2008 is Winding Down--Oh What a Year!

Ridha performed before a packed SIM last night at Manga Beach and after a few streaming issues beyond anyone’s control he started rocking. People LOVED him. What they loved MOST of all were his original tunes. WOW. Screams and applause filled the air and the chat window. It’s hard to describe how I feel when I hear his originals because I know how hard he worked to make them happen. 2008 was a great year….2009 is gonna really rock—so hold on to your virtual hats ladies and gentleman! I echo what the crowd chanted in the chat window—We Love You RIDHA!

Premiere

Ridha introduced his new songs to the world in Second Life Friday, December 19th to a packed and appreciative SIM. People loved his music so much. He introduced four tunes which were composed and sung in Arabic, French, Italian and English. Words cannot express how amazing this night was. To see all his hard work pay off was very satisfying.

Check out his original work at www.myspace.com/ridhamusic . There you can sample the work and purchase them for you own collection. Go on, you know you want em!

Ridha's Record Release

RIDHA TAKES CENTER STAGE WITH NEW ALBUM

Italy December 19th

World Music performing artist Ridha Ibrahim announces the release of his latest album Amalgam Feelings. The international online community of Second Life will serve as the venue for the debut of Amalgam Feelings on December 19th at 1pm PST. Ridha will perform four of his new selections from Amalgam Feelings as a part of his release party gala. In keeping with his global theme each of his new songs were recorded and will be performed in a different language that listeners of all speaking nations can enjoy. Weanek is an Arabic selection, Because All I Need is You will be performed in English, Reviens Dans Ma Vie is a French tune and Un Mondo Migliore features the Italian language.

Nicolas Paine, EARS XXI Executive Producer calls Ridha’s Music “Sophisticated.” “I enjoy the mix of Arabic influences with big city club dance beat … I could see this being a hit on the dance floor,” said Paine.

Ridha is a Tunisian born solo artist that uses his diverse knowledge of music and many instruments as well as his understanding of Eastern and Western culture to create a unique form of music that he dubs “World Music.” He currently searches to assert himself in the world musical panorama as a complete artist using his art to bring more peace and love in this world.

Like the real world, Second Life is considered to be the perfect host for this eclectic artist for its venue that, like Ridha’s music, reaches across all borders.

To learn more about Ridha please contact suzanne@ridhamusic.com or visit his website at www.ridhamusic.com.

Stuffed!

Yes the dance floor was stuffed tighter than Uncle Ed after Thanksgiving feast. The hungry (for Ridha's music) crowd pushed to the front to be near their favorite Second Life performer. He didn't not disappoint. Hungry for the music only Ridha can perform, this Black Friday crowd bought all Ridha was selling then some. I enjoyed the holiday's with family and the stuffed bird but it paled in comparison to the energy on display this night. We are thankful for Ridha!

Gobble Gobble

In America we celebrate the holiday “Thanksgiving” which gathers family and friends around the table to remember what is important and be thankful for all the gifts in this world. Thanks to Lemania Indigo and her “Turkey Hunt” a group of us gathered around our virtual “table” a Ridha Cooljoke concert. As his voice rose to the virtual rafter and friends came together once again I was reminisce of Thanksgiving. (I am sure all the turkey’s decorating and running around the SIM helped this.) There are so many things to be thankful for in this world and in Second Life when Ridha is away working I think we understand how important he is to us. Not only does he give us his beautiful music but also he always has a kind word or greeting for everyone in attendance. As the air turns chilly and we get ready for the big holidays of December, take time to thank those of you who help make your life special and unique in this world.

Thank you Ridha, I think I can speak on behalf of all to tell you we love you and the gift you share with us everyday. We are thankful you have chosen the difficult path of music and shared it with us all.

P.S. Here is a pick of a turkey hurrying to the show!

Busy..Busy

Ridha has been working hard on his music but has found some time to get some Second Life concerts in. I am afraid that I have not kept up on the blog but tonight he had a great show in Second Life. Alas real life carried me away after the first song but all indications are the show was great. It's always sad when Ridha is busy and can't be in but it's far worse knowing he has a concert and you can't be part of it. :-( Rock on Ridha we all miss your music when you aren't around.

