of these things the other wouldn’t exist

Outlaw Infernum (outlaw64021) OI:  It’s the people. Everybody at Rock Star from the Owners to the VIPs and  everyone in between. We are not cliquish whatsoever. We are family at Rock Star. While other venues may throw around the word "family" We walk the walk and prove it everyday.

JB:      Who do you hope to attract to ROCK STAR and what special group of people might find ROCK STAR  especially appealing?

FS:   We hope everyone finds Rock Star appealing, we welcome everyone, we are an all-forms friendly work place and club. The only thing we ask is that you fit inside the building.

OI:  Who do we hope to attract? That's a very simple answer.....Everyone. Whether you are you’re an average John or Jane or you are a dragon or you are a dinky or furry, wolf, kitsume, or you are a member of the LGBTQ community or BDSM community, It doesn't matter. Now as we are a club that does not censor the music that our DJs play, child avis are not allowed.

JB:    I see a lovely Memorial on the property.  Can you tell me a little about that?

JS:  In front of the school there is a memorial dedicated to our Mentor, friend, and founder of the S&I DJ school, Kieran Broadmoor, he taught the first generation of DJs in SL, then he taught my husband and me how to teach and here we are. When Kieran passed away, he bequeathed me the school and streams, and I promised him I wouldn't let the school die, the clients and students of the school are amazing and wonderful. They helped me through that very dark time for me

JB:      I understand there is special garden area where staff can “let their hair down”, so to speak, and play music of a “different genre”?

FS:   Yes! The Rock Star Ruins. On Sundays we like to dress up and make Sundays special, so we go hang out at our “Sunday Seductive Groove”.  It’s music that’s on the risqué side of romance.

JB:   Tell us about the ROCK STAR Sign, reminiscent of the HOLLYWOOD Sign in California - complete with benches where people can sit and observe a gorgeous sunset.

FS:   The Rock Star sign was built by Nic, it’s an homage to old Hollywood really, the club has been built with The Whiskey  and The Rainbow Room as inspiration

JB:   Could you share some of the other interesting things that visitors and guests can do at ROCK STAR?

FS:   We have lots of photo ops around the place, we also have an ethereal wedding venue.

The Ruins are the most romantic part of Rock Star, we have had a few marriage proposals happen there.

FS:  I also run Foxx Studio Photography, I specialize in head and shoulder portraits, its situated next to Rock Star, the DJ School hub is there as well, where we teach and very soon our streams will be available via a hud on your screen, so people won’t have to physically go somewhere to top up their rentals, the huds will be available for free from this location.

Right next door is my husband’s sound studio, Legato Sound Design, he makes intros, outros and drops for the DJ community, he also creates adverts for the various business s around SL. This has gone in to RL with him being asked to master several RL band’s music.

OI:   There are other places here as well. 

·         New Moon design products  based on the lunar cycle and it can be anything.

·         Totemic Couture has Clothing Designs for the  Discerning Biker or maybe  Biker  with class and much more.

·         The Notable Art Gallery Is free to the public to view and a great place display your art as well.

JB:      What has been your biggest challenge in building ROCK STAR?

FS:   The main challenge has been finding staff who understand what Rock Star is about, People, Music and Fun. We have a saying, "if it’s not fun don't do it" on the wall inside the club. Of course, everyone wants to make a few Ls and, if we do, we are happy, but if we don't, then as long as we had fun, we are still happy. A lot of clubs say they are a family, here we walk that walk and genuinely mean it. No problem is too big or small we all pitch in to help.

JB:   Do you have any plans for future development?

FS:   Yes we do, but they're staying secret for the moment, If I told you now, you wouldn't have an article later in the year :)

JB:   Where can someone learn about the events you host?

FS:   We advertise on the Community Calendar, all over the grid and now with the SLE and a couple of other publications

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

FS:   If you are looking for somewhere you can call your regular hang out, then Rock Star is the place for you, rather like that sitcom Cheers, everyone knows your name here at Rock Star

OI:   The people. Everybody at Rock Star from the Owners to the VIPs and  everyone in between. We are not cliquish whatsoever. We are family at Rock Star. While other venues may throw around the word "family" We walk the walk and prove it every day.

