On Saturday May 22 and Sunday 23, the "Relaystock" in Second Life took place in the Relay dAlliez sim, with some unplanned parties taking place on Friday May 21. The third of what has become an annual event in the Relay for Life's season, the event is a tribute to the 1969 "Woodstock" festival, considered by a number to be a major pop-culture event in history.
Although organized by Trader Whiplash and the Relay Rockers team, it is a multi-team event where multiple teams sign up for campsites, either a tent or a van done up in 60s colors and patters, and for hour to 90 minute long periods on stage for live musicians and DJs representing them.
The event was set up in the Relay dAlliez sim. Unlike the "Three days of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll," however, being an official Relay event there was no sex, and this being virtual reality there were no drugs (although there were a few jokes that if Tuna Oddfellow was performing some would be getting high). But there was plenty of great classic rock n' roll music by the various DJs and live musicians on stage.
Among the teams there was the Sunbeamers, whom had a tent. One of our numbers whom was around at the time commented that the tents at the real
Woodstock were much plainer, for those whom brought tents at all as most
just brought a sleeping bad or nothing at all. But the design was all
in the name of fun, some Relayers born much later chucking at the designs.
There was a hospital tent, where some information about the Relay for Life's mission was available for newcomers dropping in.
There were a number of musicians each day (click here for the schedule). Those earlier in the day had smaller numbers watching.
But as time went on, more people would drop in.
With the mud, many were ankle deep while dancing away, though didn't seem to mind.
Those dropping in for a little music and dance came in all varieties of avatars from normal human to pixie, to tiny, to furred, to pony, to children, and a certain dark unicorn.
Rita Mariner and some of Team Sunbeamers were there, the team coming out of it's slump. and would reach Gold about a month later.
Among the musicians there was DJ MrsSpooky (Spook Maroon).
After her was Dolleyes Barbosa, whom started her hour as describing the 60s as an adventurous time with the Civil Rights movement, the space program, and of course rock music.
With large numbers of avatars, some had problems with slow to rezz objects and other technical difficulties. Some such as this fellow made the best of things with a little humor.
At 3:30 PM was the Relay Rap, with the Committee members on stage.
Later, Trader Whiplash would take the stage.
It was that moment the rain started up again.
But eventually, it would stop.
It was a great Relaystock, and part of a great Relay season this year.
It is hard to
believe that another Second Life Birthday is so near. Preparations have been
underway for most of that year for the Leads, Doc Gascoigne, Diana Renoir,
Marianne McCann and many coordinators. There is so much work that goes into the
event behind the scenes that no one knows about. The applications for builders,
art parcels, volunteers, performers went out about a month ago. Letters of
acceptance have been sent to builders and now they are here in the regions
putting up the most amazing installations.
As an Exhibit
Assistant, called a Vanguard this year I went through the hours of training to
be ready. We register the applicants and get them all the messages they need to
do their work and settle them where they belong. All of them are thrilled to be
here.
The usual builders who never lose their
enthusiasm and especially the first timers who are in awe at first. It is great
fun to move around the regions and look at what is happening so quickly! From
mowing the flat grasses and sweeping the roadways we find the parcels filling up
with such creativity. I love to see the parcel holders that some out down to
claim their parcels.
The opening is not
that far away, June 19 so all must be in place well before that day.
Holocluck
Henly leaves his place holder
Pygar Bu likes to
decorate his canals in his region.
When my current
job is done I will then move to the Greeters section. We will assist any
visitors to find gifts and certain parcels and especially the Stages and
Auditorium where there will be a myriad of events taking place for the whole
event.
I invite you to check out the Teaser
videos on the website and check keep an eye on information that is there. You can find
out who is doing all the work and see the schedule when it is up. You can also
check out pictures from past years events . Be prepared to be
amazed!!http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/
It was about eight years ago when the Bay City
sims came to be on the Grid. Conceived by Linden Lab as representing
"the American urban experience" in the middle of the 20th Century in
early 2008, the region was built by the Department of Public Works (also
known affectionately as the "moles"), and opened on May 8 that year,
with parcels open for sale to residents about two weeks later. It was on
May 16, 2010 when a parade and party were done to celebrate the city's
second anniversary. Since then, the Bay City Parade and the music
concert following have become an annual event in Second Life, attracting
many participants and observers.
Before the parade, some of us met up at the Northern Fairgrounds.
This included Michi Lumin, one of the founders of Luskwood.
Also there was noted blogger Daniel Voyager. With his "Bugs Bunny" avatar, my friend Rita Mariner whom dropped by, responded by bringing out her Lola Bunny avatar (Bugs' girlfriend in the "Space Jam" movie).
As it got closer to 12 Noon SL time, I headed to the vicinity of the Band Shell Stage in the Harwich sim, where those taking part in the parade were gathering.