Catch a Rising Star

I wanted to pass on a “Ridha” update to all of you because I know he has not been around a lot. He is working very hard still on his music and very, very soon will be unveiling a selection of his original music which, I am happy to say will be available for purchase! Hang in there everyone because I promise the wait will be worth it. Ridha is a rising star and if we hang on tight we can all follow that star wherever it leads!

Happy Res Day Ridha!

Ridha celebrated his Res day (his Second Life birthday) in normal Ridha fashion: performing for his friends and reminding them how important they are to him. He played to a full SIM and I do mean full. We were so jammed pack the only hope to get in was if someone crashed and another person could sneak in. He performed in usual Ridha fashion taking his fans on a whirl wind trip through a menagerie of musical magic. It was a wonderful time and everyone in attendance will remember this day for a long time. It seems just yesterday that Ridha joined his Second Life family. How very blessed we are to have him with us!
P.S. Thanks Lemmy for opening up your home for this special day!

The County Fair

Ridha played at an old fashioned county fair this evening and the SIM was packed! What a great time as Ridha served up another musical cocktail mixing his wonderful musical elixir for all his fans. He even surprised everyone with a Ridha “original” and people loved it. I have been to a lot of county fairs and I must say I never heard an entertainer like Ridha at one of them—you gotta love Second Life, you gotta love Ridha!

Ridha Featured on PAHfest Website

Ridha performed Wednesday July 16th for PAHfest Motown, an international festival headed by Christopher Coppola of the famed Coppola film dynasty. Ridha is featured today on the PAH Nation vlog. Take a look!

Visit Site Here

We Went to a Garden Party

Ridha performed Saturday at Il Teatro Dei Passi Perduti to an enthusiastic and packed house. Avatars danced the hour and met each song with a wonderful energy. I love concerts like this because it was like a big Ridha “love-in.” Ridha’s message of peace and love seems to spread and everyone had such kind and wonderful regard for each other.

Ridha was brilliant as always. He had the crowd dancing early and never let them down. It was really a beautiful location for a beautiful entertainer. It was like a wonderful dream.

Music for Music

Sunday the world seemed just a little smaller as a Tunisian born man living in Italy reached his musical hands across the sea to help the organization “Bugles Across American” (BAA) raise funds to purchase more musical instruments. What a sparkling, magical evening. Fans and people who have never heard Ridha crowded in Lemania Indigo’s place. People from the organization BAA listened via a stream provided them. Allee, Lemania’s real life daughter was the inspiration for this fundraiser. Ridha dedicated the song “My Way” to her because of the strong young lady she is, never letting her blindness come in the way of what goals she is striving for. She commented to her Mom via Skype--HE ROCKS!.

When I attend concerts like this I forget all the hate in the world. I remember that really, most people are kind and care deeply about helping each other. I think if each of us carries this thought in our heart…we will all live in a happier world. An to the Tunisian who played such an amazing concert…you are the best! Keep your heart moving in the right direction….in case you haven’t noticed, your music already has made a difference in this world—and there is more to come.

JSP was Jumping

Ridha dazzled the crowd at JSP Island as a full house swooned to his song stylings. Nobody can put on a show like Ridha and he proved that once again. He had the crowd eating from the palm of his hand as he expertly moved from romantic music to disco time. Great show again!

PAHfest Motown meets Ridha

A few months ago I approached Ridha with the idea of doing a virtual concert for an event that Christopher Coppola (yes Francis Ford’s nephew and Nicolas Cage’s brother) was doing in Michigan. We decided bringing a virtual concert to a real world location as the entertainment was pretty darn cool and after talking to Christopher he agreed. That began what was a long journey that got us to the Wednesday’s concert in Detroit Life. The SIM was full of eager people from all over the world because rumor had it that Ridha had some original songs to share. The location in Michigan was also full as eager people awaited the start of the concert. Let me say this, no matter how much planning you do there are always technical glitches but we ironed them out and started a few minutes late. The Second Life crowd appreciated the concert and it was a treat to see them party.

