Tuesday night, I attended the Essence Fall Festival that was presented brilliantly by Eta Sigma Delta, Inc. and hosted by SnowAngel Frenzy. It was an incredible performance, a once in a second lifetime experience. There is much to say about the time, effort, and preparation that went into this show. It was a definite high quality production. There has not been many times for me where an experience in Second Life supersedes what is possible in First Life. This event though, accomplished that deed. No one will ever be able to attend a concert with Nicky Minaj and Aaliyah performing together with Beyoncѐ headlining. However, I am privileged to be one of the few who have.
Left: Finesse Goodman (my brother), Center: Lixena Lamourfou (me), and ReRe Sandalwood (my sister)…sitting in the concert’s VIP section…
Aaliyah opened the show and I was blown away by the costuming and dance moves that took me back to 1996. As she performed “Four Page Letter” my head bobbed in reminiscence of her talent and the loss. It was fitting that all the dance moves where exactly what you remembered about Aaliyah, the synchronistic choregraphy was highlighted in “If Your Girl Only Knew”. The nostalgia for me was just as heavy in the air as the smoke and lights that dazzled the audience who were transfixed by what was the R&B Princess.
Nicki Minaj then commanded the stage with ease as she came out to a “Hello, Good Morning” freestyle. The acoustics in this song fit the theatre perfectly and from way up in my comfy VIP seat I could her Nicki so clearly, it was like she was sitting right next to me chilling spitting in my ear. Her presence onstage was electric and empowering as her message of she-power, got real with “Beez In Da Trap”. Energy surged through the crowd as the sisters of Eta Sigma Delta jammed together with Nicki. The girl did not disappoint in bringing her street bravado and venomous
rapping to her hard hitting verses.
Beyoncѐ graced the stage with her regal demeanor as she showed out and Mrs. Knowles-Carter, came through. I was so busy singing to the songs and enjoying the show that I forgot which song came first and how many she did. What stood out to me though were “Bonnie and Clyde”and of course “Halo”. Halo is definitely her power ballad that is accented with her emotional vocals and tonight Beyoncѐ took it to church. I really loved the costuming selected for her as well…it was right on point, and I was transfixed in thinking, “…should I head out after the show to grab similar boots and hair?”
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In all, this show can stand as proof of why I love my Second Life; It had all the elements of sisterhood, celebration, empowerment and joy. It was a high profile event where everyone shared in the goal to work together to make the event enjoyable for all. In the future, if I spot any events promoted by the Eta Sigma Delta, Inc. sorority…more so if these events are open to the public, I will make note of it and try my best to attend yet another on of their incredible productions. In the words of Nicki Minaj. “One, two buckle my shoe. No one on the corner has swagger like I do.” Peace, love, SWAG to SnowAngel Frenzy and the ladies of Eta Sigma Delta!
Reececupz Marquis acted as the Eta Sigma Delta’s Security Guard….
“Why, this car is auto-matic. It’s system-matic. Its hyyyyydro-matic. Why, it’s greased lightning!” -Danny, Character from the “Grease” Movie
…And “Grease Lightning” it was…
Dancing on hot concrete in bobby socks, poodle skirts,leather and lace, Eta Sigma Delta members and pledges partied the SL night away in style! Though The Eta Sigma Delta Homecoming is actually a week long celebration, The SL Parade was fortunate enough to get a special TP into one of the most exclusive parties on the Grid! This exclusive and lively party took place on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 5 PM at SL’s Hillman University…
Phenomenal Woman and ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη
And exclusive and lively it was…filled with beautiful women and muscle cars, The Eta Sigma Delta Sorority did it BIG in honor of their week long Homecoming Event celebration. One of many parties the Eta Sigma Delta sorors will be hosting this whole week, the “Grease” themed Drag Race and Party encouraged all in attendance to emulate the spirit of the “Grease” movie. Heeding the “Grease” themed call, all guests were dressed in 50’s-oriented themed clothing…all of which was in keeping with the “Grease” movie; they danced not only to popular old school songs like the Bee Gees, but also flipped the script a bit with a little bit of 2Pac and OutKast. With the strong, positive and alluring presence of DJ B Smooth (also known as Bryson Capalini), the Eta Sigma Delta Sorority’s “Grease” themed party and drag race proved…beyond a shadow of a doubt… that Grease was definitely the word!
