Author: Mireille & Ǣon

Valentine’s Day is a very sweet reminder of the gifts of love. Among those gifts is artistry – something we know something about in Second Life®. The space for creativity that our virtual world offers opens us to the possibilities of artistic expression. Visual art, music, dance, poetry and literature abound and bring much joy – and the creativity of those who provide the breathtaking landscapes and the structures and articles of virtual reality make the verisimilitude sing! And just think of our avatars – our clothing, hair, and expressiveness. Amazing!

And so…let us celebrate! Join us on 14 February at Château Ce Soir for a Valentine’s Day party to remember! Dress to the nines in formal attire or dressy casual and come along for what promises to be something special indeed. The theme of love will be woven throughout and the last event of the evening will take your breath away!

That being the case, I’ll start with that – a truly marvelous collaborative presentation by two of the most innovative inhabitants of our world: CALEDONIA SKYTOWER and DJ KTAHDN VESUVINO. These two gifted spirits join forces to create an hour of poetry and music that must be experienced. The result is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Indeed, they have chosen lovely poetry from across the ages and beautiful music so in synch with the message that it warms the heart. “LOVE in Words & Music” is an event not to be missed!

Join us at Château Ce Soir for an evening of music and dancing that begins earlier in the day at 2 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM- and this beautiful event at 8 PM SLT. Dancing is encouraged during the presentation! Cale will be reading in Voice, so have your ears on – and enjoy the music Ktahdn will provide on stream at the same time!

Earlier, we have more unmatched music and dancing to enjoy as we celebrate the season of LOVE! Excellent musicians – RUSSELL EPONYM, ANJ GUSTAFSON, and DONN DEVORE will deliver a soundtrack for the most wonderful Valentine’s Party!

At 2 PM, Russell Eponym will bring a special theme to his usual 90-minute show of folk, blues, and beyond! Beautiful original music and well-chosen covers highlight his many talents. Intricate guitar stylings; creative lyrics and tunes; and his rich, velvety voice fill the castle with magic! Formal attire or dressy casual are perfect for this enjoyable event.

After a short break, we return at 6 PM SLT to Château Ce Soir for more fantastic music with none other than grid favourite ANJ GUSTAFSON! This multi-faceted performer is a talented guitarist, keyboardist, flautist, and vocalist who always brings an hour of contemporary sounds that have us dancing the night away! Anj has a cool repertoire that includes his own lovely compositions (I’ll request “Crystal Lake”!) and an exceptional collection of tunes from creative artists such as Collective Soul, Radiohead, and Coldplay. It’s an hour of sweet music and banter just perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration!

Up next at 7 PM is another of SL’s gifted musicians – technician of sound, DONN DEVORE. This innovative creator of stunning electronica always provides an hour of soaring music. We’re having a party, and Donn will have us riveted with his incredible talents with the guitar, keyboard, and electronic instrument – not to mention that amazing voice. Add to that his electric light show…and it’s definitely a party! Donn has an array of stunning original material, and he usually peppers it with his own renditions of tunes by the likes of Pink Floyd, Sting, and other exceptional artists. We’ll be happy to welcome you!

AND THEN…at 8 PM, as previously noted, CALEDONIA and KTAHDN will put the perfect wrap on the evening with a captivating hour of poetry and music that will delight and elevate us in the best of what Valentine’s Day has to offer – sweet romance at its best! Don’t miss this exceptional collaborative presentation! In fact, don’t miss a moment of the 2019 Ce Soir Arts Valentine’s Day Party! You are always welcome here, but are especially invited to come enjoy this evening of star-studded entertainment.

Dress up in your elegant best (or wear your favourite dressy casual outfit) and come join us! Your limousine to Château Ce Soir is HERE!

Most everyone adores Valentine’s Day. Of course, there are exceptions, but it seems clear that regular visitors to Ce Soir Arts are of the romantic persuasion. And so, we move into this special week with joy! Have a look at what we have in store below…with more detail coming soon about the Valentine’s Day Party and Saturday with Skye & Friends!

¸｡♥｡¸VALENTINE’S WEEK at Ce Soir Arts¸｡♥｡¸
12 – 13 – 14 – 16 February 2019

TUESDAY – A lovely reading at The Magic Tree with our Poet Laureate!
NOON – RUSSELL EPONYM: Outstanding Poetry & Song
Join us as he explores the worlds of music and literature…with a hint of the romance to come for Valentine’s Day! He’ll be playing at the big party on Thursday, so don’t miss this preview!

   ♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥

WEDNESDAY – Storytime Readings at The Magic Tree

10 AM – AOIFE LOREFIELD with beautiful Celtic literature to delight!
Charming tales from Robert Kirk’s “The Secret Lives of Elves and Faeries” will enchant us as she continues reading from this marvelous tome! Aoife began the reading last week, and so we are very early in these recounting. Don’t miss a session – it’s fascinating!

11 AM – MORGUE MCMILLAN SHORELAND with original poetry
Morgue brings her beautiful writing to share with us as we relax beneath the boughs at The Magic Tree. Her work is rich with both form and content, as she often speaks to important personal and social matters in her lovely writing. Come…be engaged in this wodrous hour!

