What I did on my Summer Vacation

by Grundoon Oakifanoakie.

I just ordered James McMurtry's new record, Live In Europe. The new Thao Nguyen CD, Know Better Learn Faster, which I pre-ordered, is now on its way. I was the first on my block to own both Cow Bop records. Each of these artists would have passed me by if I didn't see them perform live at VideoRanch 3D. I'd have never known the power of Carolyn Wonderland or the intensity of Asobi Seksu. It's likely I'd have never enjoyed the virtuosity of Rebeca Mauleon or the masterful performance of Billy BobThornton and the Boxmasters. Even if I had I heard any of them on the radio there's a good chance they'd have escaped my notice. I find I connect with an artist better when I see them perform live. Most of my new favorite artists are people who I first saw at VideoRanch 3D.

For the past 15 years or so I've spent a fair amount of time in alternative universes. I've enjoyed cyber worlds and virtual communities. It's awfully fun to pretend you're in another world all together. Or vacationing on a multi-venue ranch-resort! While VR3D has an assortment of entertaining attractions, the most compelling one is the Live Concerts on the different stages. It's fun to pretend you're really in a large outdoor amphitheater, lounging in a cosmopolitan outdoor cafe, or hanging out behind a roadside diner. There are few things finer than the smell of a smoker while listening to a full rack of the blues!

Watching concerts live on TV is nice. You can relax and get a good view from the comfort of your favorite chair. Streaming concerts on the internet are fun too, for much of the same reason. But each lacks a critical component of attending a live concert: Community. One of the most enjoyable aspects to attending a concert is sharing the experience with other people. At VR3D, we share with our everyday pals, the Ranch Regulars, and on special concert days, we get to join with the artist's fans which enhances the experience further. The chat and banter is fun. We've developed techniques to offer the performers feedback as an audience. If you're going to enjoy a concert, you ought to be enjoying it with friends.

I've attended Video Ranch 3D concerts at home, at work, in motels and in person! I've had friends watch with me. I've encouraged anyone with similar interests in music and a PC to come visit. I explained to them about the variety of interesting performers to watch and hear, the stimulating environment you can explore, complete with pigs you can pet and cars you can drive, movies at the drive-in and dancing at the cafe, AND you can fly!. I've invited folks to come join our community, particularly when I knew an artist they like would be performing for us. I've let them know how tremendously fun it is! I'd recommend VR3D to EVERONE!



The End.