DJ B Smooth did the damn thang yall…
Besides kicking the Homecoming celebration off with DJ B Smooth, this Grease-themed Drag Race and party also featured a raffle. The raffle, which was described on an inworld note card as being, “…a kind of lottery game…there are tickets sold (lottery entries with equal winning chances). With each ticket you buy, you get one entry in the raffle. When all tickets are sold or the raffle ends, one ticket number is drawn which then will win the prize item…” With the Grand Prize being a 2106 Black Mercedes Benz, a prize generously donated by Billionaire Motors, there were many Homecoming party attendees vying for an opportunity to drive off in this lavish vehicle.
KariNoelle Baptist (right) with a fellow ETA Party Patron…
While The SL Parade was unable to locate John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, we were able to spot SnowAngel Frenzy, as well as KariNoelle Baptiste, ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη, Phenomenal Woman…just to name a few. Yet, those present came to not only dance the night away, but to demonstrate unity and overall togetherness in honor of sorority-based sisterhood. ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη, a fellow Eta Sigma Theta Soror, explains, ” I love being in Eta Sigma Delta…THIS MIGHT SOUND CLICHE,BUT THE FACT THAT ESD IS TRULY A SISTERHOOD [is what I like best about it]” She continues, “WHEN THEY SAY THEY ARE THERE FOR YOU, THEY MEAN IT….THEY TRULY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE
This husband and wife duo had several cars entered into the ETA Drag Race…
One of many ways the Eta Sigma Theta Sorority successfully incorporates the definition of family is by relying on “Grease” movie-related nostalgia to create a warmer environment for all patrons. ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη gushes, upon the mention of the Eta Sigma Theta Sorority’s “Grease” themed Drag Race party, “I LOVE THE MOVIE…SO WHEN WE ALL DECIDED ON THIS THEME, I WAS SO EXCITED!”
…taken by ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη, and featured on Facebook…
Besides relating her enthusiasm to The SL Parade, ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη had to also rely on the “all caps” writing method because the muscle cars that were brought out for the party were so loud! The revving of engines could be heard throughout the party; this revving, followed by a parade of cars peeling rubber and careening onto the drag strip, easily left all patrons in awe.
1957 Mustang…one of many vehicles featured at the Eta Sigma Delta Grease-Themed Drag Race…
Among the cars that participated in the Homecoming Drag Race: a 1957 Mustang and a White 1950 Cadillac named Lucille; two of many cars created by Billionaire Motors.
