Issue # 2 Dec 08
Metaverse Live Music Publication
All Matters Of Music Because All Music Matters
Rockstar Rehab
The Cars – Greg Hawkes Cruising in the Metaverse
Guilty Pleasures Open Mic Directory
Sounds Like Hollywood Likes My Sound Tip´s & Tricks:
Optimize Your Broadcast Sound
Editor's Note A great many thanks to our readers for the amazing response to our premier issue. We’ve seen that the need and interest is here, and so we aspire to keep raising the bar, & bringing you more interesting stories, active resources, and big news in the developments of live music in the metaverse. As the magazine is developing to maturity, we excitedly invite you to send us email suggestions, comments, or to become involved in Music Matters magazine production. Have a very safe and happy holiday, - Editor
Impressum Publisher Pat Insoo Senior Editor Chapl Paisley Editor Andrew Hellershanks Art Layout & Design Kaela Kilara Contributors Andrew Hellershanks Bibi Ballinger Chapl Paisley Jura Sheperd Pat Insoo Ditribution Reslez
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Rockstar Rehab
Try to make SL rockstars go to rehab and some will say “YES YES YES!”
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Angels & Alligators
Zaphod Theas long awaited Debut CD Releases exclusively to the Second Life™ grid.
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Chapl’s Salon Players
Tea and talent gatherings in Chapl’s Home Salon are bringing classical excellence in to the Metaverse.
Guilty Pleasures
Take a warm heart, a well rounded free spirit and a dollop of devilishly witty satire; You’ve baked up Evamoon Ember
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Cruising in the Metaverse
Tweaky, tweaky little Star. You want to shine bright as you are.
The Soundman
The Cars – Greg Hawkes
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Open Mic Directory
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Song by Second Life Star Winston Ackland to be Featured in Upcoming Major Motion Picture. ™
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Sounds Like Hollywood Likes My Sound
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Where to go. Breaking the Ice in this new medium
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Rockstar Rehab
When Second Life becomes a Second Job By Jura Sheperd
Second Life’s™ music scene may not mirror the intensity of its terrestrial counterpart, but it is no stretch to say that many of the more popular artists are some of the hardest working residents in-world. Most Second Life™ veterans of all walks will also acknowledge that “taking a break,” from SL is simply not an option. Often SL entertainers forget to have fun in-world, their time spent
A break from SL does not always cure the rocker blues as the worn out crooners come back to the grid. They need to find a balance between the work and fun in-world and now they have a place to do just that. The realization of this need, along with a dose of humor, was the inspiration behind “Rockstar Rehab”.
logged in is all business and their Second Rockstar Rehab is gentle lapping waves on a quiet beach, hide-a-way nooks Life™ quickly becomes a second job. 5
with sitting areas and easy-going music.It can be said that there are similar areas in-world but Rehab was created with an atmosphere of fun yet sophisticated, casual charm in a private and relaxing setting. More ambitious guests can hanglide, ride jetskis, drive dune buggies, or have pogo stick races. Perhaps what makes it unique is it unmistakably implied purpose, weary rockstars can relax to good tunes or have fun with all the grown up toys that make SL fun again. This feeling of belonging and
exclusivity is clearly what Rockstar Rehab creator Sesi Ackland had in mind as she built it: We all need to take a break and relax, and rehab… well, why shouldn’t musicians have a chance to sit and chat with each other or laugh over how ridiculous their avi looks jumping on a giant bouncy toy. For most of the musicians, Second Life™ is a constant round of gigs and more gigs. Everyone needs to be reminded that you
can do anything you want here usually with just a click of your mouse. We seemed to be collecting a mix of musicians here on Twas, quite by accident. Winston Ackland and Xengu Kurka live here and have used it as a very large playground with plenty of lounging areas. I noticed that when Winston was tired of SL, it was because he was signing on to do gigs and leaving. Then he would find his next toy and the joy again. Sooner or later, Linus Radford began popping in to play with toys and hang out with Winston and Xen as well as several other very popular SL musicians. I began talking to the rockers and realized that SL had lost the spark for them, it had been ages since they laughed and it became very clear to me what they needed. To prove my point, 7
I shot one with toilet paper guns until he laughed and admitted it felt wonderful to leave the SL responsibilities at the door and muck it up. We may sit and chat and shoot the breeze or we may have dogfights in the sky above Twas. Xengu and Winston enjoy shooting each other out of the sky in our bi-planes. All boys and girls enjoy their toys. In fact I bought some ground to air missiles so I could join in the fun. You are famous in SL and we could care less. Egos are checked at the door. We are all just avatars in SL and you better believe we’ll still launch you from the avicannon we have.
