A "Bat-Tacular" Birthday Party

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

 It was recently my birthday. Usually I don't write about it as I don't consider it too big a deal. It's been some time since I've had a cake. In real life, maybe a little pizza with a few friends, either on the day or a weekend near it. Second Life is often where I have my fun on my birthday. Being at a dance party with friends, especially longtime friends and music, it's a happy time that I can look back on with a smile.

But this year, my wife Charlee decided to do a little something special for me. It started off with her updating my mesh bat avatar, which usually gets worn only this time of year and a few Best in Wings events. She would also update hers. 

It was Thursday, and she had a set at the Happy Vixen. 

 

It went well with a crowd of "Charlee's Angels" as her fans sometimes call themselves showing up. 

We planned on heading to Scorn for the set of our friends DJ Juana and hostess Noc. But the venue was different this time, a "Bat Venue." And getting there, I had a surprise. 

Charlee had gotten together with Scorn's owner, Gwen Winchester, and they decided to not just throw a birthday party, but since I loved Halloween and thought bats were a cool critter, they had a bat theme to it.

 

 And the two of us in our "bat-tacular" looks were dancing away. 

A closer look of Juana and Noc.

And there were some cool decorations. 

 

 

People were soon dropping in, and in all kinds of costumes. There were plenty of bats, but also a naga. 

DJ Scratch Musikat and his love Muertos, who is his hostess at his Happy Vixen sets on Friday, were there, him in a witch outfit. 

We ended up with a couple mice, Zee and Brandi Steussel ... okay, a mouse and a dragonmouse. 

Mato, the manager of Club Zero Gravity, showed up.

My friend Foxy came as a dark fennec.

Someone couldn't affoard a costume, so he came in a barrel.

 

Others showed up as well, including Gwen and her husband Atterius, and others I don't have the space to mention.

It was truly a great combination Halloween and birthday party (Charlee insists it was just a birthday party with a bat theme added). There were plenty of bat and vampire jokes, along with other Halloween ones. After DJ Juana was finished at 10PM, Gwen took over the DJing.

In the back was a "Be My Boo" photo stand that Charlee and I tried out.

from Charlee

Thank you everyone, and thank you my sweet Charlee for a birthday I'll never, never forget.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Music Notes: Greg Colburn and Pillowfish

Recently, Greg Colburn (aka Greg Colossus), via a note to his group, announced his retirement from music in SL. He began performing in SL in 2006 as Greg Colossus. Frustrated that he couldn't choose his own last name, he petitioned the Lindens to have it be so. They finally agreed and Greg Colburn (his real life name) was born in SL.

Sadly, I didn't become aware of him until early 2010. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person and seeing him perform live at the Hartford Jam last May. He is a terrific guy. All of Greg's scheduled shows were cancelled as of the time of his announcement but he still planned to attend and play at the April Jam in Maryland. As of 15 April, Greg Colburn will log in "once in awhile," but will not perform. He is pursuing his budding music career in real life and has many happy things happening personally, as well. Greg will most definitely be missed and remembered as one of the many fine performers in SL.

On a happier note, Pillowfish returned to SL for a mini tour of the Internet. Their return performance was at the venue Woodstock. Pillowfish is a rare treat as they are usually quite busy performing and recording in RL. They are currently in the process of recording their second album but to the delight of their fans, they decided to take a break for a spell. Pillowfish consist of Thom Martinsyde and Rowena Sideways. They are a UK-based progressive folk duo and their sound is uniquely Celtic to the ear. Their instruments include a 10-string bouzouki, viola, fiddle and guitar, joined by their melodic voices singing perfect harmonies. Keep an eye open for them over the coming month. They are well worth a listen.

Attending the event at Woodstock, I was saddened to learn that it was one of the last shows at that venue. Others played at this farewell concert to a most loved venue. Woodstock symbolized everything 60's, hippies and, of course, Woodstock. The ambiance and decor was truly psychedelic and beautiful. I personally will miss this awesome venue.

Source: Greg Colburn's picture from SLMusicListener on Youtube

Shellie Sands