New Blogging Home for Blues for Autism

In the past, there has been a separate blog each year for Blues for Autism. That ends this year as we consolidate all the past blogs and prepare for the coming year. Welcome to the new home for the Blues for Autism blog.

With Great Appreciation...

Blues for Autism 2011 broke the record for funds raised for autism awareness and support. The reason for the success was, naturally, those who contributed. But nothing would be possible without a special group of people who committed their time and energy to make things happen. It is for that reason that BFA founder, Magi McBride continued her tradition of throwing a spectacular ball in appreciation for those who helped.

This year, Magi chose the theme of Camelot for "a night of fun and frolic". It was a great opportunity for those who love to dressup to be come Ladies and Knights. Medieval attire was requsted but everyone was asked to come shoeless! Magi envisioned ladies coming in sprintime dresses with flowers in their hair, but she thought the guys might not like the idea of tights and poofy shirts. So, she let the guys come in any attire they are comfortable with.

Thursday night the Appreciation Ball was held in a magical world created just for the evening. And upon arrival, guests where transported and emersed in a most enchanting scene of greenery and flowers and peaceful waterfalls. The atmosphere was filled with the delights of Spring and the special merriments of May.

Those new to the BFA fundraiser might wonder what the inspiration came from. This year, Magi placed a picture of her grandson, Joey near the entrance to the ball. For four years, Magi's work has been both altruistic and personal.

This night of fun and frolic needed someone to bring the right music too, something a little joyful, a little lusty, and of course, a lot of romantic. Our music maker for the evening was DJ BC Susser. BC is a regular at JudyBlues and The Riverside blues clubs, so it was a certainty that there'd be a bluesy flavor to his tunes. But BC had many wonderful romantic surprises in his selections.

DJ BC Susser spun a set that helped create the magic of the evening.

The evening had begun. And although Magi may have envisioned the men tights and poofy shirts, Medieval meant one thing to the guys, Knighthood. And there were many knights. However, the Ladies new exactly how to dress and not one of them wore shoes. Following is a photo essay.

There were knights with their ladies.

Friends spread out around the May pole and danced.

The ball spread across a beautiful, relaxing scene.

Finally at the end of the evening, some brave knights and maids jumped onto the May pole.

At the end of the evening Magi thanked everyone for their support, and there were many thanks returned. But just to be sure she knows...
Thank you Magi!

It was a lovely night but the best part as always was the gathering of the people who supportered this effort. The guests included Breeze Windrum & Ethernal Bigbear, Thor Effingham & Leanna Chaffe, BC Susser, Kitten Lytton & Lucian Starsmith, Straton Tigerpaw, Kenai Harbour & Jynxx Magic, Larry Pelia, Jacan Slade & Hi Ellia, Merrymay Lorgsval & Sam, MrDs Magic & Layla Mesmeriser, Tippy Wingtips & Quantum Quasimodo, Runnr Bingyi, Miss Luci Bergbahn, Gracee Du'Mont & Destinova Du'Mont, Blu Brando & Gala Caproni-Brando, and Takamatsu Soke & Yordie Sands. Thank you to everyone who could attend the ball and thiank you to all of the supporters who may not have been here, but were in our thoughts.

This year was a record breaking fundraiser, L$1,567,537 in donations. This year the fundraising events were all compressed into the month of April. This year we met new friends both in and outside the bluesy community and it's become clear that Blues for Autism has moved outside it's original scope.

For anyone who would like to join in next year's fundraiser, please join the Blues for Autism group inworld.

Blues Fest 2011 @ Gwampa's

Each year the Blues Fest anchors the Blues for Autism (BFA)fundraising events. And each year Blues Fest has also brought in the largest amount of donations, but that would be hard to beat this year due to the great success of the BFA auction.

Blues Fest is by far the longest event on the BFA schedule and usually brings in crowds that ebb and flow all day, sometimes maxing out any single sim. This year Gwampa Lomu stepped up and offered a two-sim area at his Gwampa's Dance Kamp, enabling twice as many concert attendees to find space to enjoy the show.

