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

ZZ Top @ BFA Beach Party

Lightening Productions has done a wonderful job in their tributes to many of the classic rock and blues bands, they've also been a great friend to the Blues for Autism initiative. And last night, the Lightening crew presented an amazing ZZ Top concert for the BFA 2011 Beach Party fundraiser. Magi McBride hosted the event at her Natchez Trace sim which had been transformed into a beach with palms, beach chairs, beach bar, bonfire and the beautiful ZZ Top set; there was even a red hot rod parked nearby.

In addition, DJ Jacan Slade took over after the concert and delivered his own amazing set of rockin' blues. And also, this was the kickoff of the Beach Babe Contest which runs for a week, sponsored by Kizmet Kidd's TenderLove HUD product.

The ZZ Top crew included Coz OKelly as Dusty Hill, Plato Ninetails as Billy Gibbons and Thor Effingham as Frank Beard. There was a hot pack of dancers with Kenzia Mager, Rhonda Thibedeau and Cherrylicious Doobie.

The show opened with Dusty (Cuz) and Billy (Plato) raging on their fuzzy guitars while Frank (Thor-Oh-Good) was wailing on his drums.

As the show got rolling, Thor pulled the mufflers off his drums and the dudes put the music on turbocharge.

The music was totally ZZ Top with everything from"Blue Jean Blues" to "Tush". And there was a great crowd of beach goers, averaging 40 much of the night.

Here's BFA Founder Magi McBride, next to the Blues for Autism 2011 kiosk, in a hot itsy-bitsy leopard skin bikini.

After the flaming ZZ Top Concert, Crossroads regular DJ Jacan Slade took over the stream and began spinning a fantastic set which included more rock and blues. Jacan started his set with AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" and included others from Santana to War.

Last night was also the kickoff of the BFA Beach Babe Contest and 20 babes (including dudes!!) signed up. The prize for winning is a TenderLove 4.0 HUD. To vote join or vote for your favorite babe, click this Natchez Trace link for SLURL.

It was a wonderful evening for the Blues for Autism 2011 fundraiser. The Concert & Beach Party brought in L$26,561, and the Beach Babe Contest brought in an additional L$15,969.

The evenings donations of L$42,530 drove the BFA total to L$311,806.

Thank you to the performers, and thank you to all the guests who contributed and/or joined the Beach Babe Contest. Always, thank you to the BFA Organizing Committee, with special thanks to Takamatsu Soke who co-hosted the evening's event with yours truly.

And a reminder: all Lindens donated will be converted to US Dollars at the end of the fundraiser and contributed to Autism Society.org.

by Yordie Sands

4th Annual Fundaiser @ Junkyard Blues

From the first Blues for Autism fundraiser, Junkyard Blues has been a sponsor and committed supporter each year, staging a live music concerts and calling on it's large group of Dawgs & Dawgettes, and it's core of volunteers, the REAL Junkyard Blues Dreamgirls.

This year Kiff Clutterbuck & Dina Petty continued their tradition with a Saturday night concert starring English Jazz & Blues singer Gina Gracemount. Naturally, the Blues for Autism team was there with founder Magi McBride and event organizer Dillon Janus.

The concert and fundraiser all came together beautifully with people counts running above 70 all night. At one point the count went up to 80, spread across the Junkyard's two sim club area.

Before the fundraiser began, DJ Luci Bergbahn mixed heart felt remarks about autism and Blues for Autism with her fantastic Saturday night set.

This year's fundraiser concert was a little later in the evening than in the past, and among the people who gathered early where Dina, Magi (back row, blue dress) and Kiff. Far right in tux is organizer Dillon Janus.

Lively Gina Gracemount opened the show, bringing her English charm and specially blended set of songs to the Junkyard.

I counted 78 people in the Yard as Gina sang a deep, slow, sexy rendition of "The Beat Goes On". Gina who was new to the Junkyard showed remarkable talent.

Dina kept an eye on the BFA Kiosk as it swelled with donations, due in large measure to Reno Troncon who rarely chats in open chat, but on this night was the champion leading the call for donations. Bravo Reno!

