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Things to Do in VR: Halloween, Studio 54, and A Place to Meditate

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We skipped our September Things To Do column, since we were so busy being acquired by CINN Global and becoming a bigger company!

But now we are back, just in time for Halloween, and it’s a good thing, because VR is the best place to celebrate the ghouls’ night out. We understand that the New York Times published a nasty article about the Metaverse, but we didn’t read it. There are ways in which IRL just cannot compete with the virtual world, it’s worth exploring, and we don’t care what the Paper of Record or Matthew McConaughey say.

Parties of the Week:

Halloween Fright Night

Monday, October 31, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free.

This is in fact the fifth annual fright night — did you know that there even was a VR community five years ago? We had a great time at this haunted house/haunted world event in 2021, and this year looks to be even better. The event organizers promise a haunted mansion as well dozens of other haunted worlds, built by contributors across the VR world building community, staffed by numerous volunteers.

Motörhead in Concert at the Castle

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

There are concerts in this Daisy Shaw venue nearly every week, projected on a giant screen, mostly classic rock.

“There is a lot to see and do in the world,” Daisy writes, in addition to the concerts, “including a walk through beautiful crystal caves, a secret cave where a dragon hides, and a zip wire ride!”

And the following week, a Halloween surprise.

Studio 54: Barcelona!

Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

This is the official launch of Barcelona’s version of the legendary Studio 54 disco — or, rather, an incredible simulation thereof. An incredible simulation of an incredible simulation, you might say. World-builder Jake Upfront, whom we have featured many times in these pages, has a good record when it comes to recreating incredible simulations.

Jake tells us, “The same DJ that played in the original club throughout its life will be DJing live, as well as others that also did.”

So this is as close as you will get without a time machine. (Altspace Code: WQC398)

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Worlds of the Week

Jose Ferrer is a medical professional who has created a sort of expanded VR multi-universe, a truly incredible playground to explore, in which one world leads to another, which leads to another. Fly to the heavens and perch on the shoulder of a monumental Buddha, or relax in a soothing sonic bath, or descend to a cavern under the earth. His worlds are dedicated to meditation and spiritual equilibrium, but they are no less fun for their good intentions.

In recognition of his accomplishments and also his goals (plus a bit of laziness on our part, to be honest), we’re turning the rest of the column over to Jose to give us a guided tour through just a small fraction of his realm.

I’ve got into VR as an escape to my everyday work stress [Jose writes]. After making good friends, joining educational groups and learning how to create virtual experiences, it changed from being a hobby to being my main career focus. I hope to contribute to the positive side of this virtual reality, where people are kind to each other, helping them find a better version of themselves.

I believe that´s the way to change the real world.

Especially in the medical world, I see the current digital transformation as an opportunity to regain the humanity in the healthcare system.

Reflections JFW Hub

Welcome to the Jose Ferrer Worlds hub, a space for meetings and to showcase some of my favorite worlds. Enjoy some Champagne watching video clips or go on a world
tour using the portals around the trees.

You can also go for a swim around the islands and watch the reflection of the universe in the translucent water. (Altspace Code: ZYC913.)

Meditation Center 2022

This world is dedicated to meditation and well-being! It is a bilingual space, so some parts are in English and some in Spanish. We have different themes inside the spheres. In some of them you will have to push a button to start the audio clip.

To begin with, you will be taking a ride in our space shuttle and arriving at the central terrace where you´ll find indications to each of the spaces, like the Chakras circuit. Try the Chakras circuit for balancing yourself, you´ll go through a series of spheres, each one dedicated to a different chakra with its color and mantra.

In the hydrotherapy sphere, you can enjoy the cleansing power of water in this big bath.

In the grounding sphere, you’ll relax to calming music in a simple garden.

Now enjoy the ride and wait for our arrival, when the door will open for you. (Altspace Code: PSV565.)

MUSE | Sound Healing Temple

Welcome to the virtual home for the Temple of the Divine MUSE — a sanctuary of Light to help you regain balance and align with your higher path and purpose.

This sound healing temple is for gatherings, classes, events and sharing our QSET music soundscapes (Quantum Sonic Empowerment Transmissions) in the Metaverse. It is also a place for you to come when you need to go within and connect with your inner guidance and stillness.

Many other worlds and experiences will be added on to this, with access back and forth via the teleport network. Step in and explore! (Altspace Code: BHE535.)

Flowing River

Enjoy a boat night ride until you reach the pier and then explore this magical island. You might fall asleep before you arrive though!

(Altspace Code: KML057)

Cleopatra´s Party Boat

Enjoy this sensual music while trying to find her private quarters and intimate pool! Music composed by Nickolas Samuels. (Altspace Code: KKR759)

Oriental Trip – A Journey into Your Inner Buddha

I was inspired by a music video on YouTube of this song, which streams in this world.