Rockstar Rehab may be closer to Club Med than the Betty Ford clinic, but it isn’t so far fetched to see it’s appeal. SL music fans are only now getting used to the idea that there are in-world rockstars but one can only guess what’s next. Paparazzi? Bands trashing rented skyboxes? Scandalous celebrity tapes? Let’s hope so.
At Home with Chapl Paisley – Creator of Chapl‚s Salon Players By Dakota Dreamscape
Sitting in Chapl Paisley’s real life salon – her living room – is an immersive experience. Her original art is everywhere and her home is the perfect backdrop to enhance every piece. In the center, the grand piano is the heartbeat of her home. It is as much a multi-media studio as a place to live. This day we sit, sipping tea, the sun streaming in endless windows which face either the flowered terrace or the Red River of the North. The piano is strewn with electronic black boxes, sound equipment and wires waterfall onto the floor. Microphones are forgotten casualties of a previous magical moment. “I can’t seem to get the sound quality right”, Chapl says, giving the equipment an over-the-shoulder, dismissive glare.
“The affirmation I get from audiences when I play my violin in Second Life™ is very encouraging”
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I want our Second Life™ guests to have the best quality music available when they come to our recitals. It’s a challenge to conquer the multitude
of technical details necessary for good sound. It’s the same thing with the photo quality for my paintings. But I am learning how to use the tools necessary in each discipline”. It is clear Chapl does this for the love of the music. She explained her inspiration to create Chapl’s Salon Players, “I am a chamber music musician but I didn’t want to base the group on just me. My violin work is almost always collaborative, so the idea of a salon (or chamber) is a small venue and music played with friends.” From Chapl’s salon to her Second Life™ audience, she has brought a distinguished group of partners who she knows personally. “I live in a community with a vibrant music life. I play in the wonderful symphony orchestra and therefore know many musicians”. “Through Chapl’s Salon Players I’ve introduced to Second Life™ such musicians as Wisdom Magic (piano), and Ndugu 10
Magic (violin) from our local symphony. Both of these musicians play concerts around the world, but are based in my city. DonJose Highbrow teaches voice at a college, concertizes, and is music director of an opera company. He brings his experience as a tenor who was on the staff as a singer in NY at the Metropolitan Opera Company. Diva Haystack performs in opera and as a soloist with symphony orchestras as well as being a professor of music. MaryBeth Brimm, is a professional musician, an organist, cellist, pianist and teacher. Itzaka String is a Ph.D. psychologist who majored in violin in college and plays in the symphony. Charity Zipper is the executive director of an art theater and film festival, who also majored in piano performance. She and I have performed around our community as a duo for more than 12 years”. When asked what about Second Life™
“The artist aspires to create a kind of beauty with power to elevate the emotions, the spirit”
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inspires her talents as an artist and musician, she responded, “The worldwide audience is so exciting, especially for me since I do not live in a national/ international arts center. But I enjoy seeing my paintings in Second Life™ because it gives me a new perspective on them. I also can combine them with other paintings which would not always
be easy in real life. I have more than 50 paintings uploaded into Second Life™. Most of them are not within my reach in real life because they belong to other people now or they are in storage. Playing violin in SL has helped me recover from stage fright and has taught me new attitudes about performance. I love how Second Life™ audiences encourage me to work on my art and my music. As an example, I am learning a Ravel sonata right now with extra excitement because I want to bring it to Second Life™”. When asked what SL residents can look forward to in future performances, Chapl paused, picked up her tea, and looked out – far beyond the river. “When I start a painting, I don’t always know where it’s going to take me. But I just know that I will bring a variety of performers to the Salon Players in Second Life™ and I will continue to perform myself, though not in every program.” It is no wonder she chose for her Master’s thesis title, “The Sublime in Art, Music and Literature,” In both real life and Second Life music and color envelop her guests.