Catch this breeze to The Magic Tree HERE!

   ♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥

THURSDAY – VALENTINE’S PARTY – Chȃteau Ce Soir☆
——–You are invited to dress formally, but dressy casual is fine!——-
2 PM – RUSSELL EPONYM – LIVE from Wales – Folk, Blues & Beyond
Russell will have a charming Valentine’s Day theme with lovely music for us to enjoy in this 90-minutes musical programme!
6 PM – ANJ GUSTAFSON – Cool Contemporary Tunes & Dancing
With a focus on love, Anj’s set will delight as friends gather to groove and enjoy as we trip the light fantastic to dance the night away!                                                                                                  7 PM – DONN DEVORE – Stunning Original Electronica
Donn brings a stellar show of sights and sounds! He will light up the night!
8 PM – CALEDONIA SKYTOWER & DJ KTAHDN VESUVINO – Something Special!
LOVE in Words and Music – A collaborative presentation!
There are some songs that find a path into the heart of love, and some poems written by those who see deeply into life. Caldedonia and DJ Ktahdn take turns reading and playing songs, together weaving for us a glowing, delightful work. Come enjoy this romantic wrap on our Valentine’s Day party! Dancing whilst listening is encouraged!
CALEDONIA will read poetry in Voice, so have your ears on!
DJ KTAHDN will provide the music on stream.

Your ride to Château Ce Soir is HERE!

   ♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥————♥

¸｡☆｡¸SPECIAL THIS WEEK at Ce Soir Arts¸｡☆｡¸
SATURDAY with SKYE & Friends: DJ STORMY, MIMI CARPENTER and SKYE GALAXY
NOON – DJ STORMY SOMERTON – As always, Stormy brings her best set of very cool, edgy rock and delightful banter! What a great way to start the party!
12:30 PM – MIMI CARPENTER – With her lilting voice and lovely songs to sing, Mimi will again charm us as we enjoy the gathering of friends!
1 PM – SKYE GALAXY – This singular artist offers us an hour of his stellar signature sound. Come along for a musical magic carpet ride with Skye!

To land at The Ruins in Ce Soir Arts, click HERE!

Come…be inspired tonight!
Mireille & Ǣon, Co-Owners
Ce Soir Arts

This is going to be a lovely week at Ce Soir Arts. The Magic Tree will offer some wonderful programmes you won’t want to miss! The Poet Laureate of Ce Soir Arts – the marvelous Russell Eponym – will read at Noon SLT on Tuesday (29 January), as he does every week. He always brings both exceptional stories and poetry – AND music from across the melodic spectrum. This week, he continues with the amazing autobiographical work by Bob Dylan – Chronicles. It’s Dylan speaking about his life in real time. The book is filled with fascinating encounters with other musicians, and his reflections on them and his own music. Add this to other written works and music (this week by the Kings of Convenience), it’s going to be a very special hour indeed!

On Wednesday, the lovely Aoife Lorefield will debut, beginning a series from Robert Kirk’s The Secret Lives of Elves and Faeries. Such a charming and true account of Vicar Kirk’s many encounters with the fae and the elfin folk, the book will unfold as Aoife reads for us at 10 AM every-other-Wednesday, starting this week (30 January). Do come along for this absolutely delightful time at The Magic Tree. We know you are going to enjoy sitting back and relaxing under the sweet spell of this exceptional reading.

Then, on Thursday, Russell Eponym returns to treat us to 90 minutes of his fantastic folk, blues, and beyond. He drops in at Château Ce Soir every Thursday at 2 PM. We dance, chat, laugh, and enjoy spectacular music with Russell. He shares many fine covers, playing a variety of instruments – most especially, the guitar. He is adept with a range of gorgeous finger-styles and his voice is velvet magic on the air. Friends gather, and it’s always a beautiful time. Do come join us!

The week’s schedule is below – followed by LMs you can use to jet over to join us!

THE MAGIC TREE                                CHÂTEAU CE SOIR

Come, be inspired tonight!

Good news!

We at Ce Soir Arts are pleased to announce the addition of Aoife Lorefield as a regular reader at The Magic Tree! She will begin reading every-other-Wednesday at 10 AM on 30 January. You are invited, of course, to come enjoy her beautiful readings, and we hope to see you. You are bound to enjoy her lovely selections, beginning with a full read of Robert Kirk’s “The Secret Lives of Elves and Faeries.”

Aoife will start at the very beginning of this fascinating book. Edited by John Matthews, this delightful tome recounts fascinating stories from the kept journal of the 17th century Scottish Vicar. You will be enchanted by these accounts of his real-time encounters with the fae and elfin folk, and Aoife has a charming reading style that will further draw you in.

Join us at The Magic Tree!

We are taking a bit of a wintry hiatus in order to rest, relax, and enjoy the holidays with the family. Of course, we’ll be around for readings and shows, but you might not see us as often for a few months. There are some changes ahead at Ce Soir Arts – and they’re all good changes that will allow us specific hours off (primarily RL evenings) to tend to some other things that have our attention at the moment. Among them? Planning for the future!