Gina not only brought her talent to the Junkyard, she helped drive the donations. The largest donation of the night was L$30,000. Bravo!

Each year as the Junkyard Blues fundraiser draws near, everyone involve becomes nervous, nervous about how the economy will impact donations and if our bluesy family will continue to give as generously has they have in the past. And each year we are amazed when the fundraiser beats the previous year. However, beating last year's total, which smashed the previous year would be hard. Last year, Aurora Chadborne led the effort which reached L$105,000. At the time, everyone felt this might be an all time record.

This year's Junkyard Blues fundraiser raised an awesome L$117,431.

Thank you to Kiff & Dina and the bluesy community at Junkyard Blues! Special thanks to Gina Gracemount for giving of her time and talent to make this yet another record breaking year for Blues for Autism.

Blues for Autism grand total thus far: L$259,446

Next event is Tuesday, April 12th with ZZ Top and a Beach Babe contest, please check the Event Schedule for full details.

The Amazing Blues Fest

The Blues Fest concert is another tradition of the Blues for Autism fundraiser. In fact, Blues Fest has been the event where the bluesy community really shows its' greatest generosity. It is also the event that brings together the most diverse group of bluesy folks and people who's lives have been impacted by autism. And one last thing, it has also been a forum for our friends to express their personal feelings about autism. That is how Blues Fest has been for the past two years and that is how it was last night.

Before the concert started the BFA committee began rolling into the event site at Maginolia. Everyone was nervous because it takes a great deal of planning and coordinating to setup these events and as all Second Life residents know, SL exists on a web of computers all over the world. The first performer was Beamer Lowtide and by time of Beamer's show the crowd had begin to swell. Following is a pictorial story of an amazing day and amazing night.

Over 30 people had arrived for the opening show at 10am.

Singer, songwriter, musician Beamer Lowtide, streaming in from Tulsa, Oklahoma opened the show with "Banana Pancakes". Beamer stummed his sweet acoustic guitar, and while he sang with his distinct bluesy-country sounds, the crowd began contributing generously. Beamer closed with a gentle "Sweet Malissa".

Beamer Lowtide singing "Sweet Malissa"

Next up was self-professed "joker/teaser/flirt" DJ Ben Shutt. Ben began his show with a blend of rock n' blues, but shortly after he started he threw out a challenge. Ben said he'd match all the donations received during his performance and almost at once the donations started pouring in. While Ben played songs form Seger to SRV to Eric Clapton, the donations kept pouring in. By the end of Ben's set contributions exceeded L$100,000 and with Ben's matching amount the total raised was L$214,140. At this point there was a feeling that Blues Fest was going to be a success.

Handsome and charming Ben Shutt performing and making his generous challenge.

When technical problems prevented the next performer from streaming, Ben stepped in and spun more tunes until the fabulous DJ Lucinda Bergbahn was up.

Lucinda "Miss Luci" Bergbahn has been a supporter of Blues for Autism from the first and while she spun one of her patented sets of bluesy tunes, she talked passionately about the history of BFA. Luci also explained how autism is a developmental disability, and a problem with the nervous system with no "cure". When she played "Through the eyes of a child", there wasn't a dry eye in the house, and by the end of her show donations totaled L$1,112,667.

Miss Luci showed her great compassion for people with autism.

Again, technical problems kept the next performer from streaming and like Ben earlier, Miss Luci continued her show until the incomparable Allister Westland took the stage.

Allister Westland is a singer/songwriter/musician, and he sings a blend of new and classic rock. He is also an electrifying musician on both acoustic and electric guitar. If you've never heard Allister sing, imagine a deep resonate voice that is both masculine but with a gentleness that reaches out and touches you. Al sang a selection of songs including "Love is Overrated", "Electric Soul" and others.

Allister on stage, generating his magic.