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Perspective%20Doodles/42/128/22

                FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/319175157317493

DISCORD:  https://discord.gg/AupW5mE2

So there you have it, folks.  If you are looking for a quiet evening with 2-hours of elevator music, reminiscent of what you might hear in your dentists office, then KEEP MOVING.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a place where the music will rock you, body, mind and soul, from the top of your head to the marrow in your bones, the ROCK STAR is THE place to be.  Check the place out.  You will be sooooo glad you did.  And when you are there, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.

You’ll be glad you did.

Be There!  Aloha!

JB

Read More

OUTLANDER MUSIC GROUP (OMG) AND CLUB: MUSIC AND A GOOD TIME FOR ALL - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING. PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUGI (AUGUSTLILAC LUCKSTONE)

 

I was doing my thing the other day…hopping around various regions, just generally chillin and looking for fun places to go.  SL Enquirer provides their writers with a Fun Detector (FD), kinda like a dosimeter, it starts to click, louder and louder, the closer it gets to “fun”.  So I was cruzing around at about 900 meters, when all of a sudden, my FD started lighting up like a Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.  I had found it, if my instrument was to be trusted.  I have found the Holy Grail of Fun.

I floated down to the dance floor below, not entirely sure what I would find, and I came upon Roxy the Red, and her partner in crime, J I N X Y.  They graciously agreed to pause in their labors and consented to an interview.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So Tell me.  Where did the idea of Outlander Music Group come from? come from?

Rory the Red (roryredrory) (RR):   We wanted to build a club where everyone was welcome and to pick a name that captured the fun and magic of having a club that our friends could enjoy and come to.  We named the club "Outlander Music Group" - OMG for short.  OMG is one of Jinx and my favorite words.  If you would search any exchange between us - you'll find "OMG" at least several times! 

The word "Outlander" means a lot to me in many different ways.  I am Scottish-American and I'm a big fan of the show Outlander.  I love the historic imagery of Scotland and of the Stones and dancing. But I didn't want to base the club only on the show - but the theme of being an "Outlander".  We are all Outlanders in this crazy world that is SecondLife, and making it our own.   

JB:       Who managed to put this thing together and what role did each person play?

RR:   Jinxy and I put the club together.  Jinxy did the build and design and I added a few decorations here and there. Jinxy always amazes me with her builds and creativity!!  My girl got skillz!!!  For me, the Outlander theme means Outsiders coming together in a place where no one is an outsider.  So, the imagery includes a Scottish landscape, Runes, and Kansas / Wizard of Oz.  I am from Kansas and who else is the ultimate outlander other than Dorothy from Kansas when she visits Oz!   We're not in Kansas anymore....

Also, Outlander wouldn’t be able to run without the incredible work, spirit, and fun brought by Paula Williams and Tiffany Williams!!  Paula and Tiffany are sisters and are our managers for the club!!  They are here on Thursday nights and always keep us laughing and smiling during the sets!!

JX:   Rory has excellent management and ability to get people together and extract their talents... So, she is a natural at doing all the organization. I spend my time now and then building for the club

JB:       Excuse me, but…is that an Elephant there?  Can we talk about the elephant in the room?  What is THAT all about?

RR:   That's Ellie our resident elephant!  She prefers to be addressed as "Ellie" or "Ms. Ellie".  She gets offended if she is ignored when people enter the room.  Just go ahead and address her right away and everything will be fine :-) 

JX:   It is as you say, "let’s talk about the elephant in the room" Thats Rory’s sense of humor. She could carry on a conversation about anything. Let’s start with the elephant in the room, shall we?

JB:       I understand you have regular shows on Tuesday and Thursdays?  What type of music is played there?

RR:   Our dj's are all amazing and play a mix of dance music including EDM, House, Progressive, Funkie House, and more!!!  We leave it up to the dj's to choose the genre they play each week.  Nothing sounds better than "DJ's Choice" :-)

I love the dj's that play here!!! Our line-up on Tuesday starts at 5pm, and includes DJ Sia, Dj Savvy, DJ Picky, DJ Lisa Rose, and DJ Nele!

Our line-up on Thursday starts at 4pm, and includes DJ DanaCat, DJ Jan X, DJ Lau, DJ Kelsey, DJ Nell, and DJ Lukas!

JX:   We supply a pleasant fun atmosphere with some of SLs top DJs.  Each DJ plays whatever they like. Rory and I do now and then add a DJ we like to the lineup. Most of them are Rory’s connections

JB:       Sooooo…What kind of music will you feature and what kind of guest would enjoy OMG the most?