Marvellous readings at The Magic Tree will continue. On Tuesdays at Noon, Poet Laureate Russell Eponym shares a beautiful hour. Do pop round to be charmed by this premier reader and musician, who streams LIVE from Wales! Join us for an hour of reading, rumination, and song that will delight and educate. Reading from an eclectic mix of classical and modern poetry and literature, Russell holds our attention. His kindly spirit and lively wit (and wisdom!) make every hour an unforgettable experience. Sharing music from other artists broadens our horizons, and we are treated to some of his own compositions as well.

Wednesdays will continue – every-other-week – to offer us three hours of enjoyment in Storytime at The Magic Tree. Up at 1 PM SLT, Master Storyteller Bryn Taleweaver, who does indeed weave tales with finesse, will share many fascinating stories from his travels! His dialects and character-driven intonations make his readings exceptional; he embodies the stories he presents and offers us many literary insights into various cultures. He always comes dressed for the genre or culture, and is ready to take us on a magic carpet ride to a range of destinations.

Next, on those same Wednesdays, the charming maven of fantasy and more – Dubhna Rhiadra – steps to the fore with her own brand of wonderful storytelling. As a gifted spoken word artist and writer, Dubhna has explored the worlds of fantasy with a keen eye. Her grasp of the faery culture alone makes her a premier presenter. Come fall under the spell as Dubhna recounts story after story of mystical creatures and marvelous twists and turns in the lives of those who inhabit the wood, the underworld…and beyond! Historical tales and those of modern times come to life in these readings.

To put a fine wrap on Storytime, one of the most well-known and beloved of spoken word artists takes the Reader’s Throne at 3 PM SLT. Caledonia Skytower, principal at the beautiful Seanchai Library in Second Life® and other grids, brings delightful tales to tell. Virtual Reality knows her well, as do many in the world of theatre and writing in the physical realm, and we are pleased to welcome Cale to The Magic Tree. Celtic tales about family, very relatable stories from the classics to now offer her opportunities to explore drama – and often, humour – in her readings. We hear her own work too and are always charmed by her sharing. Sometimes, she brings a collaborator along. Come enjoy!

NOTE: Look for the addition of readers to those other Wednesdays in 2019! We are excited about that so look for an announcement in January!

Thursdays, recently alive with spectacular music across the spectrum, will be a bit quieter – especially in evening hours, after the Christmas Party on 20 December. More on that in a bit! You must come enjoy this celebration, as it will be extra-special! Kicking off the evening at 2 PM SLT, Russell Eponym delights us with 90 minutes of his own folk, blues, and beyond! Historical folk tales set to music and an array of fabulous songs (both originals and well-chosen covers) will have us in a party mood in no time! Then, at 5 PM, the fantastic ambient and electronic musician Nuvolino will bring his all-original dance party sounds in at 5 PM – complete with light show and dancing thrills with Aki! At 6 PM, the wonderfully talented king of classic rock, multi-instrumental musician and commanding vocalist, Anj Gustafson gets us grooving in a true party atmosphere! The fun continues when the ever-amazing Donn Devore pops in with his striking electronic music, straight from his always-running unique and stunning creative process. There is such movement in his music, it’s like a magic carpet ride across the universe! You must come enjoy HOLIDAY PARTYTIME at Château Ce Soir!

And so…after the Christmas Party, we pause. That pause will continue in early 2019, especially on Thursday through Monday nights. Some family things and an artistic opportunity have arisen in the ‘RL,’ as many call it, and we must attend to all. As the old saying goes, the more things change the more they remain the same – as noted at the top of this post. More spoken word and theatrical events are in store – along with some very special holiday parties! Don’t miss the upcoming Valentine’s Day Party that will bring us some outstanding music to dance to – from dear friends – right on 14 February! Also…new art exhibits – in new gallery spaces! – are also on the docket for 2019. Look for more information soon…and have a beautiful holiday season! We cherish our friends and family in Second Life®, and we thank you for being part of it!

◥▲◤HALLOWE‘EN at The Graveyard Dungeon in Ce Soir Arts – 31 October 2018◥▲◤

The MAD MASQUERADE season continues, as Hallowe‘en brings us some of the spookiest readings around – and in a ghoulish setting that will have you looking about for ghosts! Check the Spooktacular schedule!

NOON: MORGUE MCMILLAN – Morgue’s work is exceptional – well-written and expertly read. These are poems and stories rich in Imagery that are perfect for the spooky season. Morgue is a professional poet and instructor in the art of writing. Come enjoy her beautiful…and riveting presentation! Her partner, talented musician Brendan Shoreland may join her for some tuneful interludes.

1 PM: Master storyteller BRYN TALEWEAVER will have us on the edges of our seats, wondering and being a tad bit frightened, highlighting the fright of the Hallowe’en season. Bryn, with his outstanding reading talents, will have us utterly transfixed with spine-tingling readings perfect for the season! Muahahaha!

2 PM: The engaging writer and reader DUBHNA RHIADRA explores the reality of Poe, master of the spooky tale, reading from Angela Carter’s “The Cabinet of Edgar Allen Poe.” We will come away understanding and appreciating Poe’s scary works more than ever. There is a bit of mystery here, so come learn with us at The Graveyard Dungeon in Ce Soir Arts!