The visitor has to follow the path to the central round space where they´ll find the teleport buttons to go into 3 different areas – the Buddha head, the Buddha flower and the hidden hammam. (Altspace Code: DJN974)

Sacred Lilith Room

Lilith is cited as having been “banished” from the Garden of Eden for not complying with and obeying Adam. She is mentioned in Biblical Hebrew in the Book of Isaiah, and in Late Antiquity in Mandaean mythology and Jewish mythology sources from 500 CE onward.

All the artwork on the walls were created by the AI MidJourney with descriptions of goddesses and Lilith. (Altspace Code: LXO814)

^^^

If you have an event or a world that you would like to feature, or you know someone we should be talking to, please please please contact us at submissions@chickadeeprince.com!

Chickadee Prince Books publishes books about AI and VR, such as Mark Laporta’s science fiction epics.

Audere Magazine regularly publishes articles about technology and VR. Read more here.

Cover image shows a young avatar meditating in a Jose Ferrer world. Design by Steven S. Drachman.

Kaede

Things to Do in VR — June Edition!

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It’s Pride Month, and Juneteenth is coming up, so in VR, we are celebrating that. If you think that’s “woke,” and it offends you, then we think you’re a mean bigot, and we’d prefer you spend your time in real life, and don’t taint our beautiful virtual worlds.

Without further ado:

A Diversity Weekend

Sounds Of Blackness : Meta Music Jam

Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

A musical event featuring “unplugged-style performances” that the organizers say are “designed to foster love, peace, and harmony.” We could use some of that! Featuring Nina Creese. Part of the Juneteenth Meta Fest.

Microsoft Pride: Pride has no borders

Friday, June 17, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

An “experimental” Microsoft event, which the corporation promises will allow participants to “learn about the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in a virtual world from activists, players and advocates from LGBTQIA+ communities at Microsoft, Team Xbox and organizations like the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) and OutRight Action International. Discover how we can bridge borders and bring about collective change for all.”

There is a lot of criticism these days about “woke” corporations promoting diversity and supporting their LGBTQ employees, but at Audere Magazine, we think it is good.

Concert of the Month

Kaede Higuchi, Live

June 25, 2022, check local times, VARK, admission charge

Kaede Higuchi’s mini-album was released in May, and the VTuber – an entertainer who performs behind a virtual avatar – is supporting the release through this live (kind of) virtual concert, in VARK’s beautiful concert hall, where everyone has a great seat. Kaede (pictured above), who is allegedly a second-year high school student living “in VR Kansai,” who is “tall and has a great style,” will be joined by Joe Rikiichi, another VTuber, who performs in clown makeup. This show is guaranteed to be tuneful and energetic (and pretty weird), you’ll lose touch with reality, and, as noted, you will have a great seat with an unobstructed view.

An Outer Space Rave!

Rave to Mars

Friday, June 17, 2022 from 5:59 PM to 10:00 PM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

A truly spectacular two-part experience from Jake Upfront (whom we mention frequently in this column), a dance party on a spaceship flying through the solar system, then a second dance party on Mars. Both environments are monumental and spectacular, and way more detailed than we have any right to expect. If this were a real dance club, it would be the most incredible experience of your life, which just shows you how the wonders of VR have spoiled us already. DJ’ing by Upfront and Janine Mayo.

High School Dance of the Month

VR Prom 2022 — Enchantment Under The Sea

Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM (EST), AltspaceVR, free

We mentioned this event once before, but now it’s really happening, and we are so stressed about what we’re going to wear! From our friends at VR Forward, this is just like a real prom (except that, unlike a real prom, it’s free to get in), a follow-up to their smash hit in 2021, but this one’s in a beautiful, all-new aquatic dance hall. Some lucky couple will be voted King and Queen, of course. It could be you!

And please don’t forget:

Another great Bratwurst Meets The World party is coming up week, and this time you will have a chance to “party with the pirates,” on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, and another great la madriguera terraza club event the following week, Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

See you soon in a better world than this one.

^^^

Chickadee Prince Books publishes books about AI and VR, such as Mark Laporta’s science fiction epics.

Audere Magazine regularly publishes articles about technology and VR. Read more here.

 

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The Best Things to Do this Weekend … in Virtual Reality

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When Covid closed down the world, the most interesting places to go were in VR; expansive vistas, imaginary landscapes, and not least-of-all, amazing nightlife, filled with people, dancing and laughing and socializing, sometimes falling in love, all with no fear of catching anything and dying.

If you have not ever been in VR, you have an amazing experience in store for you. It’s not like a video game that you watch on a screen. You feel as though you are really somewhere else, and when you take off your headset, you feel as though you have been away. It’s that immersive; it tricks the brain.

Nothing will ever be the same for you.