RR:   Our goal is to provide a wide mix of music and dj's! You'll hear different music every week!  Anyone who loves to hear and experience Live DJ's with others in a relaxed, friendly environment will enjoy their time here!!!

JB:       Tell us about some of the different areas on the property?

RR:   The property is a series of islands in a Scottish Lake surrounded by the Highlands!  All SL-style :-)  The areas include the OMG! Club, the OMG! Float-In Movie Theater, and the OMGHenge island, home to this year's "OMG! SpringFest" on March 26, 27, and 28th  We recently added the "Float-in Movie Theater" which shows some of our favorite movies!  All of the seating is around or in the pool!  Sometimes Jinxy and I will have a "pop up" movie event and send a notice to our OMG! group!  OMGHenge Island includes Stonehenge-like ruins on top of a green grassy island!  All 3 islands are connected and can be accessed by walking!

JX:   We seem to come up with new areas every few months. So currently we have the main club and just finishing "Spring Fest" we call it. At the end of March, we will be gathering together there Tues, Wed, and Thurs regularly. Then we also have the movie theater, with a swim pool and screen we show movies on

JB:       Just who is this “Outlander Annie” that I have heard so much about?

RR:   Annie is our resident mermaid! You can usually find her in the aquarium at the front of the OMG! Club, but she also likes to spend time in the lake! She is a veteran of SecondLife clubs, and has been with me at every club I have owned or managed.  She can be a handful, and can at times be outspoken, at times be quiet.  She is a very moody mermaid!  We love her and glad she makes OMG! her home!

JX:   she is a mystery to even me. I know she has a front row seat behind the stage, so she sees EVERTHING that goes on in the club 24/7. What happens after that “Stays in the Club”

JB:       I understand you are hosting a “SpringFest”.  Tell our readers about that, if you will?

RR:   We are celebrating the beginning of Spring with a "SpringFest" March 26, 27, and 28th!  We will have an outdoor festival on our "OMGHenge Island" with Spring grass and flowers, rides, and an awesome outdoor stage with your favorite DJ's!!!! We are usually open on Tuesdays and Thursdays,  however, will be open Wednesday that week for a special SpringFest line-up including DJ Bloo, DJ Soa, and DJ Pandora!!!  Happy Spring!!!

JX:   SpringFest comes from the mind off Rory. She is always coming up with something FUN and SpringFest is all about that. You will have to come and see for yourself

JB:       Do you have any plans for future development?

RR:   We love celebrating the various seasons and holidays and plan to have some themed events in the future related to Summer, Halloween, Christmas and others!  So please check back for future announcements from OMG!  You can always check our schedule at www.outlandermusicgroup.com!

JX:   We plan on adding more DJs and adding more days the club will be open. We have a surprise for SL dancers coming in the summer. Stay tuned to see.

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

JX:   Your readers are our dancers. We listen to what you say and do our best to make OMG O M G!! Providing the best in music and in a fun atmosphere

RR:   Support Live DJ's and Live Music on SL, whether it's at our club, another club, or through live events!  Music brings us together and is the reason I joined SL - to hear the bands and dj's that are here!

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Soontir/195/21/2280

Website: www.outlandermusicgroup.com

Flickr:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/198683136@N05/

Read More

POETIC BURLESQUE: MOVING WITH THE KINETICS DANCERS - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

One of the Services that the Editor in Chief at the SL Enquirer has arranged is to give back to the community through monthly drawings for a Free Spotlight Feature - our Deluxe Advertising Package.  This month’s winner was Divalin and the Kinetics Dancers.  I was not sure what to expect on this assignment, since the word “Kinetics” can have several meanings.  In the Military, or the world of politics, the phrase “Kinetic Solution” usually means blowing something up, as opposed to just talking through an issue.  But in this case, it meant I would probably be watching scantily clad women bounding around a stage.  “Oh well”, I told myself. “SOMEBODY has to do it.” 

I set out on my quest to locate the illusive Miss Divalin Magic, the Grand Poobah of the Kinetics Dancers, and found her on a Sky Platform, busily preparing for their next production that would make Busby Berkley proud. She graciously consented to collect her Chief Herder of Cats, Olivia Wonder, and together they accompanied me to the SL Enquirer Business office where we could chat comfortably, away from the “roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd” as it were.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):   So tell me, Ladies.  How did you two meet?  And how did you decide on a partnership in the performing arts?