3 PM: Spoken word maven, CALEDONIA SKYTOWER brings her magnificent reading skills to share fright-night thrills from Hoban’s “The Man With The Dagger” and San Souci’s “The Quilt” on this spooky night. Come join us for this ghoulish adventure with expert writer and reader Caledonia. Her work with Seanchai Library is legendary – and for good reason! These tales are just right for fright-night Hallowe’en!

4 PM: AEON WOODFORD – sci-fi aficionado – drops in to scare us with Ellison’s “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” – THE sci-fi chiller! There are no words to adequately convey the chill of this creepy tale that will set your teeth on edge! AEON has just the voice for this too…so come join us in the eerie surroundings of The Graveyard Dungeon in Ce Soir Arts!

Your hearse awaits HERE!

Those who know me understand my love of autumn…and of the dark and moody tempo of the season. Not only is autumn gloriously gorgeous in the physical realm, it is also deeply beautiful in our virtual world as well. So many wonderful creators have paid homage to the seasons in their innovative construction of natural elements. Their artistry makes the season come alive with colour in a grand array of tones and tints to rival what we experience in the physical. Brilliant brights sashay about with dark, sombre tones….

All the elements are present, and shade and shadow bring emotion to the fore…as darkness and light play together in a dramatic dance. Dark and gloomy gambol with bright and lush in the enveloping environments we can create for ourselves. Windlight® is part of the picture, but there is so much more we can use in developing a scene, creating a mood, exploring an attitude, experiencing an emotion, soaking in an atmosphere….

I have shared some of my Words & Pictures® in SL™ before, most often at one of our own galleries in Ce Soir Arts. I’ve considered seeking a Linden Endowment for the Arts™ region for expression, but have been so engaged at home with events like The Mad Masquerade ongoing now at Ce Soir, that I have not ventured far. And then…the wonderful Frank Lax and his lovely partner Maria asked me to exhibit at their wonderful gallery space at Maria’s Dream Island. I have known Frank, primarily through connection to our beloved Poet Laureate of Ce Soir Arts Russell Eponym, for some time. Frank is a fine man whose SL™ endeavours have always been exceptional, and so after chatting with him and Maria, I jumped at the chance to exhibit there.

The gallery is out-of-doors, a beautiful open-air space that offers great opportunity to create an exhibit that expresses the artist’s deepest passions – on many levels. I have always wanted to explore a bit more with erotic art, and I have taken a step in that direction here…albeit a tiny one. As I explained to Frank and Maria – who are very kind and accommodating to artists – this step is an important one, for it has set me on a path of new exploration, which is the artist’s dream…to explore further the depth and breadth of what lies within.

It would please me no end if you were to come see my work at Maria’s. Come explore with me the gathering of themes that have come together in this exhibit. I will post more detail about that as time passes, so we can explore together what I am learning about my art in the wonderful world of SL. The exhibit is open now through November 25…so there is time to linger and go deep within yourself with these themes: Predator / Vampyr Dreams / Nocturne / Après la Mascarade / After the Deluge…and others. I will go deeper still, as I stand on the precipice of so much more…so stay tuned! The Vernissage, which was canceled due to technical issues experienced by all on 28 October, has been postponed until 07 November, but the exhibit is open now. Russell Eponym, who was one of many who could not log in that day, will play for the event at 11 AM SLT on that date. I hope you will join us!

My appreciation to Frank and Maria knows no limit. Do visit their exciting, inviting region. It is an Adult region, where they explore the enticements of “watching and being watched” – and more. It’s a lovely place with areas dedicated to erotic exploration, to music, to art. Go and enjoy…and if you visit my exhibit, please tip them generously for their tireless work. No need to buy any of my pieces, although many are set for sale. And, should you buy and have any questions or needs related to a piece, simply IM me in-world; I will be happy to hear from you. However, please simply visit and enjoy. Let my poetry and pictures touch you in whatever way they might…hear my voice whispering to you of the beauty that rests at the intersection of darkness and light…

Have we got a PARTY for you! The celebrations continue with MAD MASQUERADE BALL Number TWO this Sunday, 28 October. It’s going to be FANGTASTIC, and you are definitely invited to gather at Witchwood Hollow in Ce Soir Arts for outstanding music, dancing, and general partying. After all, we’re celebrating THE MAD MASQUERADE ART EXHIBITS, found all over the region. You’ll enjoy every bit, so do plan to join us!

To get the party started, the delightful DJ STORMY SOMERTON will welcome us with a specially-chosen setlist from her enchanting, edgy and eclectic mix of terrific tunes! Stormy will have us dancing with delight and chatting up a – well, STORM! Her setlists are always spot-on and delivered with an undeniable charm that makes the hour fly by. Join us at Witchwood Hollow at 1 PM SLT to celebrate!

To carry on, we have master musician Joel Eilde coming by with his really cool band RED HEAVEN! These guys know what they are doing – with guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, percussion instruments…and those amazing vocals! If you have somehow missed this Canadian powerhouse of sound, you simply MUST come over at 2 PM SLT! We’ll be ready to greet you and Joel and his bandmates will be ready to ROCK YOUR WORLD!