Let me tell you a little about the real world side of things since most of you only experienced it in Second Life. As the eager concert goers waited, they dined on pizza and soft drinks. It was a mixed crowd; older people, younger people, black, white, techno geeks and virtual noobies. There was a buzz of anticipation in the air as everyone was enjoying their lunch with us. Then…Ridha sang. There was a hush over the room and all eyes moved toward the screen…then I heard a gasp as people began to understand just how amazing he is. WOW..I wish you could have all experienced it like I did. We had a blast. SisterPAH Twine is a real nun and she had a wonderful time meeting you all. I have included some pictures for you to enjoy.

Ridha, for those of us who are familiar with your work having the opportunity to hear your original pieces was a thrill. For me personally, knowing how hard you worked to make it happen made it an even bigger thrill. To share you with my real life was amazing. Someone phoned me today and said “Ridha is amazing and whatever we can do to advance his career I am on board.” Me too. You know what your friendship means to me. I am blessed to include you among my real life friends as well as my virtual ones. It has been a joy working with you and pushing you to compose those lovely songs rattling inside of your soul. We have just begun the journey.

Thank you so much for being part of this event. Thanks for everything Ri. You are a treasure.

Is OUR Star Out Tonight?

The Moon and the Sun shined no brighter than our beautiful star Ridha as he performed this evening in the Second Life sim of Donalbain. It was a lovely evening and it seemed once his star rose, he didn’t want to stop playing. Soo many highlights. A lot of lovely French songs, a disco mix and a blues set certainly were among the highlights. Great show! Great Ridha!

Alice Beach Party

Last night Ridha played in the SIM of Alice Beach and you needed a shoe horn to move on that dance floor. So many people enjoying the sweet sounds of Ridha. As always it so difficult to pick a highlight, just getting to hear him again was wonderful! ((Brushes the sand out from between my toes.))

Happy July 4th

Ridha celebrated with all his American friends at the Blue Passion Ballroom tonight for their July 4th holiday. He gave a wonderful performance this evening as he weaved the songs of the world for all to enjoy and dance to. As everyone danced in their red, white and blue best…Ridha made the night magical. Americans celebrate with party, firecrackers, parades and fun. Ridha sent us all the message of peace and love tonight…and isn’t that the universal message.

Happy Birthday Ridha

Tonight we celebrated with all of Ridha's wonderful Second Life friends his birthday and it was an amazingly great time. The world was full of love and good wishes. It was a beautiful night.

Go Ridha Go!!

Let me start this post with a confession. I am American and nope I don’t understand the rest of the world’s fascination with soccer…errr football. I do understand the world’s fascination with Ridha however (hopefully that will win me some brownie points.) Last night Ridha performed a wonderful concert in the Italian SIM of Horan. From what I gathered Italy beat France last night in socc…err football. Also Holland beat Romania. (If that’s not right send your hate mail to Ridha he hired an American afterall!) So, the football fans came out in their team’s colors and partied with Ridha. He kicked it up a notch and did a big disco set as fans waived their flags and had great fun. It’s very cool when we can mix our love of culture and our countries with the music. It’s like seeing the art Ridha paints with his music come alive before our eyes.

Whomever you are cheering for—GO YOUR TEAM! GO RIDHA!

P.S. Thanks to Lemania for snapping these great shots for us!

Beach Blanket Hiriam

It reminded me of the movie Beach Blanket Bingo today as Ridha performed to a group of avatars along the shores in Hiriam. The music was as HOT as the sand...Ridha's first song started and mixed into one after another until 1 1/2 hours later he finally stopped and caught his breath. WOW. He ended the night with beautiful ballads that had everyone cuddling their favorite avatar as they danced to the warm ocean breezes. What a lovely beach party it was.

Music in the Garden

Ridha played in the Second Life world of “Secret Garden” this evening and I can’t express the positive energy flowing from the place. Perhaps it was all the lovely nature that surrounded us. Maybe it was the warm reception the people gave as we entered the world. Maybe it was the wonderful fans that show after show come out to hear Ridha. Or maybe, it was just Ridha. I don’t know, but like a seed takes root in the ground and blossoms…so did this concert. People stayed after to talk, take some pictures with Ridha and maybe they just wanted to keep that positive energy growing. I am not sure the reason these extra special nights happen, but I always feel blessed to be part of them. I hope we can all take that wonderful energy with us and spread it around to others.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~Minnie Aumonier

Dancing the Night Away

Ridha played tonight at The Club ISN Virtual Worlds to a packed SIM. People crowded the dance floor with little room left for dancing but it didn’t matter. Everyone swayed to the lovely music. Ridha started slowly and then at the end rev’d it up with a disco number. There were a few crashes along the way for most of the crowd, but in true SL spirit everyone came back and found their places back on the dance floor. Great show Ridha!

