The Unofficial Second Life® Fashion and Shopping Blog

Hello to those of you still checking in. The Summer is over and that means that I’ll be slinking back into the fold of SL fashion soon. With a little luck, I might be able to trot the redhead out to shop with me. While I wait for our RL issues to settle, however, I wanted to blog about something not so much fashion or shopping related, but something that does encapsulate the imaginative spirit of what Second Life has to offer. So much of our blog focuses on the business end of SL, but a great deal of what we all enjoy about our virtual sandbox is the creativity. It’s no fun to make Barbie pretty and cruise around in the dreamcar, unless there are things to go and wonders to behold.

Musimmersion is the brainchild of one of my dearest friends - Grace McDunnough. Those of you who frequent my Freudian Slip venue are more than familiar with my favorite songstress, but few of those who encounter her in concert alone could understand the scope of her talent. Simply put - she is a Renaissance woman of our brave new world. And yes, I am biased, thank you very much. In the past she’s been far more inclined to tinker behind the scenes and let others take credit for her labors, but Musimmersion is Grace’s creation from concept to execution and it’s a new step for SL entertainment and artistic expression that takes our community a step forward (albeit some of us, kicking and screaming from our dressing rooms).

So what is it? Well, like so many audio-visual experiences, it’s tricky to explain. Grace herself has asked that bloggers not give too much away to those who haven’t yet experienced the concept. But for those of you who are so inclined to take part in the limited run of this project, here is a bare-bones outline of what to expect.

For non-invitational sets, you’ll want to arrive early, as they are a first-come, first-serve basis. At 20 audience members, the SIM is closed to new arrivals. Late arrivals are not admitted. During the pre-performance meet and greet, audience members are asked to alter some of their graphic settings so that they can best enjoy the show as it was intended to be experienced. After that, audience members are seated (I suggest not wearing a skirt - the seating is *not* skirt friendly) and the tour through Grace’s music begins. From that point all, all you do is sit back and marvel at the artistry on display.

You are moved through a series of sets - each the visual representation of how a particular song translates to Grace. The songs are performed live by the lady herself as she sings, plays guitar, and directs the action. It’s an insane undertaking, but the effect, for those able to allow their minds to be transported, can be profound. The journey is an embodiment that presents the potential that Second Life can offer to those of artistic spirit. For the rest of us who are not quite so talented, it’s brain candy entertainment of the first water.

I do hope those of you who enjoy Grace’s soulful style will find the time to experience this labor of love. I believe all public performances will be listed in events, but because of the challenges presented by such a performance, the word to me is that our Ms. McDunnough might only continue through to the end of this month before moving on to new pastures.

However, I also believe she’s weak for whiskey and chocolates - so bribery may be possible. I’ll keep you posted.