Press Release: Spooky Strides Returns To Second LIfe For Halloween

 

Five Scary Days And Nights of Halloween Magic, Shopping, and Charitable Giving

After a hiatus, Spooky Strides is back! From October 26-31, 2026, Second Life residents are invited to enjoy a Halloween celebration featuring live entertainment, haunted attractions, shopping, gachas, and fundraising for BlessOne and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Organized by Bless1Org.Inc, Spooky Strides returns through the efforts of Venus Amore, the BlessOne Board, and dedicated volunteers, performers, and musicians who have contributed their time and talents to bring this Halloween celebration to life.

The entertainment lineup will start Monday morning with Maximillion Kleene, each day will be filled with both events and performances by live musicians, Gandalf, Paul, MacDavE, Maribol Insahn, Rosedrop Rust, Chris Darkstone, Fil Rowane, Zelator Baphoment, Wytchwhisper, Pianoman1, and Mason Thorne. Live DJ Performances DJ Cee, DJ Xeno, DJ Anjie Rain, DJ Noce Sakiagake, and more. Special performances include Minsky's Burlesque Show, Rocky Horror Pixel Show, Lighting Strikes Production, Crixus Carnival of Carnage, Maribol's Halloween Venues, and Stories by Nelle Bly and Rosedrop Rust.

Halloween goodies and more await visitors at participating shops, including Sensations, Flecha Creations, Stix, Vortech, and additional Second Life merchants. Visitors can also collect ribbon Gachas and other special gachas for donations to benefit ACS or BlessOne.

Spooky Strides supports BlessOne's mission to eradicate homelessness and the American Cancer Society's mission to end cancer for everyone. Donors can donate to either or both organizations.

Bless1 Org, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017, has maintained presence in Second Life for years, including it's sponsored public sandbox, operating since 2019. The return of Spooky Strides opens October 26 at 10AM Second Life time (SLT). Come explore, shop, enjoy the performances, and celebrate Halloween while making a difference!

Be sure to check out our calendar of events on the website, and join us for some Halloween fun at: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BlessOne/118/129/23 while supporting ACS and BlessOne in their efforts to make a difference and change the world!

Event Website: https://www.spookystride.org

Second Life Location: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BlessOne/118/129/23

Contact Info:

Bless 1 Org. Inc
donate@blessone.org
https://www.blessone.org

Venus Amore (Second Life laison for Bless 1 Org. Inc.)
venusamoresl@gmail.com

 

Interview With Veo Voom

 

In Netera Landar's latest article, she interviews the musician Veo Voom. When first seen, he was an unusual sight, covered in tattoos, wearing a raccoon t-shirt, and playing a guitar resembling a pizza. “I think I’ve always been unapologetically myself," he would say.  A longtime musician in real life, once he found out about Second Life, "I dove down the beautiful rabbit hole of live music." He would talk about this, and more. 

 

 Read Netera's interview in People.

 

Veterans Fundraiser Nets Over 140,000

 

On Tuesday July 9,  there was a benefit concert high above Veterans Isle. Organized by Frets Nirvana, the event raised money for the Homes For Our Troops charity. The event was scheduled from 5PM to about 8 SL time. Besides DJ Zack, live musicians Max Kleene and Amforte Clarity were scheduled to perform. 

 

A total of 141,235 Linden dollars was donated to the two house-shaped kiosks on stage 

 

Veterans Isle normally has a fundraiser for the charity about once a month, normally on the first weekend of the month, though it wasn't the case this time. The next event, baring any last minute plans for a Veterans Day concert, will be in early July.    

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Press Release: Bay City's 18th Anniversary Celebration.

BAY CITY CELEBRATES EIGHTEEN YEARS

This Classic City Area was the First “Mole” Project

BAY CITY, SL (30 April, 2026) - The Second Life® mainland community of Bay City reaches the eighteenth anniversary or its initial release this May, and Bay City Residents are once again hosting their traditional parade down the city’s Route 66, followed by a live music event in their fairgrounds.

The first project of the Linden Department of Public Works, Bay City opened in May of 2008 to initial viewing. In 2011, its land mass doubled, as it absorbed the copy of Bay City that existed on the former Teen Grid. It has developed into the largest community-focused virtual urban area in Second Life.