Ri's Sweet Honey

No, I haven't gone mad or lost my way and thought I was posting in my fashion blog. I wanted to share something special with all of you. Yesterday, Lemania Indigo our dear dear friend in the group surprised Ridha with a dress that she was inspired to make after Ridha performed his "Honey" song on stage in Horan last evening. I think it is very special to inspire people through your art and another example of how Ridha touches people in ways even he doesn't know. How many times have you been to a Ridha concert after a bad day and after the two hours your spirits feel lifted?

So, I wanted to share with you the Ri's Sweet Honey Dress to remind Ridha that gifts come in many ways and in many packages. To many in SL and in RL you are a gift we treasure.

P.S. Honey Honey Honey tonight..buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

We're in Heaven

Ridha was center stage for the grand opening of Heaven’s Jazz Club in the world of Horan this evening to a packed house. In fact, it was so packed people were shut out. But that did not stop the eager fans as they found a grassy edge of the outskirts of the world that was still in range of the stream and listened there. All they had was one tree…a lot of grass but what they did have was the magic of Ridha. His voice lifted all tonight. The beginning of the night threw Ridha a SL curve ball but like Ridha says “Nothing stops the music.” He managed to find a workaround and once again perform beyond anyones expectations and belief. The venue was stunning but I kinda envy the folks on the grassy outskirts…because they listened to the magic of the night in the most simplistic way…and it was pure bliss.

An Evening of Splendor

It is always a treat when a talented performer gets to play at a venue that equals his splendor. The Island of Milano has a lovely recreation of the La Scala Opera House and Wednesday Ridha returned to the venue to perform to a packed theatre. The hour flew by but avatars could not resist standing up and dancing among the red upholstered seats. People stayed at the venue long after the last notes where played; I don’t think anyone wanted the evening to end.

Mixing Magic

Ridha can weave two or more styles, languages or feeling together in a song like nobody I have ever seen. That is how he came up with the nickname “Mix Master.” The man truly is a musical genius. We often marvel at his lovely voice and rightfully so. But when you understand the depth of knowledge he has a performer and more importantly a student of music, you really begin to understand the depth of this man’s talent. As an example, he takes a 100 year old Arabic song “Bakhta” and mixes it with a Pink Floyd song…and it not only works..it’s brilliant. How does he think of these things? Tonight was just another amazing demonstration of this man’s talent as he entertained before an appreciative crowd in Second Life. Wow. Wow says it all.

Wearing Blue for Peace

Peace and Love was the theme of tonight’s concert in Hiriam and to show their support fans came out in blue (the color of peace.) It was an amazing show as Ridha weaved songs like “Imagine”, “Wonderful World” and “Let It Be” into other great world and popular tunes. There is always a wonderful energy during these shows as people from different walks of life, different countries and different religions come together to celebrate through Ridha’s big gift of music. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if this was as easy to accomplish out in the non-cyber world. Peace and Love, Peace and Love.

23 Skidoo!

Ridha played at Manhattan’s Night Club in SL this evening and it was a lovely setting for the sweet sounds of Ridha. The club is a recreation of a 1920’s Jazz Club and was full of people in period costumes enjoying the sweet sounds that Ridha had to give. The music was as beautiful as the setting and the night. It was a great mix of music. Ridha weaved a wonderful tapestry of music with quite a lot of beautiful French songs highlighted. It was the “bees knees.”

EMERGENCY!

And we do mean on fire! Ridha played before a packed house in Roseland and played and played and played. 1 hour and 20 minutes the Mix Master weaved song after song before finally taking a break for a drink of water. It was one of the most amazing and higher energy performances I have ever seen. His avatar literally combusted from the energy...luckily Mr. Cooljoke was not harmed and finished the concert. However, there were reports of some fans standing in the first few rows being a little tanner from the experience. WOW! What a night! What a Ridha!

