Yes, it was my birthday this past Thursday…and – shhhh! – I’m NOT divulging my age. After all, it is a woman’s prerogative to keep that safely under wraps! This is especially true when her youth is so vibrantly obvious, as it so clearly is in my case. <SMILE>

All that aside, we decided not to decorate or have a cake or any overt trappings for a birthday party at Château Ce Soir. Instead, we opted for a quieter take on things, focusing on having a great time with our friends and the new people who inevitably come round to enjoy the music – and antics – of our Thursday favourites: Russell Eponym, Anj Gustafson, and Nuvolino. We are never disappointed because these three and their fans and friends really know how to have a good time, and they are so sweet about it! You can tell they are friends, and they welcome new people with kindness. We love that at Ce Soir Arts…and on this night, I was thrilled to be treated to three of the most outstanding and creative renditions of “Happy Birthday to You” ever heard in SL – or RL! The joy of the occasion was enjoyed by all – and the music was simply incredible!

Russell came to the party with his beloved folk, blues, and beyond – including his memorable original songs. He was in excellent humour and we had a great time listening, laughing, and dancing together! For the occasion, Russell was all dressed in a very cool gothic getup that spoke to that dark underside of life at Ce Soir Arts. If you’ve not poked around underground…you’re really missing out! Next time you visit, don’t miss it! MUAHAHAHA! After all, Hallowe‘en is in the offing – and the MAD MASQUERADE will be extra-special this time out. It will last for more than a week and will include some really interesting and unique entertainments… That said, Russell and his ultra-cool guitars and other instruments (Martina and Monica, for starters!) will be a big part of the festivities – and not just for music! He’ll be part of some stunning spoken word presentations over the event. As our celebrated Poet Laureate, he has much to offer. Stay tuned – and check the photo for a quick look at his outfit and musical accoutrements for this particular show. Very cool indeed!

Up next, muti-instrumentalist Anj Gustafson took the stage and gave us an hour filled to the brim with excellent music. Popular and rock tunes filled the hall with energy – and those love songs melted our hearts! Several requests were fulfilled including one from my beloved Æon for me. Anj was spot-on for that sweet Dylan song: To Make You Feel My Love. SIGH…. Dancing the night away is in order when Anj is here, and the lovely Ki provided some lead dancing with friends that is always a delight. She’s master of the dance HUD, and each dance is a perfect match to Anj‘s music – a joy to watch, even as our ears are treated to the melodious voice coming to us LIVE from down-south, USA! Anj and crew bring their compelling music and energy every-other-Thursday, so don’t miss your next opportunity (13 October, 6 PM SLT). We’ll see you then!

Of course, Nuvolino followed Anj on my birthday night – and he will do so through the end of 2016. Since MoShang‘s regular set on Thursday nights had to change due to his RL move and new job, we’re adjusting nicely (although we do miss Mo – and will catch him when he can play on Sundays at Comfort Zone; check Search for dates and times). On my birthday night, Nuvolino popped in with his spectacular light show and cool trance and ambient music…starting with a very special arrangement of Happy Birthday to You! It was amazing, and got his show off into its usual unique and very enjoyable groove. That pounding beat – perceptible even in the more subtle tunes – keeps the dancing going, and those lyrics and vocals (by Nuvolino and his collaborators) keep our attention high, even as we bliss-out on the sounds. Always a treat!

THANK YOU, everyone, for a fantastic birthday! I had a ball in both RL and SL…with special thanks to my beloved Æon, who makes every day an adventure!

Remember: Ce Soir Arts is open 24/7 for your enjoyment! Wildstar’s wonderful SAILING exhibit has closed, and the galleries are on hiatus in preparation for something very special coming for autumn and Hallowe‘en. Stay tuned!

To visit, click HERE and then grab the LM Notecard from Mr. Crane. Wander about and enjoy!