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“The Cars” Greg Hawkes Live at PAL By Andrew Hellershanks
For some, the thought of music played on a ukulele may conjure up images of Tiny Tim and strains of “Tiptoe Through The Tulips”. Well, certainly not in the hands of Greg Hawkes, a founder of “The Cars” and “The New Cars”.
Replacing the keyboards was a Ukulele, an instrument he became hooked on after receiving one as a gift from his wife in 2001. This music was not like Tiny Tim’s!
For this concert, at Pop Art Labs, Greg
Pop Art Labs in Moon Park (127, 64, 21), which provides residents the opportunity
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The Hawkes concert was performed at
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All Matters of Music, as all Music Matters
Visit our parent site for more in music, metaverse news, community and artist directories
to listen to some of the latest real life CD releases and re-issues in their five music domes. PAL is expanding their services with the introduction of live concerts and interviews with big name, real life, recording artists! The first of these events was held on Friday, December 12, when PAL played host to a one hour, solo concert by keyboardist Greg Hawkes. The covers of Beatles’ classics may have been the most surprising part of the concert, but these were just some of the songs Greg recorded for his latest
contains fifteen instrumental versions of Greg’s favourite Beatles’ classics performed in the style of a Ukulele orchestra created through the use of multi-tracked recordings. The audience was treated to music ranging from “The Cars” classics, to songs from his alternative band “Fierce Tibetan Gods”, as well as the Beatles classics. After sixty-plus minutes, Greg concluded his set thanking the audience, mentioning it had been,
CD release titled “The Beatles Uke” “A virtual pleasure”. (on Solid Air Records). “The Beatles Uke” 16
Gaius Luminos, and Galaxy Productions represent Greg Hawkes in Second Life. His official web site is http://www.greghawkesmusic.com/. TV Production Credits Pop Art Lab in cooperation with SLCN.TV presents Greg Hawkes Producer/Host (SL): Claus Uriza, Pop Art Lab CEO Inworld Artist Manager (SL): Gaius Luminos, Galaxy Productions Artists, Boston (RL): Greg Hawkes, Cybersound Productions Soundtech, Boston (RL): Perry Geyer, Cybersound Productions Tech. Support (SL): Mankind Tracer Host (SL): Persia Bravin, Pop Art Lab Moderator & Stage+TV design (SL): Emily Hifeng, Pop Art Lab Officer Inworld alt. Greg Hawkes (SL): Claus Furischer Architecture (SL): Xray Haller
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Hollywood is here By Jura Sheperd
T´was, Second Life™ October 14, 2008 – Popular SL™ music performer Winston Ackland has finalized a deal with 20th Century Fox Films to have his quirky cover of Kurt Cobain’s “Lithium” included in their upcoming movie “Marley & Me”. News of the deal accelerates Ackland’s plan to wade in to the mixed realities of being a top performer in SL™, and a recording artist in the natural world.
“Marley & Me” is a near certainty.