As HALLOWE‘EN nears, it is time for the FIFTH Annual MAD MASQUERADE BALL #1.

Join us on Thursday, 25 October as RUSSELL EPONYM starts us off with 90 minutes of exceptionally enjoyable music. Dress in your HALLOWE‘EN finery and come to Witchwood Hollow at Ce Soir Arts for a grand time! Russell offers a growing collection of historical folk tales set to music and his own lovely compositions. Lyrically beautiful and musically rich, the Russell Eponym sound invites the listener in. This troubadour has the talent and wisdom that makes for a fantastic show. This time, it’s the beginning of a marvelous evening of ghoulish fun!

After a short break, DONN DEVORE takes the stage at 5 PM. DONN is a professional musician and technician of sound, and his electronic music is out-of-this-world wonderful. It’s like a magic carpet ride across the universe – and it comes complete with background visuals that set off those astounding original tunes perfectly. DONN has an exceptional sense of the time and movement of music, and you don’t want to miss this hour. It’s guaranteed SPOOKTACULAR!

The fun is not over yet! Next, the deeply talented ANJ GUSTAFSON is on board at 6 PM. This multi-instrumental musician and commanding vocalist brings a cool repertoire of classic rock and modern tunes – including a taste of his own outstanding songs. Stellar performances from his extensive repertoire let us dance the night away with Anj! So dress up in your HALLOWE‘EN finery and come for the joy! Ki will be along with her dance HUD to add to the fun! 

NUVOLINO steps up at 7 PM to take us on his own musical journey. NUVO is a professional musician from Australia who offers an eclectic blend of original tunes made of smooth sonic magic mixed with an undeniable tempo. You just HAVE to dance when Nuvo is around! Come join for this hour of CHILL us as this ambient musician explores his special sound to delight our ears as we chill and wind down the MAD MASQUERADE BALL #1.

Dress like you mean HALLOWE‘EN for this awesome celebration of all the amazing art that fills the region! Look back a bit for details of what’s in at all the galleries! On Thursday, as the crows fly, we’ll be at Witchwood Hollow in Ce Soir Arts, so come on over! Trick or Treat has never been this good! (PS: YES, there will be a MAD MASQUERADE BALL #2 – on Sunday, 28 October featuring the stunning DJ STORMY SOMERTON and the incredible RED HEAVEN with JOEL EILDE! More on that in just a bit…so stay tuned!)

We are thrilled that things are coming together well for The Mad Masquerade 2018. Musicians are ready for the TWO Mad Masquerade Balls this year (see an earlier posting for more of the exciting details…and return for even more soon!)….

As for the Mad Masquerade Art Exhibit, we could not be happier with the way these marvellous artists have captured the theme…and have run with it! There will be much more information about the exhibit and these exceptional artists, but for now, we provide a listing of those participating and making The Mad Masquerade 2018 so spooktacular! The art will be on exhibit through 22 November, so do come round and take your time enjoying all they have to offer.

At Côte de la Mer Galerie is the centrepiece of the exhibit. A moving and important artwork by Ricco Saens is highlighted. More information will be posted soon, so do look for it, but you can gather what you need to know now by visiting his wonderful BLOG. Look back too, if you’ve not visited before, as Ricco provides some thoughtful insights on life in SL™. You don’t want to miss his photography either…so hop on over. You will be moved by his latest posting regarding this amazing work: Your anger, your facism.

Also at Côte de la Mer Galerie, and offering some beautiful dark art for your enjoyment: Zack Elliott with deeply moving emotional pieces, Owen Landar with stunning works from the spooky season, Isabel Hermano with some of her outstanding iPhonography pieces, and one by me (Mireille) that is a poem I wrote in response to a gorgeous piece that Secret Rage shared with us several years ago. It is a tender piece for me, personally, and I am honoured to share it – especially this time, given the art by Ricco.

At Ivy Tower, those incredible Monsters from Silas Merlin once again add to the fright-night theme. Check the notecard for information on how you might own these ghoulish sculptures. Xanthe Firehawk has increased the number of her outstanding fantasy works from the eerie dark side, and Michael Romani has provided a series of eight horror works that will set your hair on fire. I’ve added a compilation of more scary works by Secret Rage, and Larke Longmeadow offers us a softer view of the fearful season with two lovely pieces.

At Misty Glen Gallery, you will find an array of art that will spark your fears as well. Scotland’s CybeleMoon has graced us with two beautiful, misty works and Isabel Hermano offers us two more spooky pieces to enjoy. Relatively new artist Viktor Savior has three colourful nature pieces that evoke mystery, and the wonderful Mathilde Vhargon returns with two of her striking modern pieces to give us a delightful jolt. Our old friend Liam Saxony, no longer in SL™ but definitely not forgotten has two of his spiritually moving pieces up (not for sale) and I (Mireille) have placed two of my personal favourites to share.

Don’t forget about the sculptural 3D art that is sprinkled about the place (see an earlier post about something wonderful from Kicca Igaly!). Kicca, nessuno Myoo, Terra Merhyem, and Silas Merlin have spooky wonders in store!

Do plan to come round – all will be open tomorrow – if not late tonight! Read back for some other details, and – as always – more information coming soon! MAIN LANDING has all the LMs….