Then there are the performers. Each hour of the concert a new performer takes the stage and this year's lineup included wonderful friends from the past and some amazing new ones, both live performers and DJs. Here are the names of the performers: DJ Bard Wasp, DJ JC Landau, DJ Moonmaiden "Moonie" Horner, Strummer Vultee (live), DJ Pronvelle Cristole, JavaJoe MacIntyre (live), Beamer Lowtide (live), Jimmy49T Dukes (live), DJ Jaco Fitzpatrick, Von Johin (live), DJ Voodoo Cooperstone, Ichie Kamachi (live) and DJ Lucinda Bergbahn.

So it was that at 8:00am on Saturday morning, twelve+ hours of music began and the donations started rolling in. Following is a photo story of the concert.

Kicking off the concert was ever easy DJ Bard Wasp broadcasting from Bard's Blues with a great mixture of tunes.

Next up was bluesy favorite for a Saturday morning, DJ JC Landau, and nearby was his lovely partner Astarte.

Another newcomer was DJ Moonmaiden "Moonie" Horner with her captivating voice and gorgeous looks, broadcasting from her radio station.

Making his first appearance at Blues Fest, Singer/musician Strummer Vultee performed live.

'The Wharf' owner and also great DJ, Pronvelle Cristole brought his hot looks and great tunes.

Next was another live performer, JavaJoe MacIntyre. JavaJoe say, "Blues Mashups of popular songs" and yes, we heard wonderful, transformative music.

Each event of the Blues for Autism fundraiser features great Second Life performers. And each performer brings their talent and time, contributing it to the campaign for Autism Awareness and support. But each performer makes a special effort to inform concert goes of the facts about autism and of how important it is to recognize the condition early and build support.

Check our BFA "Facts" tab to learn important information about Autism and how it impacts lives. If you don't know someone with autism or a family with an autistic child, you won't have to ask too many friends to find someone narrowly separated from you who does.

Another return performer from 2010, was live performer, Beamer Lowtide who brought back his sweet acoustic guitar and bluesy-country sounds.

And still another returnee, from the 2009 BFA fundraiser was the great Jimmy49T Dukes, with his great voice and guitar. Checkout his bio.

This year, The Crossroads owner Jaco Fitzpatrick has hosted BFA Mardi Gras, BFA Market Place and auctioned himself off at the BFA Dance Auction. And he also DJ'd for the first time at Blues Fest!

Four time Blues Fest live performer Von Johin and his daughter Kelly brought Von's love of music, commitment to Autism Awareness, and love of his autistic daughter all together. Magi McBride said this about their moving performance, "There were many teary eyes."

Next up was Professional Wrestler, DJ Voodoo Cooperstone. Voodoo was new to Blues Fest but he is a very outgoing and entertaining performer.

In 2010, Ichie Kamachi made her first live Blues Fest performance and she introduced many bluesy music fans to her mellow, seductive jazz and blues stylings. Again this year, she delivered a great mix of naughty and nice.

DJ "Miss Luci" Bergbahn was one of the original organizers of Blues for Autism and each year she's found a way to bring her emotional commitment to this cause. In the past two years, she has anchored both Blues Fests with an emotional climax that brings many to tears, and this year she did it again.

Blues Fests are marathon efforts to raise money for Autism Awareness, but anyone who has ever participated in them knows that these are emotion filled events that build throughout the day. When you attend a blues fest you learn about wonderful performers who've made commitments to helping and you learn facts about autism. But there's one other thing, you learn about this community of music lovers.

In the beginning it was all about blues but now we have jazz, rock, country and really we are opening the doors to all music lovers. Blues fest is a bonding experience for many of us and when the evening is done, we all feel like we've accomplished something and know each other much better. Of course, Blues Fest is also about donations and this year our music loving friends came through again.

Total donations for Blues Fest 2011 were L$415,051!

And this morning, Magi McBride reported the grand total of Blues for Autism donations:

Blues for Autism 2011 donations are an all time record L$1,567,537!!

There are many thank yous to be given. First, to all who donated. Thank you to the performers. Thank you to Gwampa Lomu for the large, stable venue. Thank you to the BFA Organizing Committee especially event organizers Dillon Janus, Kitten Lytton and of course, Magi McBride.

It's hard to believe, but this is the final fundraising event for Blues for Autism 2011.

by Yordie Sands

(note: This is a reminder that all funds donated will be donated to the Autism Society.org.)