During his nearly two years of living and performing as a Second Life™ resident, Winston Ackland has yet to reveal much of his music profession in the natural world. In preparation for increased mainstream exposure, Winston and his team are currently updating web information and attending to administrative details. When asked if he had mixed Opening Christmas day 2008, “Marley & feelings about blending realities, Ackland Me” is a comedy based on the memoir says: “Yes, but given the circumstances of John Grogan and stars Jennifer Aniston it’s inevitable. Here in SL, I’ll always and Owen Wilson. Winston’s bossa nova be Winston not that other guy” and styled cover of “Lithium” was picked by promises that the Winston that fans have film editor Mark Livolsi to be in the first come to know is still very real and not draft in spring 2008 and has survived the going anywhere. many cut stages to make it to post production. The superstar music production team at “Marley & Me” is credited with a massive list of multi-platinum soundtracks from titles like “Good Will Hunting”, “There’s Something About Mary”, “the Sex in the City movie”, and “Devil Wears Prada”. With this pool of talent, making a hit soundtrack for 19
About Winston Ackland Winston Ackland is a singer-songwriter and seasoned performer in Second Life™. Winston has been featured on SLCN.TV’s “Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe“, in SLexy, SL Newspaper and was a featured performer at SL5B and Burning Life. Contact: Press Inquiries contact: Jura Shepherd Booking and related info contact: Sesi Ackland http://www.myspace.com/winstonackland
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“Angels & Alligators“ Double Album in SL
Rocker Zaphod Theas is releasing a double live album titled “Angels & Alligators” in Second Life™ on 24th November 2008. The album, containing 25 original tracks, is a major release in the Second Life™ entertainment scene.
complete compendium of his original live works to date. “I wanted to give my listeners access to the best of what I play in SL”, says the 33 year old British rocker (Allan Dawson).
The album is made up of two virtual CD’s that can be played in SL. Disc one Having risen to become one of Second “Alligators” contains 12 live electric rock Life™’s leading premiere artists, Zaphod tracks that are definitive examples of Theas became an instant hit when he his dynamic creative work. With guitar frenzied “This is a really exciting album explosions like “Back on to work on because it is the the Rack” and “Anosognosia” cumulation of a project that through to orchestrated rock has grown and developed anthems like “Start Again” and “Why Did You Never ™ in Second Life !” Believe Me?”, “Alligators” packs a heavy punch and carries you with catchy tunes through debuted in July 2007 with his original, a gripping ride. Disc two “Angels” high-energy live electric rock showcase. contains 13 live tracks from Zaphod’s He has since taken the show to over highly regarded acoustic unplugged 200 perfomances and now brings us a 21
Alligators 01 Turbononsense • 02 Still Alive • 03 Blackout • 04 Last Bitter Tear • 05 Give Me A Reason • 06 Waiting For The Day • 07 Hot Devil Rush Blood • 08 No-One To Love • 09 Anosognosia • 10 Back on the Rack • 11 Why Did You Never Believe Me? • 12 Start Again Angels 01 The Vodka Advert • 02 Bubble • 03 Desperate • 04 Angel • 05 Everyday • 06 Knowing I Am Knowing You • 07 Good Times • 08 Flow Girl • 09 Hope You Learn • 10 This Is Your Love Song • 11 Why Did You Never Believe Me • 12 Sweetie • 13 Beautiful Love Song 22
concerts, amply demonstrating his softer side without compromising on diversity. Anger driven quips such as “Hope You Learn”, “Sweetie” and “The Vodka Advert” keep the hard edge up on this album, while timeless ballads such as “This Is Your Love Song”, title track “Angel” and a rare piano performance of “Beautiful Love Song” capture the imagination and shape it like a flower.
This double album is an emotional journey through all corners of life. “I wanted people to meet my Angels and my Alligators” says Zaphod, “and I think this album allows them to do that from the comfort of their stereo speakers. The album is in the most part a biographical reflection of my own life and features a range of songs from my
Check out his TV station, 61 or myspace pages for a variety of previews: Z Shaped Television - http://www.mogulus.com/zaphodtheaslive Zaphod on 61 - http://www.thesixtyone.com/zaphodtheas Zaphod’s Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/zaphodtheas Zaphod’s music can be purchased in SL at various locations including: Laurel Arts Isle (187,254,21), The Foundry, (19.35,28), Trax Live Music Resource center 23
mid teens, through my twenties as a struggling musician right up to the present day.” The album format is the brain child of Bones Writer, who has developed a music store at TRAX Music Resource Center. Trax has become popular with many musicians in SL and is enjoying encouraging success. Several dozen artists have commissioned their albums with Bones’ format, but “Angels & Aligators” is a custom project, “This double album has been exciting to work on ,says Bones, “Because it has allowed us to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with the TRAX album format, and do something a bit more unique”.