The Mad Masquerade 2018 has begun! With a few technical glitches besetting us, we will be fully open with outstanding exhibits in all galleries on Monday, 22 October. These things happen in our virtual world, and we roll with it all!

Note the kiosks at each location with a notecard and LMs to all the galleries – and do enjoy the additional 3D art you will see around the region. For example, Kicca Igaly and nessuno Myoo have given us two magnificent works (the one below created by Kicca) to enjoy at Witchwood Hollow! Look for the work by nessuno to be posted soon as well.

Signs are out at the galleries, and notices will go out as soon as things are ready, and all will be well for a fantastic event!

Just a quick note today. The Mad Masquerade 2018 is indeed near! Outstanding art exhibits will open at all three galleries, late day on 20 October. We have a wonderful array of artists, all looking at the spooky, the frightful, and a whole lot more! Look for a post soon outlining everything – and everyone! Until then, get ready for something very special….

The readings that will be scheduled throughout the event will be presented by exceptional spoken word artists. Included are RUSSELL EPONYM (Poet Laureate of Ce Soir Arts), CALEDONIA SKYTOWER (of Seanchai Library and more), Master Storyteller BRYN TALEWEAVER, author and spinner of tales fantastic DUBHNA RHIADRA, sci-fi aficionado and English lit professor ǢON WOODFORD, and meeee (MIREILLE)! You won’t believe the fright-night tales that await you in some of the spookiest surroundings imaginable.

Of course, on THURSDAY, 25 October we will enjoy The Mad Masquerade Ball! It’s one of two this year, and on that Thursday, RUSSELL EPONYM plays at 2 PM with his signature folk, blues & beyond – at Witchwood Hollow here at Ce Soir Arts! Dress in costume as you wish and come enjoy this SPOOKTACULAR EVENT!

Then, return at 5 PM SLT for a stellar hour with DONN DEVORE, master of cutting-edge electronica. He comes with a unique and outstanding repertoire including several instruments and a commanding voice and a spectacular backdrop with particles, driven by MINTY MAGIC! It’s quite an experience!

At 6 PM, the multi-faceted ANJ GUSTAFSON will step in with his incredible setlist – all set off perfectly by dancing, courtesy professional SL dancer KIRAN SPORG. ANJ will ROCK the hollow and nearby cemetery. Hmmm…I wonder whom he might awaken with his awesome sounds!

Following ANJ, Aussie trance-master NUVOLINO will call us into the Old Abandoned Church for a very special hour of his original made-for-dancing music…and drama! It’s over-the-top, and a whole lot of spooky FUN! Just you wait, friends! MUAHAHAHAHA!

ALL THE ABOVE is just for The Mad Masquerade Ball Number One! Yes, there’s another one…on 28 October, starting at 1 PM SLT with the sparkling and edgy DJ par excellence STORMY SOMERTON! She is queen of special shows, and an hour with her is more than enjoyable…well, you just come and see for yourself!

After that exceptional hour, we have the return of the amazing (and I mean ah-MAZ-ing!) RED HEAVEN with Joel Eilde! This Canadian rocker goes way beyond where you might expect…and it’s always a fantastic ride! There just isn’t anything else like Joel and his band. The lovely BonBon will be here too, so do not miss this!!!!

More information – and photos – coming soon! Watch for it! And in the meantime, pop on over to the region and look about. Here’s the LM to Witchwood Hollow at Ce Soir Arts…and don’t forget to look UNDERGROUND TOO………..!

There are many reasons to celebrate this coming weekend, especially if you live in the US. It’s the long Labor Day Weekend, a federal holiday set aside to celebrate work and workers – and many will have Monday off to enjoy a last hurrah of summer. There will be family and neighbourhood gatherings for cookouts and the last of summer activities as the school year resumes and the weather begins its long, slow shift into autumn.

At Ce Soir Arts, we have our own reasons for having a party this weekend. Of course, we will be celebrating the onset of cooler weather, but as Æon often reminds us – it’s always a balmy 72° Fahrenheit at Ce Soir! Presently, it’s especially cool in the garden glades of the region, and our favourite spot – The Ruins – is going to be exceptionally busy on Sunday.

At 11 AM, the delightful DJ STORMY SOMERTON will bring her enchanting, edgy, and eclectic session to the SL airwaves. It will be a grand hour of dancing and chatting as we gather to enjoy her specially-chosen selections. You know it’s going to be fun, so you might as well hop on over to the Ruins at Ce Soir Arts for the Garden Party. Bring your smile, because you’re going to need it – and don’t forget your EARS! Stormy’s disc sessions are always more than a treat, and energy will be high, even as we relax in the soothing environment. We’ll see you HERE, and we will be happy to welcome you to Ce Soir Arts!

Up next at NOON SLT, our all-time fave – SKYE GALAXY – will take a seat at the piano to share his absolutely stunning music. Skye has returned to SL for a summer tour, and it’s been a fantastic journey for his fans and friends; his enjoyment of singing and playing for us has been a treat for everyone. His exquisite voice has a mystical quality, a richness that imbues its range with magic. From sweet whispery tones to full-on vibrato and falsetto, Skye has it all. At the first note on the piano, we are ready to follow wherever this musical artist will lead. It’s guaranteed to be a time you won’t soon forget. Come join us HERE – and do come early to grab a spot. This stellar performer will take your breath away!