The world is open again now, for the moment anyway, but we still think that VR is more than worth visiting.

Here are a few of the best things going on this weekend in our adjacent world.

Event of the Week: Ecliptic Digital Rave

Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (EST), in AltspaceVR; free

For their “Keep on Techno Night,” organizers Owen Offset and Jake Upfront have designed a night of clubhopping among four VR hot spots, each of which is based on a legendary nightclub that is not currently open — but you may recognize them once you are inside.

Jake tells us to expect “five international Techno DJs/producers, playing the latest techno and hard techno … we will dance in four different realistic VR venues, all of which are optimized for Meta Quest 2,” although you can visit through any VR headset compatible with AltspaceVR. As with many VR experiences, you can also visit via your PC or Mac, though the true immersive experience requires a headset.

“Three of the clubs,” Jake says, “were in operation until they were closed for COVID a week ago. And the fourth had its last party in 1996. The three clubs do have some variations from the original clubs, so they are rather inspired on these clubs. It is after all VR, so you can make whatever your heart so desires. I just build and learn from the events we host regularly, what works in VR, what people like and what can be improved….”

The prior versions of Ecliptic were great nights out, and this weekend’s evening promises to be downright spectacular.

“It’s amazing,” Jake says, “what we can do with the XR2 chip.”

Live and local….At Matty Boy’s Mansion

Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM (EST), in AltspaceVR; free

An open-mic night at a beautiful duplex nightclub on the first two floors of a sky-high mansion. Perform if you want, and you could win a real trophy. (It will arrive in the mail.) Or just relax and watch, the performers are pretty good. Smoke a cigar, drink a martini, lounge in the pool, have a word with Matty, the proprietor, who’s a nice fellow. Be careful on the balcony … the view is beautiful, but you can fall off the balcony, into the bay, if you don’t watch your step.

Henry and Matt’s Late Night Barbecue

Friday, December 17, 9 pm (EST) in AltspaceVR; free

A laid-back party on a tiny, sandy islet beside a small dock, with a tiki bar and some nice tunes. Go and mingle, juggle some flaming torches. It’s a pleasant, cheerful place to hang out and drink a virtual beer.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Saturday, December 18, 9 pm (EST) in Venues; free

“Venues” is a VR multiplex, with numerous programs that play simultaneously on gigantic multi-story screens in beautiful, tiered theaters.

The lobby is a bustling social scene, and you will meet some of the most outgoing  folks in VR here. But be sure to mute or block the kids who run around without adult supervision; a benefit of VR is that you can block people who annoy you, and then you just never see them again.

Don’t you wish real life was like this?

The Los Angeles Times called the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker  “lively and resourceful … disarmingly poetic.”

This performance is simulcast from Pasadena on Venue’s huge screen, which promises to be a spectacle.

We haven’t seen it, but of course it will be good.

Multiverse Planetarium

Always open; admission free

The Multiverse Planetarium is a beautiful new science museum dedicated to the solar system and space flight. The space is filled with exhibits, games, toy rockets and viewing platforms from which you can observe all the planets up close.

Recently refurbished to add more great stuff, including a fun new maze, it’s often under-utilized, but it’s thorough, informative, lively and bound to catch on.

One hopes more museums will soon grace the virtual world.

Hugo

(2011, dir. Martin Scorsese); any time, in BigScreen; $4.99/person.

BigScreen was once a virtual movie theater lobby with virtual movie theaters — you would buy your ticket and go in and watch a movie in a virtual audience, a magical experience during the dark days of the pandemic.

Business logistics got in the way (VR’ers don’t like to show up on time), but one hopes a real “going out” theater experience will eventually return.

Still, today you can invite a bunch of friends to watch a 3D movie in your virtual home theater (in your mansion) or in a gigantic, old-style movie theater.

Some 3D movies just don’t hold up on BluRay and demand to be seen as originally intended. Hugo is a prime example, and BigScreen is the best place to see this terrific movie.

In these pages, Steven S. Drachman called Hugo, which is based on a graphic novel by Brian Selznick, “a really atypical Scorsese movie, a movie kids really loved when it came out (and which taught them something about the history of movies), as well as an incredible recreation of yesterday’s Paris.”

See it as soon as you can, and bring the kids.  

The Boom Boom Room

Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 9:15 PM to 11:30 PM (EST) in Altspace VR; free

A compelling recreation of a vintage Harlem blues club, with cigarette girls, fried chicken and stage performances by deceased Harlem blues legends.

Outside the club, you can wander the streets of Harlem. And remember: “The Boom Boom Room is not responsible for any raids or burglaries that might happen while you are on the premises.”

Preceded by a performance at THE FLYMAXX of a new episode of “Becoming The Moe-ettes.”

^^^

Audere Magazine writes regularly about VR and technology. See more here.