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Guilty Pleasures by Bibi Ballinger
EvaMoon Ember’s music is like a Las Vegas smorgasbord. A luscious feast of jazz, torch, hip hop, rock and country, Eva spices it up with bawdy humor, political commentary and the absurdities of life. Add some champagne with a beer chaser and you’ve got one of her shows. Oh, and if you look closely at the dessert table, you might find Eva sitting in the middle eating all the chocolate! “Eva Moon skewers romance, sex, high tech and pop culture with smart, funny original songs. It’s a tasty blend of jazz, Funk and Comedy. Think: Sheryl Crow meets Lily Tomlin,” or so says her profile. Her act is a comic jazz journey in the company of terrorist cats, Nigerian bank managers, sexy UPS guys, psychotic baristas and more. The tone continues in the 1st life section: “Imagine your brain is an enormous Costco and the shelves are stocked with everything you’ve ever experienced. There it all is – dinosaurs, baristas, RVs, Nigerian scammers. Each memory in its own spot on a shelf. Now imagine the Costco has been hit by a tornado. Chaos ensues. The floor is a toxic swirl. Random, unrelated items collide. Everything is gooey with libido (it’s a well – stocked item). A call goes out 27
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to the songwriter, who arrives in hip boots with a push broom and begins the arduous task shoving the whole stinking mess down the drain.” “A friend invited me into SL,” says Ember. “I was lost at first and then when I found the live music scene I was intrigued but not sure it was something I could do. I’m a band girl – not a soloist – and I knew I couldn’t get the whole band into it. But in the end it was irresistible.” EvaMoon started with gypsy music… “I started writing songs a few years ago while the gypsy band was on hiatus and I was restless for something musical to do. It was the first time I really ever sang in English, even though it’s my native language. I had to start a new band in order to perform the new songs. We have gone through a few changes of personnel but it’s been the five of us in Eva Moon & the Lunatics for several years now and we’re really starting to 29
find our sound. From her start, EvaMoon Embers’ music was always fun and controversial and she wanted to try everything. “The biggest complaint I get from critics about my first CD is that it’s too eclectic. No two songs have the same style. But I’ve always loved humor and shied away from conventional topics. When it comes to tender love songs,
it’s hard to be fresh. Not so with songs about renegade RVs, vibrators, spam or Wall Street bailouts.” “Getting gigs in RL can be a challenge. People don’t go out so much anymore, so competition for audiences is rough. SL provides a way to reach the very people who would like my songs but can’t go out often – intelligent adults.
I haven’t found a better way than SL to really reach out to a global audience before. A few years ago I was heavily involved in internet radio, but there are a million stations with a dozen listeners each. It’s hard to make any headway and it’s all one way. In SL, it’s two – way – more like performing, which is what I love. It’s not just about the music. It’s about interaction with the audience. 30
That’s where the fun is. “The best thing any artist can do in RL or SL is be a part of the community – network, support, help out, hang out.” “Unless the platform changes radically, SL will always be a niche world. With small audience capacity and lag, there’s not enough impact to draw big name artists. But I think that’s a plus for the music scene. RL is being eaten up by Clear Channel, focus groups and mass marketing. It’s nice to think there is a place for the quirky small act. The biggest thing that would help the music scene in SL is getting the word out that it’s there. Artists and venues are nothing without audiences!” “Playing at different times of day in SL is like taking a little world tour; midday here in Seattle is the start of the evening in Europe. Mornings are for Australia and Asia. I could try to do a RL gig at 11 am on a Tuesday, but who would show up? I can play naked. Disadvantages? I miss playing with my band. The interaction
between the musicians – all of them – and the audience really ups the energy and fun at any show. And my Lunatics definitely know how to crack me up. SL has only gotten the barest taste of that.” EvaMoon Embers RL family and friends are amused, puzzled, tolerant. “My husband has played with me in SL a few times, but it’s not something he loves to do. The rest of the band seem willing enough to give it a try sometime as long as it doesn’t interfere with RL. Mostly people think it’s kinda oddly cool.” More about Eva: http://evamoon.net, http://balkanarama.com, http://evamoon.net/blog
Advertiser Index Avatar Hangout » 24 Cypernetic Art Research Project (CARP) » 17 DreamSphere » 38 Kaelaidoscope » 1 MOM » 15
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Moondoggirl » 40 Ravenlong Productions » 39 RPM Challenge » 25 Taj Hejem III » 41 The Stream Team » 32 32
THE SOUNDMAN You have your sound levels set, you have landed a gig, you are at the venue, stream is tested and you are 2 minutes from stage call. What else could there possibly be, for the Sound Man to tell you about?