Parade participants are asked to gather at noon SLT/PDT on Sunday, the 17th of May, to lineup at the band shell in Bay City - Harwich. The parade will wend its way down Route 66 beginning at 12:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and will conclude at the Bay City Fairgrounds in the North Channel region. 

A music event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. SLT/PDT at the Fairgrounds with DJ DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream providing music leading into the event until 1:30 p.m.SLT/PDT , followed by AleyKat (Aleylia Resident)from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, Jesie Janick from 2:30-3:30 p.m. SLT/PDT, and Raspberry Rearwin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. SLT/PDT.

All Residents of the Second Life grid are encouraged to participate. Celebration goods, including parade float bases and ideas, are available at the Bay City Community Center, in the Daley Bay region for those who wish to be a part of the event. Ample viewing areas are provided for all. The music event is also open to all who desire to attend -- not only Residents of Bay City, but the entire grid is welcome.

Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life® and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest Bay city group, and home to most Residents of Bay City.

For more information, contact: Marianne McCann

 

74,000 Linden Dollars Raised at Veterans Benefit

 

On Sunday December 7, Pearl Harbor Day, the monthly benefit concert at Veterans Isle took place. Organized in part by Frets Nirvana, the event raised money for the Homes For Our Troops charity. 

 

The music was scheduled to start at 10AM with DJ Zack.  Then Quarts at 11 AM. At Noon SL time would come performer Paul Kindhartdman. I dropped in the middle of the 1 PM performance with Ed Lowell and Mr. Multiwriter (Mrmulti Writer). As the musicians played, people donated Lindens to two house-shaped kiosks on the left and right sides of the stage.

 

Frets Nirvana was there, encouraging the people to give a little more,  

"Folks ...We have been supporting HFOT in Second Life now for 11 years ...and through the support of folks like all of you we have sent donations on average of $15000 a year to HFOT. ... HFOT Veterans are gifted this home mortgage free!  They are responsible for upkeep and taxes.   - Sad Fact- Only 16 states in the country are tax exempt for severely injured Veterans.{this truly needs to change to all 50 states supporting our vets, dontcha think?}"

 

The event would raise a total of 74,000 Linden dollars (34,000 in one kiosk, 40,000 in the other). 

 

To learn more about Homes for Our Troops, check https://www.hfotusa.org .

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

"Wootstock" In Raglan Shire

 

 From Friday  August 15 to Sunday August 17, the "Wookstock" music festival, Raglan Shire's musical tribute to Woodstock, took place. A number of DJs, and live performers, played music on stage, and attendance was well over 50 frequently.

 

 One of the first up was Nivor The Singing Chicken. When he was singing Weird Al's "Eat It," the foxes had a good laugh after the line, "have some more chicken." 

 

 Later on Friday evening was Merryjest Starchild, who sang a variety of songs, including "Nessun Dorma." 

 

 Among Saturday's performers were Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe, or "Effinjay." They did the show in their own tiny avatars. 

 

 A great time was had by all.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Announcement: Wootstock At Ragland Shire, Friday to Sunday

 

 Raglan Shire, Second Life's most notable tiny community, is hosting it's annual Woodstock tribute, "Wootstock." From Friday August 15 to Sunday August 17, there will be "three days of waffles and music" with a number of noted SL live musicians, plus some local DJs.

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/88/185/3007

 

The Holidays of Hope Gala

 

 

 Sunday December 8 was the last day of the Christmas Expo. Among the events was what could be described as the finale: the Holidays of Hope Gala. A number of avatars large and small dropped over, including two who were normally large dragons who went average size for the dance.

Musicians such as Coralie and Grace Loudon performed for the crowd, who danced away to the music while occasionally dropping in some Lindens into the donation kiosk.

There were other things to do, such as taking a ride on the railroad.

And one could check out the decorated houses. Here, One of the Moles demonstrated a need for practice in parking.

Some of the houses were decorated very colorfully.

