Rik's Picks for March 28-April 1

Rik Riel's weekly round-up of upcoming SL events...

I love this new exhibit of photos from Fandomania by Elena Dorfman (published by Aperture Press) at the Ars Virtua gallery (teleport SLURL). In Fandomania, Dorfman examines the phenomenon of “cosplay,” in which participants dress up in elaborate costumes based on characters from video games, Japanese anime and manga. Sounds perfect for Second Life. Thirty advance copies of Fandomania, signed by Elena Dorfman, will be available to Ars Virtua gallery attendees. (The image above is book editor and SL exhibit organizer Gigi Giles, who describes herself as "crazy about the potential for arts in SL.")

Also coming up this week: a killer expo, tall tales, men in tights, poofy dresses, and a new guide for SL newbies.  All that and more after the jump...

(All listings in SLT, i.e., Pacific Standard Time)

March 26-April 2

SL Combat Expo
For those of you who like your virtual life on the violent side, there's a combat expo taking place on Armory (teleport SLURL.) Fellow NWN-contributor Onder Skall provides a nice overview of what's on offer.  There's discussions on combat strategies, weapons demos and many more things that go bang. 

Wednesday, March 28

1AM - Charles Hera's Chalk Pastel Art
Artist Charles Hera's subtle and evocative chalk pastel drawings are on display at Gembong West (76, 38).

5AM - Discussion on Climate Change and Cultural Diversity
The group Simultaneous Policy invites concerned residents to a discussion on the links between cultural diversity and climate change. There will be an interview from SL-SPAG Radio with Shilpa Shah of the  Akashi Project, an initiative that explores how  to make climate change relevant and interesting to different community and faith groups.  At Tangun (233, 218).

6PM - Moulin Rouge Poetry and Story Night
WindRider Taiyang hosts an evening of poetry reading and storytelling in the Coffee House tradition at Moulin Rouge (41, 185).

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Thursday, March 29

3PM - WWE Wrestling
Check out these in-world professional wrestling matches at Jahiti Island (173, 205).  Bring your red tights and angel mask and get ready to ruuuuummmmmbllllleeeee!!!!

3:30pm - Using Your SL Profile
Your SL profile says a lot about you, obviously, and yet I meet a lot of even long-time residents who haven't filled out any of the profile tabs. Instructor Andreia Bertolucci teaches a beginner-level class on using your SL profile effectively to win friends and get customers. At Thomson (163, 90).

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Friday, March 30

11:30AM- English Lessons
Kip Yellowjacket is teaching free English as a Second Language classes for all you non-native speakers looking to work on your English skills. Check out the ESL-SL blog for more info and additional assignments. At English Village (131, 156).

6PM - Blues with SRV4U
Christian musician SRV4U performs his own brand of blues in SoHo (92, 111).

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Saturday, March 31

5PM - Flexidress Class
Talisman Designs is hosting a flexi dress class, taught by Hazel Kyrgyz. Basic building knowledge is required (rezzing prims, adjusting size, position and rotation). You must be a member of the 'Talisman Designs' group (free) to take part in this class. At Yawgoo (120, 121).

12PM - Spanish Guitarist Pakito Crimson
Check out rocking sounds of Pakito Crimson, guitarist and singer from Barcelona, Spain at Clyde (teleport SLURL.)

5-8PM - Relay for Life Charity Auction and Ball
Lots of exciting SL Relay for Life activities already going on all over the grid! Head over to Middle Earth (94, 226) for a charity auction and ball to benefit Relay for Life. Prominent designers, retailers and artists will be donating items to be auctioned to the highest bidder with proceeds from the sale going to cancer research.

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Sunday, April 1

2-4PM - Country Music Concert for Relay for Life
The Dixie Rebels invite you to throw on your cowboy boots and ten gallon and head over to Dixie Land Estates (130, 132) for a benefit concert by Jeff Tully with all proceeds going to Relay for Life.

6-9PM - Free Chapter of New Book Beginners Guide to SL
A Beginner's Guide to Second Life published by ArcheBooks provides over 180 pages of detailed information, references, tips, exercises, and hints to help you get the most out of your in-world experience. Come by Taesot (teleport SLURL) to get a free chapter from the book.

Join Rik's group on Eventful.com to stay up to date on what's happening in SL.  For information on submitting upcoming Events to Rik, go here.  Visit Rik's blog, Click Heard Round the World.