DJ Contest A Winner !!

The BFA Mardi Gras was the start of a DJ Contest. To participate, DJs signed up on a special board and their fans could come and vote for them with Linden$. The contest was a great success the top five DJs were: Mahogany Melodie (winner of the Jaz Bike), MrDs Magic, JJake Jameson, Ron Zimer and Jacan Slade.

Over 30 DJs joined in the contest which ran for a week.

Each year, the success of Blues for Autism depends on performers who contribute their time and in the case of the DJ Contest, their images and fans.

The DJ Fundraiser brought in $L156,653!

Congratulations to the winners and heart felt thanks to everyone who participated.

The Incredible Bluesy Celebrity Auction

It was a Wednesday night at Magi McBride's Natchez Trace. The place was packed with blues club owners, celebrities to all of us in our virtual world, all nervous about being auctioned off for a dance to benefit the Blues for Autism fundraiser. The master of ceremonies was the inimitable Thundergas Menges was going to auction the celebrities off. And the place was packed, almost 80 at the start of the event.

The celebrities represented eleven different Second Life blues clubs: JJ Heartsdale, JJ's Joint; DonPaul Cale*, Hotlanta; Judyblue Stand, Judyblues; Pronvelle Cristole, The Wharf; Cidnee Cooperstone, The Riverside; Jaco Fitzpatrick, The Crossroads; Lucinda Bergbahn, Dreamcatcher's Distillery; Raymond65 Docherty, The Riverside; Richardina "Dina" Petty*, Junkyard Blues; MrDs Magic, Underground Garage; Magi McBride*, Founder of Blues for Autism. (Note: *celeb has also been auctioned in past BFA auctions.)

Everything was there for an great party and an incredible fundraiser. Following is a pictorial review.

The event was formal and the bidders filled the ballroom, 78 people at one point!
(photo by Takamatsu Soke)

Master of Ceremonies Thundergas Menges took the microphone with his inimitable deep voice and began presenting the celebrities for bid.

(photo by Takamatsu Soke)

Some of the celebs sashayed up on the auction stand for their first Blues for Autism dance auction, like JudyBlues Stand.

(Photo by Thor Effingham)

Some old friends, like Junkyard Blues' Dina Petty, came back for a second time on the Blues for Autism auction block.

And there were men who took the stand. Here's Pronvelle Christole representing The Warf.

Blues for Autism Market Place hosting sim The Crossroads owner Jaco Fitzpatrick wore his formal jeans and leather jacket.

(photo by Takamatsu Soke)

The Riverside's Cidnee Cooperstone stands quietly as her high bid soars to L$20,000 but the bidding was far from over on Cidnee!

Even Blues for Autism sponsor, Magi McBride took to the auction block (her second time too), anchoring this exciting event.
(Photo by Takamatsu Soke)

The BFA Dance Auction was a unique event in that it brought together the owners of all the blues club owners in Second Life. That in itself is a wonderful commentary on bluesy people. But these owners put themselves on the auction block and that takes courage because everyone wants to do well, but there will aways be someone who brings in the highest bid. At the end of the event, the total BFA auction donations were L$254,769! And there was more, the total for the BFA kiosks was L$55,951.00!

The grand total for the evening was L$310,720!

And grand total for all fundraising now at L$1,122,536!!

This year's BFA dance auction brought in almost 50% more than last year's auction event, and it's no secret as to why. Even before last year's event was finished, Magi McBride formed a vision of an event with blues club owners and with the outstanding help of Leanna Chaffe, Thor Effingham and Tippy Wingtips working tirelessly, this event was a success in every aspect. So, tip of the had to this organizing team!

Special Thanks to each of the club owners who joined this project and who created the atmosphere for contributions! People who've never been up on an auction block might not realize, that for some of us, it can be very lonely up there.

And as always, the kindest and heart felt thanks to those who bid on our celebs and to those who contributed to the BFA kiosks. Without your generosity this would not have been the success it is.

by Yordie Sands

(personal thanks to Takamatsu Soke and Thor Effingham for helping me with photographing the event when my own broadband service was failing me.)