With the end of the Expo, there will be no more entries in the auctions and contests, which will presumably announce winners soon, if they haven't already. It is noteable that in the past few years, Linden Lab has used the Expo to introduce a new brand of Linden Home. But this was not the case this year. Perhaps the Lindens are still brainstorming over a unique theme, or perhaps they've been busy fixing bugs.

The Expo is the last of the Relay's spinoff events for the year. But Relayers won't have to wait too long. In about a couple months in February, the official 2025 RFL season will begin.

Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: Team Diabetes Art Bazar

 

 

The 2024 Art Bazaar in support of Team Diabetes of Second Life is now open! Look at the great art and photography and take home a piece or two!  Join us for a week of art and live music! For a list of artists and performers

 

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angelic%20Bay/175/141/2999

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024:
-12pm slt – Live performer Sarita Twisted
-1pm slt – Live performer Marqs DeSade

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Reed Harris

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024:
-4pm slt- Live performer Songbird

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Samuel James

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Raven

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024:
-12pm to 1pm slt – Live performer Mapoo Little
-1pm to 2pm slt – Live performers Fusion of Two
-1159 pm slt – Event closes

For more information: https://teamdiabetessl.org/2024-art-bazaar/

Firestorm's Anniversary Party

 

FIRESTORM TURNS 14 ON SEPT 3RD – BIG PARTY ON SEPT 7TH!

Firestorm is turning 14 this week! Our actual birthday is on September 3, but we want to celebrate BIG TIME, and we want you to join us. That is why we are moving our party to the weekend… Saturday September 7. Yes, we will have a party. And yes, there will be gifts – two really nice ones. There will also be some amazing entertainment. There is only one more thing we need – you! Please join us.

OVERVIEW:
Performances:

Noon – 1 PM SLT – Our very own DJ Trick
1 – 2 PM SLT – Bella (Live Singer)
2 – 3 PM SLT – Tally Mercury (Live Singer)
GIFTS from:

Wild Kajaera and Love Superstore.
Date/Time/Location:

Event Start: Saturday Sept 7 from Noon SLT until 3 PM SLT for the performances. The Gifts will remain available until the end of September.

The location (SLurls) will be announced starting at 11:00 AM SLT on the day of the party. Pls check back here (link) at that time for the links. 

Announcement: Bellisseria's Fifth Anniversary

 

 

"Get ready everyone. We're going to celebrate Bellisseria turning 5 and we're going BIG"

 

For most of the month of April, the Linden Home continent of Bellisseria will be celebrating it's fifth anniversary. From Tuesday April 2 to Tuesday April 30, Bellisseria Fairgrounds (and a special area) will be the scene of DJ music parties, live singers, dance performances, hunts, art shows, races, special family day events, and of course prizes and gifts

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SSPBA1/171/249/25 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whiskey%20Bay/172/6/24 (Fairgrounds Pier)

Veterans Fundraiser Nets Over 100,000 Lindens

 

At Veterans Isle on Wednesday November 1, there was a fundraiser concert at Veterans Isle. The event with a few live performers was to raise money for the Homes For Our Troops charity. The event ran for three hours from 6 to 9PM SL time.

 Tonight is the night folks ...after all the scary stuff last night ...we are doing some uplifting stuff for Homes for Our Troops tonight at our monthly benefit.  First up is Chapman Zane at 6 PM.   Look at this lineup ...a great way to start November!  Come on out and support this great cause.

Chapman Zane was up at 6PM SL time.  At 7 was Austin Moores. Last but not least was Charice at 8 PM. As the singers went on, the audience donated Lindens to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. By the end of the event, a total of 100,500 Linden dollars had been raised for HFOT.

Due to some last minute change in the schedule, there was no announcement ready for the Newser.

 

To learn more about Homes for Our Troops, check https://www.hfotusa.org .

 

Bixyl Shuftan

Firestorm's 13th Anniversary Party This Sunday

 

Second Life's most popular viewer, Firestorm, is officially turning thirteen years old this Sunday, September 3. And for the event, Team Firestorm is planning a party. 

Can you believe it!! 13 years!! Yes, that is right, Firestorm is finally a teenager. We turn 13 on Sep 3, 2023! Of course, we are going to celebrate! You are invited to join us. We will have a party and there will be gifts – two really nice ones. There will also be some great entertainment.

