Austin's Angels

 

By Netera Landar

—” Originally printed in Second Life Newser.”

(This interview was scheduled before he sang at Christmas Dreams and the combined artist tribute.)

After nearly three months, Second Life and OpenSim singer Austin Moores is eager to return to the virtual stage. With his medical leave over, the multi-genre performer updated his calendar with new dates and was welcomed back to Rockin’ Robin on Sunday, Dec. 21.

“I have three shows for the end of the year,” said Austin as we spoke five days ago in his gorgeous teal venue. “Rockin’ Robin, Christmas Dreams, and then the New Year’s Eve Neil Diamond-Kenny Rogers tribute. I wanted to include Eva Fae, and Kenny has a number of duet songs,” he added when asked why he chose to combine two of his tributes.

Austin has already selected his song list and posted it for the Angels to gather trivia and pick dances.

Eva is Austin’s singing partner and the other half of Fusion of Two. He’s very grateful to be working with her and said she’s a joy to work with.

For his other shows, you’ll see him on stage with the Angels. Austin and the Angels have been performing on both Second Life and OpenSim grids for over seven years.

Asked how he felt about returning, he said, “Well, it’s like getting back on a horse. I’m going to take it slow, but it’s something I’ve been looking forward to.”

Austin’s current goal is to contact venues where he performed to inform them that he has resumed virtual performances. He has reached out to a few. He appreciates that Rockin’ Robin, Dillian’s, and Rockin’ Roost have kept him on their schedules in Second Life as well as Rockin’ Sands in the Wolf Territories grid.

“I’m very proud to have the same crew all these years. It’s really rare to keep the same people. My hat is off to the Angels for sticking with me through the grumpiness and the laughs. We’re just here doing our thing. A special thank you to Sandy for coordinating everything. She was the one who contacted everyone with updates. She builds the stages and coordinates what the Angels wear,” said Austin.

Austin misses the venue owners we lost due to passing: White Horse’s owner, Joy, and hostess Whisper, and those who are no longer online: Scarlet from Scarlet’s Opry and numerous other venues.

“My best to their families,” he said. “And a big thank you to everyone who has been in touch, wondering how I am, and waiting for me to hit the stage again. Thank you to all the folks who have participated in the tributes. Liam (Hoffen) for tribute lighting, honorary Angels for stepping in, you, Sandy, and Talia participate in backup, greet people, carry on conversations, and do the trivia.”

The next day, I invited Talia Sunsong and Sandy Hauster, my Angel sisters, to add their thoughts about Austin’s return.

“We missed Austin so much when he was gone; we didn’t get to play any pranks on him, like when we turned his furniture upside down and stuck it on his ceiling,” added Talia, on the night of the Rockin’ Robin performance.

“We’ve all (Angels, friends, fans, and family) missed Austin these past few months. I was afraid I’d need retraining to do my job after all this time off. This is the greatest job I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful to be working with this amazing group. Happy Holidays, everyone,” said Sandy.

 

And How Shall We Celebrate?

Sandy in cute PJs, with curlers in her hair and puppy in her arms. All photos by Talia Sunsong.

By Netera Landar

Planning SL birthday parties is never easy. That’s because there are so many possibilities when it comes to themes. So when Austin mentioned Sandy and ZDiva’s birthday was coming up, Talia and I came up with some ideas.

ZDiva dancing on the buffet table.

We discussed with Austin everything from a Roaring 20s party, to PJ party, Bad Hair to Over the Hill. I settled on PJ as it wasn’t something we’d done in the past and I thought it would be cute to check out creative PJ ideas. I bought balloons, a Diva cake and Talia contributed pictures of Sandy and Z that were posted on easels with particle roses. Austin added fireworks that spelled out Happy Birthday Sandy and ZDiva.

Austin in his PJs ready for a pillow fight.

We sent out notices and invited everyone to Austin’s venue. Even had a pillow fight. I wasn’t too sure how that worked, though. Some animations are easier to operate than others.

Talia in her kimono-style nightgown. She looked beautiful!

Liam and Nida in their onesies. Sandy is ready for a pillow fight.

I’m wearing my unicorn baby doll PJs and bunny slippers. Like Sandy, I had my hair in curlers. Alex is wearing his flannel PJ bottoms.

We were happy to see friends join us in celebrating Sandy and ZDiva’s birthdays.

Austin not only bought the party decorations he bought the fireworks with a special message, as well. Adding his special touch made the evening very special for our friends.

–See you around the grid!

By Netera Landar

Every tribute Austin hosts focusing on the  music of Neil Diamond is special. Austin selects the order of the songs he wishes to sing. Sandy creates a gorgeous stage, selects our beautiful gowns for the set, and then there’s a rehearsal.

The photos taken by Talia Sunsong, an Austin Angel, were from the Nov. 21, 2020 tribute at Dandy’s Place. We wore  Legendaire’s Sia gown. I chose my Truth Joy updo and a JUMO’s Baylor Necklace, which was a lovely group gift.

By Netera Landar

Blue is a color, an emotion, and it’s the foundation of our world. It expresses how we feel at “this moment of time.” It is soothing or vibrant or the canvas for other colors. It’s the jeans we grab on a lazy Sunday morning.

When we’re dancing for Austin and entertaining the crowd, it is a vibrant statement of what we love about fashion. It’s a scene stealer as it immediately grabs the attention of others.

Whether it’s teal or powder blue, it will be remembered long after we step down from the stage to say goodnight to Austin’s fans.