There's a row brewing over live music at the SLCC this year. Slim Warrior appears to have been the first to speak out, when the release agreement for his performances was presented to her, and at least one other pair of performers (Kaoru and Jennie of The Deathline) are also objecting.

The issue here specifically is not actually the terms of the release agreement (which seem to be rather broader than is usual for a performance release), or who the rights are assigned to (Phreak Radio, in this instance), but a matter of timing. You see, the musicians have already agreed to perform, booked hotels, paid conference registration (albeit discounted) and booked and paid for flights. Now additional terms are being imposed on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, leaving the musicians out-of-pocket.

It's not every day that trouble follows you, or is it? I'm so punny sometimes.

For one night only, Kyle Costill, Darren Morze, Mike the Dude and Brian Sprenger (Trouble Everyday) will be performing in avatar form in Second Life from a studio in their native Philadelphia. Band members have toured with the likes of Perry Ferrell and The Killers! They'll be performing today, Friday, June 8th, at 6pm PDT (SL Time), at Phreak Isle.

I've heard some of their music and it's pretty good. It is described to be a mix of indie rock, punk, and pop. Phreak Radio will be providing the stream if you want to tune in remotely or can't get into Second Life. There will also be listening stations in Indigo and Olive. Be sure not to miss it!

This is the thirty-first in a series of mini-interviews with the residents of Second Life. For the most part, I'll try to leave the responses unedited, except where editing will grant greater clarity.

Peasan -- or, as I like to call her, 'Pea-san', the Japanese honorific -- always manages to keep me on my toes. She's witty, wise, beautiful, a hell of a dancer, and apparently missing her purse. Not a day goes by that she doesn't remind me of this. Peasan, sweetie, I hope this makes up for it. I don't know where your purse is, but maybe it will see this Snapshot and come running -- or whatever it is that purses do -- home. Oh, and by the way, P: This "How to Get Rich Blogging" book is rubbish. I want my money back.

Your SL name:
Peasan Kuu

How did you first come to SL?:
By mistake. I was trying to get back to RL and took the wrong exit.

How did you choose your name?:
A spur of the moment joke -- "Mind your P's and Q's". I've grown quite attached to it now and all the variations that people think up -- Peas-and-carrots, Pea-soup, Pea-brain, Pea-ness and so on. It's a laugh a minute. (NOTE: I REALLY wanted to say "Because 'Phu' was taken", but I didn't want to bring your august journal into disrepute.)

What's your favorite thing about SL?:
The opportunity to chat with wonderful people all around the world and the shoes. Well, mainly the shoes now I come to think about it. Yes -- the shoes. Forget the people.

What do you like least about SL?:
The name. It's a bit dorky. I think it should have a friendlier name like "Peasan's Place" or something. I also don't like the fact that you have to sleep with journalists just to get your picture in the papers.

Favorite hangout/store?:
Hanging out with the Phreak-radio guys on Phreak Isle and buying shoes at Shiny Things and Lassitude and Ennui. Favoursite SL related website?: http://www.secondlifeinsider.com . Honest.

Name one new feature you'd like to see added to SL:
Animated graphics.

Shout outs:
Akela Talamasca, the brightest star in the blogging firmament.

Every year around this time, Saint Lucia arrives to herald the Christmas season. This year, she made it all the way to Second Life.

The Lucia Celebration features traditional Swedish songs, with a woman, representing Saint Lucia, dressed in white robes, with a headdress of candles to simulate a halo. On December 13th, event goers were treated to a virtual Lucia, complete with entourage of singers, for 2 hours of traditional celebrations. Phreak Radio helped put this event on, where over 200 residents attended over the course of the evening, learning about travel to Sweden and listening to the lovely music.

I'd love to see more events like this: cultural rituals that many who are outside of the region may never get to experience. SL is global after all!

(Thanks, Tina!)