Two live musicians are scheduled to perform at the event. At 10 AM SL time, Maximillian Kleen will be doing music on stage. At 11 AM, Pretty Belle will be singing. The event should last until Noon SL time.

There will also be two gifts available for anyone to get. One is a pet tiger. The other is a pet baby dragon on a stump that wiggles when pressed.

In the blog, it was stated the location of the party would be posted on the blog a few hours before the event. But in the past, it's been held at the Firestorm Dow Forest at (219/229/3901).

Veterans Benefit Concert Raises Over 110,000 L

 

 
On Wednesday May 3, Veterans Isle would hold it's monthly benefit concert for Homes Four Our Troops. Organized in part by Frets Nirvana, with Bri McMahon helping out, it would be held in a building far above the sim. The event took place from 4 to 9 PM.

The event would start at 4 with Jack Friller DJing some tunes. At 5 PM, Wes West and Grace Loudon would take to the stage dual streaming. 6PM was Maven's turn to sing to the audience. At 7PM, Melodee McDonell was singing. Last but not least was Franklee Anatra at 8PM. 

 

As the performers did their music, the audience would donate to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. Occasionally Frets would challenge them to dig a little deeper into their pockets, offering to chip in an amount if they did, "So folks, we are now at the 75k mark, with 30 minutes to go, let's hit 90k!  We do that and I will put in another 5k. ... 7k to 105, and I will put in another 5k."

 

"Folks ...think about this.  A 1k donation is 'quivalent to about $4 in real-life. What do you spend $4 on?  Or for that matter 1k in Second Life?  If everyone here donated 1k now, we (would) hit that 90k easy, and I would put in 5k, .a 30% return on your $$! ... Folks, you know we could not be sitting here enjoying Franklee's great talent without the freedom we have, and the sacrifices our Extremely Injured Veterans are why we have that freedom." 

 

People would be reminded what the charity Homes For Our Troops does, "Think about this regarding the veterans who receive a home from HFOT folks.  Once an HFOT veteran  regains his or her freedom within their new home, many home recipients, and their caregivers/spouses, have the time to pursue an education or trade. The number of Veterans who have obtained or are pursuing a degree or trade certification increased from 18 percent to 72 percent after receiving their specially adapted custom homes. ... When you make a donation to HFOT, you are making an investment that gives returns." 

 

Some in the crowd had other reasons for donating, "My Dad is a Marine Colnel went to Vietnam and my daugher is a Marine sergeant." "hank you Bri. and thank you for your Service. That goes for all our Vets. Love you guys and gals."

There were a few minor mishaps. At one point, someone was going "OOOOOOOOOOO..." a lot. Then it stopped and he apologized, "Sorry, headset was on keyboard."

At the end of the last singer's performance, a total of 111,300 Linden dollars had been raised.

"Thank you ... What a wonderful set."

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: HFOT April 2023 Benefit On Wednesday April 5

 

 Frets Nirvana and US Military Veterans Group announce 2023’s April benefit for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life for April 5,2023!  

Frets Nirvana, longtime supporter and contact for Homes For Our Troops in Second Life in conjunction with the US Military Veterans Group, announces the April 2023 benefit for the Veterans Support Organization Home For Our Troops at Veteran’s Isle .

Frets Nirvana states:  “HFOT is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans are multiple amputees, paraplegic, quadriplegic or suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent by Homes for Our Troop has gone to directly support Veterans. DURING THAT TIME HFOT HAS BUILT 352 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR EXTREMELY INJURED VETERANS.”

Home for Our Troops benefit concerts feature premier Second Life talent monthly at Veteran’s Isle. The April 5 concert for 2023 is scheduled from 4-9 pm PST.  Featured artists will be DJ Zack221 Friller, Luna Phoenix,Neomaximus, Tone Uriza and Wolfie Starfire.

Sponsored by Frets Nirvana and the U.S. Military Veteran’s Group of Second Life.  To learn more about Homes for Our Troops visit https://www.hfotusa.org

 

Over 130,000 L Raised At Veterans Isle

 

 On Wednesday February 1, Veterans Isle had it's monthly benefit concert for Homes For Our Troops. Organized in part by Frets Nirvana, from 4 to 9PM SL time, one DJ and some live musicians performed for the crowd. 