Come…be inspired!

We are so pleased to host another exhibit by the wonderful Catalan artist Xirana Oximoxi at Ce Soir Arts. When I asked if she could provide some of her stunning floral paintings and garden views, she quickly responded, and the exhibit is open! These works tie nicely with our Summer Gardens theme, and enrich the experience of visiting the region. We are hosting special performances by DJ Stormy and Skye Galaxy on Sunday, 02 September, and the area is a restful garden – sweetly appointed by Xirana‘s gorgeous artworks.

Here you will find striking impressionistic interpretations of floral beauty and landscapes that evoke a delightful sense of communion with nature. The artist’s commitment to her own creative process is evident in the detail of her work, borne of active artistic research and the exploration of new expressive possibilities. Her work is a journey of sensitivity. Rich colours are often softened, but always find their way to full presence in many of her pieces – the hues dance across the canvas in a beautiful ballet, no matter the medium; her brushwork is superb. She is adept with many including oils, watercolour, acrylic, ink, charcoal and pastels. This facility with media opens Xirana to innovation, and brings us a lovely experience as we take in the wonder of her work.

Do come enjoy at Dover Beach Theatre in Ce Soir Arts. Visit on 02 September and also enjoy the music of DJ Stormy (11 am) and Skye Galaxy (12 noon). The exhibit of this splendid collection by Xirana Oximoxi will rest here through September, but its images and meanings will be with you for many moons. As the seasons shift, come enjoy these precious remembrances of a vibrant, tranquil summer!

Dover Beach Theatre in Ce Soir Arts

We’ve had quite a summer at Ce Soir Arts. Marvellous readings at The Magic Tree and fantastic music at both Château Ce Soir and Ce Soir Beach have provided us with many restful – and invigorating – hours. We’ve relaxed under the canopy of The Magic Tree to be regaled by poetry, song, and story. There’s been elegant poetry – and that with a decided edge. We’ve laughed at humourous tales and been drawn to the edges of our seats by mysteries and more – exceptional sci-fi and sweet children’s stories have filled the hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as we’ve escaped the summer heat (or – for our Australian friends – the winter chill) by resting in the temperate glades. Now, as summer begins to fade, our attention turns more to the dark side…a bit of macabre tale-telling will soon be de riguer as time for the annual Mad Masquerade arrives! More soon….

For now, we thank our exceptionally talented readers including the Poet Laureate of Ce Soir Arts Russell Eponym, whose weekly readings are the jewel of every week. So much to say about the erudite and charming Russell, whose extensive knowledge of literature and the arts makes every hour with him a treasure. And then, there’s Caledonia Skytower, a lead at Seanchai Library and contributor to Fantasty Faire and a hundred other events. Her readings encompass a wide variety of genres and are always spot on! Master Storyteller Bryn Taleweaver always brings something incredible to hear…with readings that are riveting. His voice lends itself to tale-telling – be it a humourous or dark story…both of which he relates with obvious relish. Of course, Dubhna Rhiadra, known far and wide as a teller of tales fantastic and/or rich with social commentary, is another of our regular readers. Whether she’s reaching back in time or reading something up-to-the-minute, it’s always an adventure!

Not to be outdone, the music scene has been vibrant as well. Of course, Russell Eponym is always in at Château Ce Soir on Thursdays at 2 PM. It’s 90 minutes of great music and fun with Russell – who’s a genius with fingerstyle guitar and has a repertoire of songs he calls (and aptly so) Folk, Blues, and Beyond! His velvety voice fills the hall with magic…. And then, on alternate Thursdays, the gifted musician and sound technician Donn Devore comes round to give us both music and stunning visuals to go with! He’s got an undeniable sound and a setlist of covers and originals that just won’t stop. He’s colourful, charismatic, and a whole lot of fun – whether we’re at the Château or out on the beach. Up next at 6 PM is a musician we wanted to have in for a long time. Finally, we made the schedule work – and we’re enjoying his signature style to the hilt! His beloved Ki comes along with her professional dance HUD – and everybody dances! Some use the venue’s couple dances for a bit of romance, but others pile on with Ki and friends to dance the night away to Anj and his cool collection of tunes. He’s affable and fantastic with guitar, piano, flute…etc. Another not-to-be missed show, every time! And then…the Australian powerhouse of chill and electronica pops round with his amazing staging and deeper than deep house music. Each original tune tells a tale – and he tells it well! Nuvolino has a light show that is outstanding and pulses along to the beat of the music. If you like to dance…come on over this Thursday. These shows are over-the-top good, whether we’re in the castle or on the beach,  dancing under the stars, having a blast!

And THIS WEEK it’s the end-of-summer bash to beat all bashes: The SUMMER BEACH BLOW-OUT! At 5 – 6 – and 7 PM SLT this Thursday: we know where you ought to be! Pop on over HERE! You might want to slip down to Mermaid Cove during the show…it’s near and you’ll be able to hear and dance in that cozy little spot!