Angels on Ice @ Coral Tropics

On Saturday, April 23rd, the organizers of "Angles on Ice" created a winter wonderland to their tropical paradise for a Blues for Autism fundraiser. The event was organized by Chantalelisa Jewell, Cienna Rossini, Cindi Shippe and held at Coral Tropics, owned by DJ Konrad.

"Angels on Ice" was a three-hour event which featured both DJs and live entertainers. Performers included DJ Konrad, singer Savannah Coronet and singer/songwriter Paul Nowles.

"Angles on Ice" was held in the beautiful snow globe at Coral Tropics.

The show opened with DJ Konrad acting in his role of master of ceremonies and performing as DJ. Even before DJ Konrad began, guests had begun contributing to Blues for Autism kiosks.

Next was a live performance by the lovely Savannah Coronet who sang her special blend of "Rockin', Country-fied, Gaga'd, Jazzed & Blued" songbook.

Later in the program was BFA 2010 Blues Fest performer, Paul Kowles. Paul sang and played a great set including Chasing Cars.

Throughout the event, auctions were held and as each item sold it seemed to drive the bidders to bid higher and higher. Here's Cindi Scaggs conducting one of the auctions.

There was a large crowd throughout the three hour event. Many guests danced while others ice skated, but all were very generous.

In addition to entertainment, an auction was held to auction off donations from the following contributing sponsors: Alphamale, Boutique Lovely, Coral Tropics, Caelum Beach, Emotions by Purple Moon, Hope's dream, Kidd Grass Garden, and Jewellery by Zuri.

This was a well coordinated event with wonderful acts and fun activities. Donations to the kiosk throughout the evening totalled L$48,188, and the auction brought in another L$31,812.

The grand total for the evening was L$80,000.

And Blues for Autism grand total is now L$787,486.

Thanks go to the people who donated to kiosks and participated in the auction. Thanks to the vendors who provided items for the auction. And special thanks to the performers who contributed their talents.

by Yordie Sands

The Beatles @ Underground Garage

On Good Friday, the Underground Garage brought back The Beatles' famous rooftop concert as a fundraising event for Blues for Autism 2011. The event was also the UG's second fundraiser for BFA 2011 in the past week! The events were organized by MrDs Magic and Layla Mesmeriser, owners of the UG.

Early in the evening, co-organizer MrD began telling the gathering crowd of his love of the Beatles music. He told us that the original rooftop concert was an unannounced event that took place on the roof of Apple studio. He also told us the concert lasted only 45 minutes, but through the magic of Second Life this concert would last much longer.

The Beatles tribute band's stage was an exact replica of the rooftop of the Apple Building in London. The band was comprised of the four Beatles and Billy Preston on keys, and included Gabrielle Vespucciano as John, Nimue "Nim" Silvercloud as Paul, Chelsie Levenque as George, Gris "Cowboy" Sharktooth as Ringo and Zara Mistwalker as Billy. The band had amazing Beatles replica avatars and presented a great show.

The concert didn't start until 7:00pm but people had began arriving even before 5:00pm. There was a great crowd that once the concert started, stayed near the 60 level until late.

The crowd continued to pour in until the sim maxed out. As they poured in they began donating to Blues for Autism even before the show began.

When the crowd couldn't wait a moment longer, the lights went on and the show began to a volley of cheers, yays, woohoos and wows.

Despite the fact that this was the last time the guys would perform publicly, it felt like they were all here with us playing the music that changed music for generations.

The Beattles played on the rooftop as evening turned into night.

It seemed that everyone who attended this Beatles tribute concert had some type of personal connection with many, many of the songs that were played. And as more and more autism awareness fundraisers are held, we also learn that everyone knows someone who has been impacted by the condition known as autism. There is much to learn about autism and through events like this concert we not only raise money to support autism awareness, but also use the time to provide autism facts.

At final tally, the Underground Garage gang raised another $L43,020!

When the Beatles Concert donations are added to donations raised this past Sunday, the folks at the Underground Garage have contributed over L$160,000. Thank yous to those who donated. Thanks yous to Layla & MrD. And thank yous to the members of The Beatles tribute band.

by Yordie Sands

BFA Mardi Gras @ The Crossroads

Last night, Jaco Fitzpatrick's The Crossroads hosted the Blues for Autism's "Mardi Gras" and the kickoff of the "2011 DJ Fundraiser".