Divalin Magic (DM):   We met years ago on another virtual platform, called "InWorldz".  I had not done any type of performance art up to that point, but after meeting O, and our Kinetics DJ Chopper, they convinced me to give it a try.  I was hooked!  After InWorldz folded, I came back to SL and started exploring the dance community.  Several years later, O expressed her desire to have her own theatre, and now here we are.

Olivia Wonder (OW):   Actually we met in open sim in 2012 helping a friend (who is now our DJ) open up a burlesque club.  It was a big success as far as open sim's go.  We worked well together, we both balance each other’s weakness and strong points.  So while dancing together at another theater we decided we might give it a try, and began brain storming.

JB:   How long has your dance troupe, Kinetics Dance Team, been together?

DM:   Kinetics Dance was founded in 2021, with our grand opening in November of that year.  We took about six months to develop our vision on how we wanted the troupe to grow and a huge aspect of that was to make sure this was fun and "home."

OW:   It’s been like the rapids of a river, always changing but thrilling at the same time.

JB:   Just who makes up Kinetics Dance Team?

DM:   We have a very robust group of choreographers, backup dancers, DJ's, hosts and photographers.  We have a small management team which includes our sponsor, MrRoarke.    Everyone steps up and helps us whatever way they can.  For example, we have a troupe member who tackles the poster creation and another who takes on advertising.

OW:   We are a huge mix of SL talent, each with their special skill. We have amazing choreographers, builders, photographers, videographers, scrip-tors, & DJ's, the Kinetics Team reeks with talents to be sure.  But.....  MstrRoark has to be our biggest contributor to the club, he keeps the lights on and is there for every show, encouraging every step.

JB:   It must take quite a staff to run an operation like this.  How big is your staff, and who are some of the key players here?

DM:   Our staff is small - but as mentioned earlier, our team helps us as much as they can.  The primary running of the troupe is between O and Divalin. 

OW:   Everyone on our team will help at any moment, from updating the spreadsheet, to creating monthly posters, and I do appreciate that so much, but the majority, of the hands on is done by myself and Divalin Magic.

JB:   Are you looking for new Dancers?  And how would they find out?  Do you host “Dance Job Fairs”…or “Dance Marathons”, where the last Avi standing gets to join up?

DM:   Generally, new dancers come find us.  I think word is out that we are a fun bunch!!  We do have one feature, and that is we personally invite choreographers from the dance community to do a set of their choice each month.  And that has led to a few staying, and becoming a Kineticsan!

OW:   We have been so blessed that the best talents in SL have searched us out.  What a Blessing.  Just ask anyone on staff.. we all chat and communicate so everyone knows.

JB:   A quick search turns up dozens and dozens of Dance Troupes in SecondLife, involving hundreds, if not thousands of dancers.  What is it that makes up the “Kinetics Dance Team” difference?

OW:   First and Foremost.... it's got to be fun.  All the members of the staff are volunteer, so if it's not a rewarding way to spend your SL, they will soon move on.  We try really hard to give each member of our staff a place to express their creativity and skills.

DM:   What makes us different?  I fondly say "we are all crazy here!"   And we are - being serious during rehearsal just doesn't happen.  Showtime, we all step up - but before that, if we aren't laughing, then we are doing something wrong. 

JB:   How many people do you draw to a performance, on average, and how do people find out about your productions?

DM:   Our average is about 50 to 60 people at a show.  That's a comfortable number that helps to keep the lag down for our choreographers.  As we all have experienced in SL - big crowds equal major lag events.  We'd rather do extra shows, and make the experience better for our guests.

OW:   We offer 3 shows a month, all different, so if you can't make it one night, there will always be another show.

JB:   Who do you hope to attract to your shows? What special group of people might find Kinetics Dance Team especially appealing?

DM:   Everyone!  You don't need to be a dancer or actor to appreciate the arts.  All dance performances are about artistic vision. 

OW:   Everyone and Anyone...... the only ones we won't allow on the sim are the babes.  This is an adult event ONLY. We offer some amazing effects, lighting, and choreographing.  If you've never seen a SL stage performance before, start with Kinetics, we promise you'll be back.

JB:   I understand you also own or are involved with a couple of other businesses.  Would you care to comment briefly on those other enterprises?