A Musical Cocktail in Horan

It was a "Musical Cocktail" by Ridha in Horan Wednesday evening as he quenched the thirst of his fans. Like a sip of intoxicating beverage, Ridha had us light headed as we listen to his sweet crooning. Ridha is 100 PROOF...of that we have no doubt. Keep us inebriated with your music Ridha, you are amazing!

Is He On Another Planet?

There was an old man,
That loved his brew,
He had so many ladies,
He didn't know what to do.

So he sang them all music,
And sent them to bed,
With visions of Ridha,
Dancing in their heads!

The afterglow parties are always so much fun. Hang around after the concert and see what surprises happen. In Hiriam, an old man suddenly appreared and played music as the lovely ladies danced until dawn.

P.S. Neffy made me do it...I swear!

Ridha is Out Of This World

They came from a different part of the universe to hear him sing. 5 aliens with the sole purpose of bringing Ridha back to their mother planet and kidnap him for the pleasure of their world.

OK I jest. But, a few ladies dared to become green skinned aliens and listen to their favorite singer perform to a packed house in Hiriam Sunday evening. It was an amazingly fun time. Ridha had fun with the aliens and managed to weave the “greenie” theme in wherever he could. He pleased his audience with many wonderful songs and left them wanting for more. As always, he was out of this world!

Melts!

According to the American Dairy Council:
Butter melts between 82.4°F and 96.8°F. To ensure that butter will melt and not burn, heat at low temperature and watch it closely.

Tonight, Ridha proved that he is better than any open flame when it comes to melting butter. His sweet tones caressed the ears of all at the Roseland Ballroom and much like a pat of butter…the entire room of guests melted at the gentle crooning of this amazing singer. He started off slow with some love songs from around the world..then picked it up with a disco mix in the middle, switched gears again and had all singing along to “Let It Be” and ended with a signature blue’s song. Wow.

We suggested you keep your butter away from the speakers when Ridha does his thing!

Tonight the Rains Came

It was like a cool rain on a warm summer day..one of those rain’s the plants need so badly and after it’s over everything seems so fresh and refreshed and alive. That is what tonight’s concert was. A refreshing rain.

After a long absence from Second Life (Ok, Ok it was only a few days but it SEEMED like a long time) Ridha came back and rocked Horan tonight to an appreciative crowd. He pulled out a surprising “Black Magic Woman” that he mixed with Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and it was a crowd pleaser. So many highlights it’s hard to pick one. Watching everyone sing “type” “Aisha” was surely fun. The combination of “Let It Be” and “Imagine” were beautiful too but I guess for me it was just having him back in Second Life singing. It has rained again and the freshness of the moment lives on in our memories.

Happy Mommy's Day

In the United States, today is the day we celebrate our Mom's. I thought perhaps it would be wonderful to share a little about the historical perspective of Mother's Day. May you or the women in your life have a special day and lets hope we show them the love and kindness they deserve every day of the year on not just today.

Mother's Day was loosely inspired by the British day and was imported by social activist Julia Ward Howe after the American Civil War. However, it was intended as a call to unite women against war. In 1870, she wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation as a call for peace and disarmament. Howe failed in her attempt to get formal recognition of a Mother's Day for Peace. Her idea was influenced by Ann Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker who, starting in 1858, had attempted to improve sanitation through what she called Mothers' Work Days. She organized women throughout the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, and in 1868 she began work to reconcile Union and Confederate neighbors.

May we find a love as great as a Mother's love every day of our lives.

Another Brick in His Wall

I have been remiss to write about Wednesday's concert...my first life has me hopping. I wanted to blog about the great show in Horan. The SHOW STOPPER as all have to agree that were there was the surprise Pink Floyd song "The Wall." Being a teacher I'm never too sure about singing along to those lyrics but Ridha made it irresistible. “Hey, teacher…leave those kids alone. All in all you're just another brick in the wall.” For those of us that hang after the shows, this brick wall has extra meaning…join us sometime!

P.S. TY oldie for snapping the shot, you truly are a jewel in the Sheik’s box of treasures.