We are kicking off the second of our benefits for Homes For Our Troops for in 2023 tonight . And we have a great night of music!

Come on out and help us support our extremely injured veterans through Homes for Our Troops.  Remember the freedom we all have as a result of these sacrifices and support Homes For Our Troops.

 

DJ Jack Friller started things off at 4PM. At 5PM, it was BG Singer (BGSinger Hermit) on stage.  Acoustic Energy (AcousticEnergy Nitely) had his turn to perform at 6PM, and continued at 7PM when the scheduled singer's Internet connection was down. The musician for 8PM couldn't make it either, so Luna "Endless Love" Phoenix (Lunaphoenix Starchild) filled in to close out the concert.

It is believed the two musicians not being able to log in was related to the numerous glitches Second Life was having that day. "(Linden Lab) are saying logins are open for all again, but I have been texted by four people telling me they are getting the something is wrong thing."

As the evening went on, people were challenged to contributed more, saying certain amounts would be matched, "someone put in 1500 and I will put in another 1500 ...matching it!!!" The donations would go into two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage.

 

Frets Nirvana would also remind people about the charity, "HFOT is a 4 star charity according to Charity Navigator and are considered a top rated Veteran and Military Charity. HFOT Has now built 352 specially adapted homes nationwide for extremely injured veterans."

 

"Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated to HFOT goes directly towards the building program!  This is incredible.  The industry standard says if you can find a charity 65 cents or above that is good. HFOT's Mission: is to build and donate specially adapted custom homes for severely injured Veterans post-9/11 enabling them to rebuild their lives. HFOT builds homes in any state in the country where the Veterans choose to rebuild their lives.  They have currently built in 46 states.  Veterans will typically choose to settle near family and friends, close to medical services and warmer climates.  Prosthetics can easily freeze and the cold weather itself can reap havoc on them."

"Every Veteran who does receive a home from HFOT has a Support Specialist assigned to them to keep in touch for many years to make sure they are doing well and have access to any supplemental services they may need.

The vent would raise a total of 131,850 Linden dollars that night, over $500 USD. Luna would wish everyone well once she was finished singing, saying in Voice, ""I wish you love and pixie dust."

"Thank you all for coming and Thank you to  HFOT and Frets Nirvana  and crew for having us!"

Bixyl Shuftan

Veterans Benefit Raises Over 160,000 Lindens

 

On Wednesday January 4, there was a benefit concert at Veterans Isle. This was the monthly fundraising event for Homes For Our Troops. It was organized in part by Frets Nirvana, with Bri McMahon helping out. The action would take place in a building far above the sim.

We are kicking off our 2023 series of benefits for Homes For Our Troops tonight and we have a great lineup.  Right now DJ Zack Friller is kicking off the evening...spinning great tunes.  Up next is Chapman Zane providing great Americana down to earth music!  Look at the lineup for the evening!

Come on out and help those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Zack Friller was the opening act at 4PM with his DJing session.  He was followed at 5PM by Chapman Zane. At 6PM, it was Quart's turn to hop on stage. Franklee Anatra would sing at 7PM. Last but hardly least was Jesie Janick who closed things off from 8PM to just after 9PM (Midnight EST). 

 

As the musicians performed, the crowd would donate to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. On occasion, Frets or someone else would challenge the audience to donate a certain amount, then match it. "Let's try this again. As soon as we hit 20,000 I will put in 2000 linden,10% on your money again!" "Hey folks, we only need 1400 to get to 160k right now. That is about $5 in real-life ...mmm ..that would buy what?  A giant coke?  A Starbucks?  Give that up, help a vet and keep your New Year's Resolution to lose weight!!" And the crowd did time and time again, "There is no one more deserving on a good home than a severely injured veteran."

People were also reminded what the charity was about, "In order to apply to the HFOT  program, a post-9/11 Veteran must have been injured while in theatre and qualify for the VA Specially Adapted Housing grant.  These Veterans typically have loss of one or more limbs, blind, TBI, etc.  they must have the letter saying they qualify to apply. Once a Veteran applies to the HFOT program they are brought up to HFOT headquarters for a three day conference to make sure HFOT homes are a good fit for them, and them for our program." 