As the cars sped by, Phenomenal Diva (sharmaine.lauria), an Eta Sigma Delta pledge exclaimed, “Whee thank you!!! This is fun! I love LOVE events like this!” When asked what made her decide to pledge Eta Sigma Delta, Phenomenal Diva explains, “Well, I decided to pledge because I have been on SL for a while…I was–at one time–a Founder of a sorority, but that didn’t work out. However, I wanted to once again become a part of a sisterhood again…one that could help the sl / rl community…”
Intrigued by Phenomenal Diva’s response, The SL Parade asked her if she had ever pledged a sorority in real life. “Yeah, I did…but I was more focused on my studies .. I mean I know being a part of a sisterhood could have opened doors for me once a I graduated, but I tried to be as focused as possible on school work…”
KariNoelle Baptiste (far left), Nia St. James-Rufus (right, beside KariNoelle Baptiste, and another wonderful party patron…
In this sense, pledging Eta Sigma Delta has given Phenomenal Diva a chance to realize dream that could not be fulfilled while attending a real life college. She contends, “…I like this here…[because] it just gives me a chance to see what its like [to pledge]…I am a little nervous…I haven’t been a pledge since 2010…” As the cars continue to race by, Phenomenal explains that part of a pledge’s process to become a soror involves attending a plethora of Eta Sigma Delta gatherings. She continues: “…as of right now, this is just the beginning. Right now i see we are going to be showing our face much more as potentials….Getting to know the big sisters and letting them know about us ….its all about interaction at this point. I will know more as time go on…”
Once pledges like Phenomenal Diva cross over, they can expect to look forward to an atmosphere filled with solidarity and confidentiality. ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη explains, as the cars continued to speed by, “SOMETIMES YOU NEED SOME ONE TO CONFIDE IN OUT SIDE YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY…LIKE FOR INSTANCE, SNOWANGEL… I’M LOST IF I DON’T HAVE MY WEEKLY TALK WITH HER…
She continues: ” [There is] NO BACK STABBING…NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THE OTHER AND YOU CAN REALLY FEEL THE LOVE…WE TAKE VACATIONS TOGETHER….IT’S AWESOME…”
All vacations aside, The SL Parade and Eta Sigma Delta urge you to attend the ETA week long Homecoming Events in celebration of all things related to the “Grease” movie! KariNoelle Baptiste was nice enough to send The SL Parade an itinerary of the ETA’s Homecoming Events Schedule, and we, in turn published it for your viewing pleasure. To take a look at what kind of week long events will be happening from September 28 to October 3rd, please click on the following link: ETA 2015 Homecoming Schedule.
…taken by ℳrs UQQℵ ℳartiaη, as featured on her Facebook page…
Heyyy!!! Friends & Family, My Sorors & I will be kicking off our Homecoming Events towards the end of this month! Would love to see your lovely faces & partake in the events we have planned. Yes..I’m doing the most…don’t judge me, but below is the list of events and dates. I tried to provide you with as much info, at this time. Please feel free to contact me…Love yall and thank you for always supporting me near and afar…
Theme:The Movie Grease
September 28 (Monday) – Grease Lightening Drag Race Bring out the Chevy’s Thunderbirds and Vintage cars and let’s have some fun. Time: 6pmslt Dress: Appropriate to the attire worn in the movie ‘Grease’ or Drag Race related. Location: TBA
September 29 (Tuesday) – Essence Fall Festival Performers: Nicki Minaj, Aaliyah & Beyonce Time: 6pmslt Dress: Dressy, Casual to Business Casual Location: TBA Ticket Info: ON SALE NOW!!!
~by The SL Parade’s Own Lixena Lamourfou~
Aaliyah opened the show and I was blown away by the costuming and dance moves that took me back to 1996. As she performed “Four Page Letter” my head bobbed in reminiscence of her talent and the loss. It was fitting that all the dance moves where exactly what you remembered about Aaliyah, the synchronistic choregraphy was highlighted in “If Your Girl Only Knew”. The nostalgia for me was just as heavy in the air as the smoke and lights that dazzled the audience who were transfixed by what was the R&B Princess.
Nicki Minaj then commanded the stage with ease as she came out to a “Hello, Good Morning” freestyle. The acoustics in this song
fit the theatre perfectly and from way up in my comfy VIP seat I could her Nicki so clearly, it was like she was sitting right next to me chilling spitting in my ear. Her presence onstage was electric and empowering as her message of she-power, got real with “Beez In Da Trap”. Energy surged through the crowd as the sisters of Eta Sigma Delta jammed together with Nicki. The girl did not disappoint in bringing her street bravado and venomous
Beyoncѐ graced the stage with her regal demeanor as she showed out and Mrs. Knowles-Carter, came through. I was so busy singing to the songs and enjoying the show that I forgot which song came first and how many she did. What stood out to me though were “Bonnie and Clyde”and of course “Halo”. Halo is definitely her power ballad that is accented with her emotional vocals and tonight Beyoncѐ took it to church. I really loved the costuming selected for her as well…it was right on point, and I was transfixed in thinking, “…should I head out after the show to grab similar boots and hair?”
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