DM:   Almost all our troupe members are involved with other theatres in the dance community.  And we try to get to as many of their shows as possible.  There are many, many people in this community who have taken me personally under their wing, and helped me gain confidence.  It remains a privilege to share my work in their troupes as well.

OW:   We focus on making this a sister/brother hood, not a competition.  If one of our friends in another troupe sends out an SOS for help we try and step up if possible.  We help by preforming in their shows, advertise for their shows in our groups, and any other way they might need us.  I want to reach across SL to make a friend, not start a competition.

JB:   Is there anything else you want to share with our readers today?

DM:   Kinetics Dance was once just an idea, and now we are entering our 3rd year.  How long will it endure?  For as long as it is meant to.  And the focus will remain on having fun.  Isn't that what SL is for?

OW:   I can sit here all day and talk about how amazing our club is, but what I'd really like to happen is:  For your reader to take a chance, come to our show, and let them tell all their friends what a good time they had.  I want others to speak for Kinetics Dance, so I can smile and not have to say a word.

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fantasies%20Island/88/59/1001 

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074370574171

FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/groups/Kinetics/

So there you have it, folks.  If you are looking for something different in the world of show dance-teams, look no farther than The Kinetics Dancers, headed up by Divalin and Olivia.  Go early to get a good seat in their intimate and cozy theater.  Tell ‘em “Josh sent me”.  You’ll be glad you did.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

Read More

SHOWSTYLE THEATER – BRINGING QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT TO THE SL COMMUNITY: Josh (Thomas1 Bellic), Reporting

In Preparation for the arrival of 2024, I decided to clean up my home office of much of the detritus I had accumulated in the past 12 months.  Near the top of the pile of papers on my bookshelf, I came upon the following announcement for a Grand Opening. 

It looked interesting, but alas, in my delays at the time, I had missed the opening.  And yet, I wondered how this upstart theater was doing after a couple of months of operation. After I contacted Sagia, she and Dollystar.piers, a prior student of hers, graciously agreed to update me on the status of this particular labor of love. 

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    So, tell me, Sagia…  Just what is ShowStyle Theater all about?

Sagia:  ShowStyle Theater provides entertainment. It provides people a means of relaxation, and enjoyment, and escape from their daily routines.  This can help reduce stress and promote mental health. We  put on monthly dance shows. I  know many dance choreographers who put on different acts for each show monthly. It is fun entertainment.  Usually at the finale of these shows, the guests are invited to come on stage and dance with the chorus.

JB:   How did you two meet?  And how did you decide on a partnership in the performing arts?

Sagia:  I was a teacher at Audace Modeling School where I also managed Audace ShowStyle dance theater. Dolly was a student at the school and became a dancer for the shows. She started to assist me until RL difficulties required her to take a leave of absence.

DollyStar:   I  was a student at the modeling school for two semesters - spring and summer of 2022. Sagia was my teacher for two different subject classes. I helped with a build on a stage and started dancing for Sagia's sets for upcoming shows. Sagia taught me how to Theater Dance and showed me how to create my own stage sets and I became a dancer and dance choreographer until I had to leave SL for a while at the beginning of this year.

JB:   What sets ShowStyle Theater apart from the many other theaters out there?

Sagia:  We give opportunities to all choreographers to work with us, whether they are beginners or highly skilled professionals. This allows us to produce a variety of shows with different levels of abilities and everyone is satisfied.

JB:   I have heard that you sometimes draw as many as 80  people to one of your shows.  How do that many people find out about your productions?

Sagia:   Our sim can go up to 100 guests but we usually cut it off at 70. We make invitations and send them out along with many notices to various groups.

JB:   Do you plan to host Special events here? Weddings?  Funerals?  Rezz Day Celebrations? Bar Mitzvahs? Blues Festivals?  And how might someone learn of any scheduled activities here?

Sagia:   No special events as you named will be scheduled here. We do a monthly variety show, put on  by choreographers, or we can plan a one-choreographer, one-hour show.  We are doing that with the  McPol Show and we call that type a special. Our activities are published by invitations and group notices.

JB:   It must take quite a staff to run an operation like this.  How big is your staff, and who are some of the key players here?

DollyStar:   Sagia manages all aspects of theater from organizing, booking, and invitations to groups to wardrobe malfunctions "dancers missing" and even DJ organizing. So much to do even Sagia has her set early in the hour to sort anything that arises.

JB:   What has been your greatest challenge in building and running ShowStyle Theater?