 

"HFOTS also will never cold call you for money. They are evaluated as one of America’s Top-Rated Veterans and Military Charities, and accredited with the BBB. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) was started in 2004 by a Massachusetts general contractor who offered to build a Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldier a specially adapted custom home. The Soldier, who had been injured in Iraq, agreed to have him build the home on the condition he do the same for other injured Veterans."

"HFOT is a 4 star charity according to Charity Navigator are considered a top rated Veteran and Military Charity. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated to HFOT goes directly towards the building program!  This is incredible.  The industry standard says if you can find a charity 65 cents or above that is good."

"HFOT builds homes in any state in the country where the Veterans choose to rebuild their lives.  They have currently built in 46 states.  Veterans will typically choose to settle near family and friends, close to medical services and warmer climates.  Prosthetics can easily freeze and the cold weather itself can reap havoc on them. Every Veteran who does receive a home has a Support Specialist assigned to them to keep in touch for many years to make sure they are doing well and have access to any supplemental services they may need."

Eventually, it was the end of the show. "As always amazing Jesie, miss you girl, so much it is amazing hearing you sing again - mwah!" "Thank you so much everyone for your amazing support of Jesie and also Homes For Our Troops. Love each and everyone of you!! Thank you so much Frets for having us and for your amazing support and dedication to Homes for Our Troops you are truly a legend sir!"

 

The final total raised was 162,943 Linden dollars. Bri would tell me the next event should be on Wednesday February 1.

To learn more about Homes for Our Troops, check https://www.hfotusa.org .

 

Bixyl Shuftan

The Dirty Grind's Final Night

 

On Wednesday December 21, The Dirty Grind would hold it's final events. About a week earlier, it was announced that the venue would soon be shutting down after over 11 years of operation. 

 

Safe Wednesday everyone ♫ With a heavy heart,  The Dirty Grind IAC today hosts its last show; we want to thank anyone who joined us in our journey and we hope we passed onto you some of our passion for the arts in Second Life. Come on over for one last dance, and please keep supporting these hard-working musicians ❤

 

In the afternoon were three performers: Lluis Indigo, Dee Timeless, and Corwyn Alle. At 6PM, a musical duo familiar to the Newser would play for the crowd, Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe, also known as Effnjay. The audience would make occasional comments, "Frogg's voice is just perfect for this song." Eventually, their set would finish, Jaycatt concluding, "Thanks everyone (smile).  And a special thanks to Ian and Lisa of course, don't you two be strangers!!" Hostess A fiya Grimbaker (asimascott Resident) would say, "Thank you so much EFFINJAY! I LOVED IT!" "Thank you Afiya!" Frogg would respond.

The last singer that night, and the last one for an official Grind event, was Nigel Freeman (Nigelfreeman Resident). Like Effinjay, he had a variety of songs. But the last one was appropriate, "Closing Time."

Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from
Closing time, this room won't be open
Till your brothers or your sisters come.

So gather up your jackets, move it to the exits
I hope you have found a friend
Closing time, every new beginning
Comes from some other beginning's end, yeah.

I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home.

As the song ended, the audience broke out in cheers. But with the applause was sadness, "Going to miss the Dirty Grind." "One of the best sims/venues on the grid." "So many great times here...so many great dances, friends, laughter." "Take the feeling the Grind gave you...use it as inspiration. Make something. Sing something. Play something. Let you imagination run wild." "Send it up for a wonderful venue where lots of memories have been made." "Thank you so much Ian and Lisa!" "Good bye everyone. Love to Ian and Lisa (who I never met) I hope to see you all at other venues around the grid." "Good night everyone. Thank you for all those years Dirty Grind." Elektra Panthar, the Grind's blogger, would say, "Thank you everyone , it's been so wonderful. ... Thank you Thank you Thank you everyone, and Ian Lisa and Afiya"

Then hostess A Fiya spoke up, "I have something to say...: In December 2019 El & brought me in to host here at TDG. I had a lot to learn not having done professional hosting before, El made that easy for me.  Even though this job proved to be THE busiest job I've ever had at times, I fell in love with it and TDG all together.  I have met the nicest people ever here.