We must mention ART! Even during the summer hiatus, galleries at Ce Soir Arts have brought us beauty to enjoy. Artists have graced us with fanciful faeries and luscious landscapes depicting the heat and full-on blossoming of spring-into-summer and beyond. We won’t soon forget those sweet sprites and rich summery views of shores teeming with travelers or trees heavy with rich green leaves as they shaded verdant fields abloom. Ah…summer! Perhaps I miss it already!

Not so fast! As previously noted, we’ve got summery views for you to enjoy a bit longer at Côte de la Mer Galerie – and the wonderful Catalan artist Xirana Oximoxi is in for the month of September at the Dover Beach Theatre with delightful florals and gardens. Xirana’s Summer Gardens is a gorgeous exhibit, and it’s opening just in time for a very special appearance by SKYE GALAXY, who will play at NOON on Sunday, 02 September. We cannot wait for this stellar performance and a visit by one of our very favourite people! Skye has been at the top of our list since he first set foot on the grid, and you must come hear him (if you have somehow not heard him yet!). He was away for a time, but has come in for a special series of shows in a Garden Tour that has been stupendous so far. And don’t forget! We just secured an hour with the fabulous DJ Stormy Somerton, who will come in and charm us all at 11 AM SLT! Her style is eclectic with a really nice edge that we at Ce Soir Arts enjoy. The next couple of postings will have ALL THE DETAILS! So check back soon!

As summer fades into the glorious autumn, we take a pause in our planning to capture the last of summer – and in a very sweet way! I will post more details soon, but we have a date set for a show with Skye Galaxy. He will join us on Sunday, 02 September at NOON SLT. We are over the moon about this, as we have been fans and friends of this stellar lyricist and musician since his first performance on the grid several years ago. He’s been active in the music scene in the physical realm since stepping away from SL some time ago. Touring and recording with the likes of the very popular ATB are experiences on which he can draw as his exciting future unfolds. We are thrilled that he’s come back in-world to conduct a Garden Tour, visiting various regions and performing for region-filling crowds each weekend. Each show is – as always – a busy, happy affair, and the music is even more wonderful. That exquisite voice is has retained its magical qualities, touched now with a new depth and dimension. As always, that first piano note calls to us – and we follow as Skye takes us on a magic carpet ride of sound. There are more delicious originals from his own pen too…so don’t miss this exceptional event!

We’re working out the details now, but we have a special spot reserved for Skye and his piano. It’s a very meaningful place for us and we are excited to share it with him – and with you. It’s The Ruins at Ce Soir Arts – a place where Æon and I come to reflect together. There’s a spiritual quality to this spot on the region…something we treasure and share.

The beautiful artist Xirana Oximoxi has agreed to an exhibit at Dover Beach Theatre. Xirana’s Summer Garden is a stunning collection of her sensitive portrayals of natural beauty. Her work is absolutely beautiful, so you’ll want to enjoy it along with all the other things going on at Ce Soir Arts. The next posting will be all about those beautiful floral and garden artworks. The exhibit will open officially on 01 September and will grace the grounds through the month. We’ll enjoy summer a bit longer because these images will linger and bring us much joy as the seasons shift.

As always…Mireille & Æon

We are quite busy planning some outstanding events, some of which are just around the corner…and some further into the future. Let’s work backwards, shall we?

Hallowe’en is on the horizon! Those of you who are regular readers already know how much we enjoy the spooky season ahead – and that The Mad Masquerade is just about our favourite annual event at Ce Soir Arts. This year, it’s going to be even more special, as we are adding some outstanding events to the schedule. In addition to the usual line-up of excellent musicians at the masquerade itself, there will be an array of spooktacular readings of prose and poetry – more than in any other year. You can look forward to some Lovecraft, some Poe, some Byron, some Shakespeare…and more! There will be specially-themed readings at The Magic Tree, Witchwood Hollow, The Graveyard Dungeon, and other – as yet unnamed! – locations at Ce Soir Arts. A unique diorama and art exhibit will delight with mystery and madness…!

Check the schedule below for information about Tuesday’s readings at The Magic Tree – and Russell‘s weekly concert at Château Ce Soir. Hints about what’s to come as the seasons change are noted there…especially with that reading of Lovecraft stories by Caledonia Skytower! CHILLING!!

There is other good news including Xirana Oximoxi‘s beautiful exhibit at Dover Beach Theatre. Summer Gardens will bring us such beauty to enjoy – through September. More information coming soon, so do check back!

As summer drones on…very warm still in many places…we have a cool, refreshing spot for you to enjoy! The Magic Tree is a lovely garden spot beside cool waters…and we have several readings this week for your edification and delight! Check the schedule below…and come join us HERE!

This week at Ce Soir Arts – programmes on 14 and 16 August!

Things are hopping for us in the physical realm as August continues its steamy path. Wow! It has been a hot summer, but we’ve enjoyed it – even as we look forward to autumn! Since it’s pretty busy, here’s the schedule for the week ahead. Please come enjoy the place and these wonderful readings – and more! I promise more information soon! For now, here are a couple of LMs!              The Magic Tree        and        Château Ce Soir