The event was very much Mardi Gras with large crowds of merrymakers in feathers and masks, and a great kick-off of the DJ fundraiser with over 30 DJs signing up (contest runs for full week).

Jaco Fitzpatrick wore his finest for the opening of the Mardi Gras in the Crossroads Market Square.

The Mardi Gras was initially scheduled from 6:00-8:00pm SLT but it started early and was taken deep into the night, as any good Mardi Gras should. Long time Blues for Autism supporter, DJ Breeze Windrum kicked off the event with an amazing selection of Cajun, Zydeco and Bluesy music.

DJ Bree Windrum was masked and decked out in feathers, but you could tell it was her just by the always right-on selection of music which included the fantastic sounds of accordions wailing out Zydeco!

There's a giant 2011 DJ Fundraiser board and by the early evening, over 30 DJs joined.

To vote for your favorite DJ or for more details, head over to...

The Crossroads Market Square.

Speaking personally and as an experienced hostess, I was amazed that the large number of people who came to the event throughout the evening. Being a hostess I like to think I have a good idea of who is coming and going and returning from any event I host, but the sheer number of guests was more than I could keep track of.

Early in the evening the crowds began arriving at the tp portal but also from many other directions, some motoring in on their bikes from the roads surrounding The Crossroads.

Many guests really got into the Mardi Gras theme including BFA founder Magi McBride (left).

As the clock rolled onto 8:00pm, DJ Bluesboy "Bluesy" Gloster took over the stream from Bree and took the music, dancing and fundraising deep into the night.

The BFA Marketplace
In addition to the event and the DJ board, Crossroad's Market Square is the location of the Blues for Autism Marketplace. The market place contains items donated by BFA Sponsors for sale. The full proceeds of each sale go to Blues for Autism. Please take the time to TP over there, vote for your favorite DJ and maybe buy some of the great merchandise.

At the end of the night, the results of both the Mardi Gras and DJ Fundraiser was fantastic. The Mardi Gras kiosk accumulated L$37,385 while the DJ Board posted a whopping L$88,194.

The total for the night was L$125,579!

This was the first Blues for Autism event held at The Crossroads and thank yous go to the great people who hang at XR really delivered! Special thanks to Merrymay Lorsgval who hosted the event.

Note: Magi McBride reports that the current total of all funds raised from events and kiosks is now L$587,896.

by Yordie Sands

Underground Garage Goes Impromptu

An impromptu affair... well, ok an impromptu event... took place Sunday, April 17th at the Underground Garage. MrDs Magic and Layla Mesmeriser (who by the way are giving all club proceeds given this month to Blues for Autism) IM'd me to tell me that the DJ, IsisRea Diavolo wanted to turn her gig into a BFA event with all tips going to BFA!

I arrived at the UG about 5:30 pm and quite a few people had already gathered. A lot of people I already knew were there and a few I didn't. A very friendly group was enjoying DJ Isis' set of "Dirty Blues Women" (greatest Blues women). I spoke with Isis and she relayed to me the fact that her mother worked with Autistic children and how much it meant to her mom to be able to do so.

The gang at Underground Garage was rockin' and DJ Isis was spinnin'
(far left foreground Ron Zimer, Magi, Layla in pink, MrDs far right).

IsisRea Diavolo is from Romania, is founder and owner of Dirty Waves Radio & Homeless Shelter and Diavolo Creations. She is a builder and creator excellent grunge buildings and clothing. Her musical taste runs deep and in many directions, including, but not limited to old rock and roll, and blues. She is always willing to help out anyone in need, and never asks for anything in return. She loves SL for the great friends she has made and the opportunity to share the music, which is her passion

As Isis cranked out her tunes, more people (at least 35 when I dared to risk the lag and look) and even more donations continued rolling in. However, my attempt at taking my only picture that night crashed me with L$30k on the kiosk. When I returned the total was over L$60k and these great people weren't done. The friendship between the patrons at the UG runs deep, and they challenged each other for a few more hours and by the time Isis wrapped things up for the night, MrDs reported an amazing total of L$120,000 raised.

DJ IsisRea Diavolo, a hot lady with a big heart! 

Many many thanks go out to the Underground Garage, MrDs, Layla, Isis and their amazing patrons.

THANK YOU!
by Magi McBride