For the listener, each unorchestrated sound tears at the fabric of your music, and the flavor of the delivery. It is a live show, the utmost effort ought be taken to ensure that on delivery, your sound shines every bit as bright, as it does in your studio. Overlooking this fact can render tarnish on the most brilliant of artist.
Remember, each listener is unique. Many of them too, have gone to great lengths with their sound setup, to ensure that they are getting the full quality of the shine you are broadcasting.
Happy Holidays The Sound Man
Be aware, and Shine on metaverse stars!
In light of this, there are a few things left, to mark on the checklist
In world sounds should be turned down. ie voice, sounds, ui, media, music
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Close any programs you dont need running that may slow down the computer or internet. Telephones should be unplugged, cell phones turned off (or active in another room) Set up your playing area in a quiet part of the house, so background sounds are minimized. Kids and dogs sent out, doors closed etc.
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Skype, MSN etc should be closed, or have all sounds disabled
The Soundman, a column dedicated to music production over the internet. If you have any questions or problems setting up equipment to play live music in SL, this is the place to ask for help. http://mattersofmusic.com/theforums
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Book your Special Holiday Concert today.
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Open Mic Directory Open Mic Venues listed by Day of the week. All times areSecond Life™ Time (SLT). This list is correct at time of printing and will be updated regularly.
SUNDAY Aquastar Ballroom Time: 1- 4 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Shellie Boucher http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Dozer/85/44/38
Shooting Star Contact us for sumissions, corrections, questions and for… Advertising!
Time 9 -11 am SLT Genre: All Run by: Ann Wunderland http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Live%20Music/182/169/23/
Merry Prankster Called Pickers Party (Pass the Mic)
Merry Prankster
Run by: Diana Singh Time: 7 - 12 pm SLT Genre: All Run By: Creola Deledda, Zany Xevious http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prankster %20Isle/130/129/56
Wild Rose Time 9 -11 am SLT Genre: All Run by: Harmonie Weitman http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Iowa/131/75/28
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
Tantalus (Beach Stage)
Merry Prankster
Time 11 am - 8 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Shrike Rossini or Bubbles Lurra http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Fusion%20Worlds/92/72/22
Time: 7:30 - 10 pm SLT Genre: All Run By: Creola Deledda, Zany Xevious http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prankster %20Isle/130/129/56
Mediaculture Run by: AngleFireDagger Time: 1 pm- 3 pm Genre all http://slurl.com/secondlife/mediaculture/157/26/22
Tantalus
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WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Wild & Wacky Wed. Open Mic @ The Double Olive
Your Club
Run by: Nessa Rose Radek Time: 7am-12pm genre: all http://slurl.com/secondlife/Urieas/35/131/30
Carver’s Cove Time 1 - 3 pm SLT Genre: All - 30 minute slots Run by: Alexa Sideways Formal Dress http://slurl.com/secondlife/ UNIVERSAL%20ADVERTISIN/ 169/203/22
Carver´s Cove
SATURDAY