DJFiery Otaared is one of the pillars of the SL bluesy community and Fiery has a clear intellect and is gifted with an ability to communicate and move people with her ideas. This year, as last year, Fiery delivered her "I Am Autism" soliloquy and when coupled with her extraordinary music selection, she once again touched the audience deeply. After the first part of her speech, she played Billy Holiday's "God Bless The Child" and despite the pixels that separate us, the emotions created by the music could be felt. Throughout her performance Fiery spoke of the destruction that autism causes, and thru her music she delivered one of the powerful autism messages of the Blues for Autism fundraiser.

Fiery delivering her passionate message about autism. Bravo "Mama Fi!"

As 5pm turned on the clock, Von Johin took the stage and as in past years he brought his daughter Kelly to sing with him. Kelly has autism and she is a reminder of the human beings behind the word, autism. Before beginning his performance, Kelly sang rock classic "White Rabbit". Then Von began strumming his guitar and singing in his deep, friendly country voice. Von has a powerful, driving style swinging from warm country to hard driving and accented with his spectacular command of the guitar.

Von Johin and his fantastic guitar!

Then came the sassy sounds of The Choo Choo Chicks out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Chicks are lead singer Angua Ashbourne, Lotus Melodie on guitar, and Mishkamenges Collazo on keyboard. This is a group that knows who it is and delivers the goods with, "Tight harmonies and a kickin' rhythm section." During their performance they performed classics including "Woman's World", "The Thrill is Gone" and music written by Angua Ashbourne.

The Chicks are great to see and a total delight to hear.

Do you think you know where the bluesy community lives? Next up from Manila in the Philippine Islands was musician/singer, Dakila "Dak" Lacava. As with Von Johin, Dak is a parent of a child, a son with autism. So, for Dak, this was both a performance and a chance to express some of his feelings about autism. When you listen to Dak perform you are at once taken with his command of the piano which he plays with elegance and strength. Dak sang several songs, but his rendition of "What a wonderful world" was powerful and moving.

The engaging Dakila Lacava on stage at Blues for Autism.

By the time the gorgeous Ichie Kamachi (pronounced EE-ChEE-AY) arrived, the night had settled in. And what better way to spend and evening than with the enchanting sounds of Ichie. Ichie sings jazz and blues, and her lovely voice is pure, mellow and seductive. During her performance she sang "Cry me a River", "Ain't No Sunshine When he's Gone" and the very sexy "The Naughty Song". While performing, other musicians joined her on stage with Matt Renfew on drums, Jill Easterman on keys, Dakila Lacava on bass.

The gorgeous Ichie singing her naughty and nice songs.

The final show of the evening was Paul Nowles. Paul is a musician, songwriter, singer with a great sound and a great look. Paul sings mostly classic rock and his style is . Paul opened up with an wonderful, romantic version of "Chasing Cars". Then he demonstrated his range with "Let it Be", "Purple Rain" and even Seger's "Night Moves".

He's good looking and he sings beautifully, he's Paul Knowles

Finally, Miss Luci took the stage for the 2nd time that day, it had been a long day so she drug friends Gracee Beaumont and Destinova Ducatillon to dance with her. Luci continued to enlighten us with Autism facts and statistics. The event total was at 460K+ when she started the hour and challenged everyone to push it over the top to 500k!

It was another spectacular in the Blues Fest concerts. It was a resounding success. At the end of the evening the concert brought in L$500,053 in donations. Thank you to the truly wonderful performers who came, performed and contributed, and a special thanks to those that performers stepped in at the last minute. Thank you to all of the people who came and enjoyed the concert and contributed!!

In addition to the perfomers, we'd like to acknowledge a couple other contributors to this event. First, The stage was the creation of Bluto Brando and his Brando Construction company, way to go Blu! And the entire concert was also streamed into the Junkyard Blues club, thank you Junkyard Blues for extending our reach.

The Final Results
This was the last of the Blues for Autsim 2010 fundraiser events. When Magi McBride, Founder, got the final accounting, BFA had raised a whopping L$1,372,777!!

On behalf of my fellow BFA Organizing Committee Team members, we want to say thank you to Magi McBride for her steadfastness in making this year's fundraiser an outstanding success!!

As always, all funds raised by Blues for Autism are paid to the Autism Society of America in U.S. dollars.

Story & Photos by Yordie Sands