Keiko Finally Rocks SLCC (As She Was Destined To Do)

Though the musical career of Keiko Takamura has been shaped quite a bit by Second Life over the last several years (as NWN posts here and here will attest, not to mention this MTV documentary), this is actually the first year she's performed at SLCC. In that time, with the encouragement of seasoned pro performers like Cylindrian Rutabaga (who put together SLCC's musician's ball), Keiko's come into her own, now fronting The Shebangs, a solid pop punk band with great hooks. Since The Shebangs' set streamed into SL on the Molaskey's Pub stage, Keiko insisted her non-SL bandmates get avatars of their own, to accompany her there as well. (If you'll notice, they're wearing noob-style T-shirts.) Overcome by the sheer kickass of the proceedings, the cameraman found himself joining Ms. Takamura for some impromptu, mid-guitar solo dancing and thrashing. Because after all, how many times do you get a chance to dance with Keiko in the real world?

Comments

[Lyndon Heart]

Hey Hamlet, Cylindrian had a little help organizing the Musician's Ball.

[Lyndon Heart]

... or Wagner James Au .. I've been perusing all the blogs this afternoon.

[Lyndon Heart]

The musician's ball was made possible by a network of people, some were on-site, while some were only there in the planning stages. Katydid, Apple, Sean McP. to name just a few were integral in their support and planning. With their help, Cylindrian and I "herded the cats" of performers. In addition, Ed Lowell, Patrick LaSalle, Science Copperfield and a number of others wrestled tirelessly with equipment to keep us broadcasting. Ham Rambler, among others, organized off-site additions to convention performances. Grace McDunnough, Frogg and Jaycatt, and others coordinated their in-world performances to contribute to the events. Not to mention the numerous contributions made by the performers themselves and their supporters.

I have seen very little of the SLCC09 Live Music Track mentioned in the blogs I've read so far, and even those few mentioned rarely acknowledge the broad cast of individuals that were involved in making this SLCC the most successful for live music. This year the live musicians came out and set the bar for future SLCC music tracks. There were live music events from Wednesday night until Saturday night nearly around the clock in and around the hotel. There were many well attended panels discussing all aspects of live art and music.

The feedback I've received from people attending SL events that were streaming the live audio and video from the ballroom at the Westin SF said that they felt much more involved in the convention this year. Most residents admitted that, based on how well the event was presented and how intimate it was for SL community, that they were sorry they didn't attend and were excited about the next SLCC.

Live music in SL has often been underestimated by the powers that be. This year live music was the "killer app". Future SLCC organizers should realize they need to include a Live Music Track from now on. Residents will respond to it as they did this year ... with enthusiasm.

From this year forward, if handled correctly, live music can only increase the draw of future SL based gatherings.