"A BIG THANK YOU! to Lisa & Ian & Elektra for all your support and love through the years.  I also thank each & every one who has come here. YOU are as NECESSARY as the GREAT performers that came here.  The Dirty Grind Independent Artist Community will always have a special place in my heart. And only right NOW.....it's just HITTING me. I hush now.

The last word, however, would be Elektra's, on the Grind's blog.

This will be my last post on this blog. It’s been a great experience and a pleasure to work with so many talented people.

Thank you, Ian  and Lisa , for this opportunity and for the many years you spent advocating for the arts in SL and creating this wonderful community.

If you have memories you want to share in form of pictures or posts, please feel free to send them to me ( elektrapanthar@gmail.com ), post them to our Flickr group page or Facebook group – they are most welcome ❤

Stay safe everyone, and take care.

And so, after over a decade of live performances, The Dirty Grind has closed it's doors, becoming a part of Second Life music history. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Dirty Grind Venue About to Close

 

 

Some sad news for fans of live performances. The Dirty Grind, a venue that has operated for a number of years, will soon be shutting it's doors. Wednesday December 21 will be it's final day. 

We are sorry to announce that The Dirty Grind Independent Artist Community, Radio Grind, The Dirty Blog and our satellite locations will permanently close after shows on the 21st of December of this year, 2022.

We have enjoyed hosting the project for over 11 years. Ian and I can no longer justify the great personal financial expense and time it takes to continue. We will miss you all and cherish your friendships.

Of course, I (Lisa) will continue to retain the copyrights and IP on the The Dirty Grind Independent Artist Community, Radio Grind and all associated branding.

We deeply appreciate our association over the years and will remember this time fondly.

The Dirty Grind was owned by Lisa Buttmonkey (Cottonheaded Ninnymuggins) who ran it with the help of Ian Witt (Brian Ninnymuggins). I had a few words with Ian, who told me, "Sadly we are, our last show will be on Dec 21st. ... We've been struggling with the cost since the beginning of Covid, when I lost my job. This has put a lot of pressure on us since the costs are (a lot) a month to keep the venue running and pay our awesome staff, and tips are meager. This has drained my savings account. Lisa is physically disabled and unable to work. Then this spring, she had a health crisis. She's been unable to be as involved as she was, and it's going to take some time for her to recuperate. Lisa is physically disabled and unable to work. Then this spring, she had a health crisis. She's been unable to be as involved as she was, and it's going to take some time for her to recuperate." Ian hated that finances were the reason the Grind was shutting down, "We love everything we have done here and who we have done it for. We held of this decision for a long time because we wanted to be here to support all of our amazing artists."

 

Among the musicians who performed at the Grind over the years were Beth Odets, Frogg Marlow, and Jaycatt Niko.

Once again, Wednesday December 21 is the final day of operations. 

 

The Dirty Grind also has a blog, run by Elektra Panthar: https://thedirtyblogsl.com/

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fender/111/144/57

Bixyl Shuftan

Veterans Isle Benefit Raises Almost 120,000 Lindens

 

 
On Sunday December 4, Veterans Isle was the location of a concert held to benefit Homes For Our Troops. The event, taking place high over the sim, was organized in part by Frets Nirvana. 

It is the month of giving so come on out and help us support our extremely injured veterans through Homes for Our Troops.  This is also the week in which we remember the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, our current heroes were inspired by those who we lost on that day. Remember the freedom we all have as a result of these sacrifices and support Homes For Our Troops.

The event lasted for three hours, shorter than most Veterans Isles fundraisers. From Noon to 1PM, DJ Morph played his tunes. Austin Moores, with Sandy Hauster beside him, wound sing on stage from 1 to 2 PM. Last but not least was Mavenn Resident, who took to the stage to sing. As the performers did their music, the crowd donated money to two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage. Occasionally Frets or someone else would challenge the others to match a donation.

Despite the shorter time, the fundraiser did well. By the end of the concert, a total of 116,850 Linden dollars had been raised. It was hinted there may be a second fundraiser for Homes For Our Troops later in the month.

Bixyl Shuftan