Songs for Ukraine IV

The Intersection of Physical and Virtual Lives

The “Songs for Ukraine” event space in Second Life.

As you all know, I’ve been hosting live concerts in support of Ukraine for several weeks now. The response has been very positive, but I’ve struggled to find a way to make an actual contribution - either monetarily (Second Life Lindens are difficult to translate into real-world currency) or by spreading the word about what the Ukrainian people are experiencing. For me, the invasion of Ukraine is a crime against humanity. I am horrified and determined to do all I can to put a stop to it.

While preparing for this week’s concerts (see the links below), I decided to do four things:

• Build, host, and film these performances and related stories in 3D settings that are recreations of actual physical spaces in Ukraine.

• Attempt to find Ukrainian musicians who might be willing and able to do live shows with us and share their stories. Please, if you know anyone, please ask them to reach out to me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com.

• Host invitation-only events in smaller, more intimate spaces that allow participants to feel part of the actual performances and stories.

• Provide links to actual organizations that are helping Ukraine so that attendees can make donations in real-world currencies.

I have already been approached by a well-known SL filmmaker who will be taping a short segment based on an actual event in Kyiv, and am building a new event space so that audiences can experience some of what the Ukrainian people are going through.

I will of course continue to record and broadcast the live concerts to the internet each Saturday. As you’ve probably gathered, each of these musicians is both exceptionally talented and generous. Their voices inspire, comfort, and give me hope. A big thank you and hugs go out to this week’s performers - Denny Mac, Max Kleene, and Raspbury Rearwin, whose performances are below. Enjoy!

Denny Mac
This was Denny’s first time on the “Songs for Ukraine” stage and I can only say I hope he will be back. His music is both powerful and healing.

Max Kleene
Max has been lending his voice to the “Hugs Around the World” project since it started in late October of 2021. I launched the project with the goal of helping folks feel less alone during the holidays. Not surprisingly, Max delivered a series of concerts that brightened everyone’s days. Then, when the war in Ukraine started, he agreed to join the “Songs for Ukraine” team as well. Max’s shows never fail (as the song says) to “make the world a better place for you and for me.”

Raspbury Rearwin"
We are incredibly fortunate to have RASP performing weekly for “Songs for Ukraine.” He has also become my unofficial tech-consultant whose knowledge and patience continue to amaze me. RASP never fails to deliver a show that is both unique and compelling. My favorite this week is “Without or Without You” (timestamp 20:30) by U2. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling RASP has the ability to pull me right into a song with him. Many thanks for your ongoing support and sense of humor RASP.

Be sure to subscribe to this Substack (free) to keep abreast of the latest news and upcoming events in both physical and virtual realities.

Hugs!

Jena