Marianne McCannn had given out some press badges a few days before the event, and yours truly wore his (the recent new tag on the hat was made by Alleara Snoodle).
Kenny Luckless appeared in his pony avatar, riding a snail.
RacerX Gullwing, the organizer of the Giant Snail Racers, was there in his jalopy.
Someone's plans were "up in the air."
Torley Linden was also there, although he (or maybe she considering the avatar), was in his non-Linden account.
Trying to organize everyone wasn't the easiest of feats, having to put everyone in a few groups that would start at several different times. And finally at 12:30 Noon, the parade was a-go, "Get ready to RUMBLE!!!" "Bay City For The Win!"
Didn't someone tell this guy mines are supposed to keep their mouths shut?
A police car from the BCPD led the way for most of the route.
While some openly hoped we could capture their best side, unfortunately
for some, everything turned out grey or otherwise flawed due to the
lag, such as this one of Marianne McCann in her parade uniform and tuba.
"From the, town of Bedrock."
Another look at Pygar Bu, towing his float.
The parade took a few turns.
Most of the parade's path was down Route 66.
The parade went past a few noteworthy locations.
"Who you gonna call?"
Bay City has a trolley service, and at one point, the parade had to deal with an oncoming car.
Instead of getting smashed, as it would in real life, one of the cars got hooked and dragged for a distance.
Two women, Dizzi Sternberg and Nightshade Fugu, instead of a balloon, brought an aircraft of some kind to the parade
But something went wrong.
And the craft fell to the ground in pieces.
Fortunately the girls were okay.
"Thunderbirds to the rescue!"
Gemma Cleanslate, riding a Segway scooter with the parade.
Looks like the car who had a run-in with the trolley got unstuck.
And the parade reaches the finish line.
This woman was dragging a wagon the whole way.
The policeman did a "pawsome" job.
A traffic cop tried to keep things somewhat in order.
Looks like the Flinstonemobile had front brakes installed, and someone slammed on the brakes.
It was then time for the music to begin, Marianne shouting, "We've got a great block of music today! Right now, it's GoSpeed Racer on the decks. Later it's Zachh Cale, Maximillion Kleene, and Winston Ackland who will grace our stage!"
Looks like the Newser wasn't the only ones reporting the event, though someone swiped their tires.
GoSpeed Racer DJed for the first hour, with some eight-themed songs in her mix such as the Beatles' "Eight Days A Week," and Sesame Street's "King of 8," and a few others that seemed appropriate, such as "There Goes The Neighborhood."
Uccello "Uccie" Poultry called out, "While you are hugging, send some to our Not-The-Mayor MARIANNE MCCANN! I can't imagine Bay City without her love and nudging."
And pretty soon, it was time for the conga line.
One girl commented, "ot so many in this line we're wearing a hole in the floor."
At one point, someone joked the Lusk skunkgirl, "Michi? You never use underpants? No wonder I love Luskwood." Michi responded, "I state for the record that I believe underpants are important for our society and economy!" At one point, GoSpeed joined the line, and ended up behind her, "Dang, behind Michi again. Your tail is tickling my ... "
Torley wasn't the only Linden to show up. One of the furs among Linden Lab's staff, April Linden, also showed up. "We just finished up my month," she smiled.
April never did join the conga line, "Hehe, I'm really short compared to y'all." But others still tried to encourage her, Belle Mistwallow, the current Miss Bay City, saying, "Vertical challenge builds character."
Eventually, some had to go, including Torley, "Ahhh it's been fun! Great hanging with you all! I gotta go for now, rock on Zachh and Bay City! PARTY ON AND BE MOST EXCELLENT TO ONE ANOTHER =^_^= "
Marriane reminded everyone, "Bay City hosts a number of events, of which this is but one. We also have Mole Day (celebrating the members of the Linden Department of Public Works and all their great builds!) in February, Hot Bay City Nights in August, our Holiday Tree Lighting and Prim Drop, and weekly Rumble Races! Always something going on in Bay City!" She also reminded, "Bay City has long been a supporter of Child's Play Charity (www.childsplaycharity.org) a great charity that provides toys and games for sick children. This week, I am proud to announce, Bay City became a silver sponsor of Child's Play. You'll find us right on their front page, in the lower right-hand corner."
She also had some upcoming news about the urban area."Coming soon will be Bay City's own Community Gateway, Enter Bay City. It will be a place for new Second Life residents to learn about Second Life with a distinctly Bay City edge. You'll hear more about this project soon!"
It was a great event in Second Life, parade, concert, and running into a couple Lindens and other notable personalities on the Grid.
Some other Second Life residents took pictures or videoed the event. RacerX Gullwing, took this Youtube of when he drove as part of the parade, then joined the others at the party (click here if it fails to play).