Sagia:   Organizing the monthly show takes time in coordinating all the choreographers and their time. I would say getting 6-8 choreographers with acts ready to go, particularly with a common theme, is a monthly challenge.

JB:   How would you advise someone who wants to get into your line of work  What would it take?

Sagia:   You need to spend time making friends with members of the second life dance world. The more friends one has who are choreographers, the easier and more fun this line of work is.

JB:   Who do you hope to attract to your shows? What special group of people might find MCPOL and the Amazon Dancers especially appealing?

Sagia:   We attract guests who enjoy entertainment that has beautiful sets, costumes and dancers with awesome dancing.

DollyStar:   Sagia booked that show for her theater for a special event  featuring an artist to show that person's talent in stage set design, and theme, and to show costumes and amazing choreography and the person's dancers' artistry

JB:   It must take quite a staff to run an operation like this.  How big is your staff, and who are some of the key players here?

Sagia:   I do this on my own. I organize each monthly show and the choreographers do their performing for each show. It takes about 7 choreographers for an hour show, along with about 15-20 minutes of the crowd dance.

JB:   I’ve heard you mention “crowd Dance”?  What is THAT all about, and is it popular?

Sagia:   Yes, it is very popular to guests who enjoy dancing and dancing on the stage. We have dance devices all set for them to stand and dance with us alone with our music. This is usually the finale and the dances and music runs for about 15-20 min.

DollyStar:   The "Crowd Dance" is the end of the show.   When it’s time for the "Crowd Dance" all our guests are invited to walk on stage to dance and enjoy the experience in sync with the other dancers.  They get to dance with and mingle with the artists and other invitees.

JB:   I understand you also own or are involved with a couple of other businesses.  Would you care to comment briefly on those other enterprises?

DollyStar:    Sagia is also a choreographer, dancer, builder, teacher and an all-around woman of many hats including DJing at some larger venues.  She does private DJ parties as well

Sagia:   I am also a choreographer and I perform not only at ShowStyle Avenue, but at other dance theaters as well.  One is the Empire Theater known as Elysium.  Additionally, I do two sets a week as DJ at  Runaround Sue's.

JB:   Is there anything else you want to share with our readers today?

Sagia:  Certainly.  For those interested in learning more, about ShowStyle Theater and some of the projects we are involved with, I recommend they please check out the following links:

BLOGSPOT:   http://sagiaresident.blogspot.com

FLICKR:        https://www.flickr.com/photos/sagiaresidentcom/

YouTube:        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TvI68BH8Ok&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuhJGH886dc&feature=youtu.be

Gyazo:            https://i.gyazo.com/d91d60ac17309013b21421958d19280b.mp4

https://i.gyazo.com/450b6be9c0aa67453a1f9e29d6b8a17b.mp4

https://i.gyazo.com/033e0113191143985e959b99d99fccf1.mp4

DollyStar:  If I may Josh, Sagia is a bit too shy about touting her own accomplishments.  For eleven and a half years, Sagia has owned and operated Showstyle, also known now as ShowStyle Avenue. She just moved to her new location recently. ShowStyle Theater is a theater of Dance and arts. Once in a while, she will host an individual to make up around 6 or 7 sets for an hour-long show. She directs 7 different choreographs, and each artist/choreographer designs and creates a theme, dances, and set about that theme. This hard work and painstaking precision showcases the excellent talent she has in making each set stylish and centering around a given story. Costumes help with the theme and background. Sagia gives the artists a place to establish their creations and show the results of their hard work. To prep for a show takes a full hour to cache each set, the costumes, and final fixes and the DJ has to have a steady hand for on-time intervals before the curtain call show.  Artists make it seem so easy and if it wasn't for Sagia holding the entire show together, the dancers and routines would fall apart. She has a keen understanding and the knowledge to coordinate and deliver an awesome show with well-known artists from around the Globe.  She is so humble and to be housed at her new home on 5th Avenue is a great honor.

So there you have it folks.  Start your New Year on the “right step”  by catching one of these amazing performances at the Showstyle Avenue Theater.  The next extravaganza, MCPOL AND THE AMAZON DANCERS SPECIAL" GIPSY KINGS" will be performed at the Showstyle Avenue Theater SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 @ 1 PM SLT

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Avalon%20Cove/191/79/23

It will help set the tone for the New Year.  And when you get there, tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad you did.

Be there!  Aloha!

JB

Read More